Mystery of the aircraft solved – Majcha Air Samui Artificial Reef

Mystery of the aircraft solved – Majcha Air Samui Artificial Reef

1 October 2013, Majcha Air Artificial Reef project is calling on other clubs/project leaders to join in creating an artificial reef in a effort of Co-operative Social Responsibility. The plan is to create the reef on the 18^th- 20^th of October. The hope is that this project it will inspire others to embark on similar projects to save and protect Koh Samui’ Natural resources.

The activity will take place at La Nathon (Koh Samui School) for raising donations for the project starting 18^th of October.

Goals of the Project:

1. To create an artificial reef to try and kick start reef activity in the surrounding area that has seen a decline in marine life and reefs.

2. Try to gauge community interest in projects such as these and to see if the Samui Community is still willing to work together or has splintered already.

3. To try to encourage co-operation between government and the public and demonstrate how they can work together.

4. To expand co-operation between the different government departments such as the Navy, Marine Department, Marine Life Department and Transport(Pier) Department and Fisherman in Koh Samui, Universities on Koh Samui as well as Hotels.

5. To use the scrapped airplane on Koh Samui to inspire people to do more to conserve nature.

Introduction:

In 2012 the three managers of Sahakorn Kansung(Community Leaders) went out around Koh Samui with a small fishing boat together with local fisherman. Struggling to catch one fish compared to the abundance they found years ago made them realize the shortages currently around the island. This means Koh Samui has to order in crab, fish, prawn, snails from other provinces and also means that the local fisheing culture has changed with less local fisherman going out . Seafood is the staple diet for many local residents and the cost of bringing it onto the island results in it being three times more expensive than on the mainland.

This coupled with the news about the Oilrigs and Greenpeace protests in the Gulf of Thailand, has resulted in more fisherman taking tourists out instead of fishing. Unfortunately there is no dedicated group focused on bringing marine life back to Koh Samui.

That is why this project is important as the first step to recover the underwater marine life and livelyhoods and food for Koh Samui and its residents.

Targets and Funds Sourcing:

The group is targeting the following sectors to try and source funding for the project:

Local Community Clubs

Businesses on Samui

Private Persons

Anyone that enjoys nature and is looking to help restart this on Samui

Anyone interested in donating money to the project can donate by:

Buy tickets to join Activity on the 18^th of October

Donating directly to the Baan Pla Koh Samui Fund.

Donating Food/Drinks for the activities on the 18^th of October or any offers for help to make the project a success.

Planned Activities:

1. Purchase the scrap plane to make the artificial reef

2. Sink Plan close to Koh Samui which will be the first of its kind in the gulf of Thailand

3. Source Boat to drop plan at target

4. People that donate or purchase tickets will be eligible to go on a Navy WarShip and fisherman boats to see the event.

5. Make a designated diving/snorkeling area around the artificial reef

Activities start on the 10^th of October until the 20^th of October

Schedule:

10-18 October: 17:00 to 22:00 – Campaign to inspire people to save nature and bring awareness to this project. Laan Nathon

18 October : 13:00 to 16:00 – Students will be invited to paint on the plane structure Laan Nathon

18 October: 17:00 to 23:00- Dinner and fundraising Laan Nathon

19 October: 09:09 to 12:00 – Transport Plane Carcass to Pier for cleaning and prepping it for the Ocean to ensure no pollutants or anything that can damage the ocean. Nathon Pier

19 October: 13:00 to 17:00 – Transfer Airplane Carcass to the transport ship

20 October: 07:00 to 08:00- Supporters prepare to board the boats to go to the drop site

20 October: 08:00 to 08:30 – Board the ships

20 October: 08:00 to 09:00- Travel to destination

20 October: 09:00 to 10:00- Ceremony and sink the plane to its final resting place

20 October: 11:00 to 12:00 Travel Back to Samui

Point of Contact:

Prof. Yan Yong Srifah 081 8940577

It is hoped that this project will inspire locals and local businesses to get involved in projects to recover Koh Samui reefs. This will create more marine life in Koh Samui and create a sustainable ecosystem. The plan is also to reduce overfishing in the area and to give permission to limited numbers of fisherman in the area to fish around the artificial reef. Furthermore will inspire divers and snorklers to visit the site and promote sustainable tourism in the area.

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