The International School of Tourism, Suratthani Rajabhat University (IST SRU), reaffirms its commitment to academic service and sustainable local development by partnering with the Koh Phaluai Community-Based Ecotourism Enterprise. Together, they successfully hosted the "Squid Fest & Music Camp @Koh Paluai" on July 12, 2025, at Phaluai Beach, drawing significant interest from both Thai and international tourists.
The event was organized to promote the unique ecotourism and cultural assets of Koh Phaluai, known as Thailand's "Green Island" for its pioneering role in energy and environmental conservation. A key objective was to generate and distribute income to the community, fostering self-reliance and sustainability, in line with SRU's mission to work collaboratively with local stakeholders.
The festival featured a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where visitors could experience the charm of the local fishing lifestyle and the island's stunning natural beauty through a variety of activities:
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Community Market: A marketplace was set up for local residents to sell their handmade products and fresh seafood, generating direct income for their families.
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Art Auction: An auction of paintings featuring hornbills—a symbol of the island's rich biodiversity—and scenic landscapes of Koh Phaluai was held to raise awareness about the value of natural resources.
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Live Music: Local artists performed, creating a lively ambiance and showcasing the unique culture of the island.
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Environmental Conservation Activities: Campaigns and educational sessions were conducted to promote responsible tourism and waste management practices.
The project's success was not only measured by the positive experience of visitors but also by its tangible impact on the community. A portion of the event's proceeds was donated as scholarships for students at Ban Koh Phaluai School, supporting educational opportunities for the youth. Another portion was given to the Koh Phaluai Community-Based Ecotourism Enterprise to serve as a revolving fund for developing tourism potential and strengthening the local grassroots economy.
The International School of Tourism is dedicated to continuing such projects that bridge academic knowledge with community development, creating a model for sustainable and responsible tourism that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Report
The "Squid Fest & Music Camp @Koh Paluai" project reflects the commitment of the International School of Tourism to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across several dimensions:
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Promoting Community Economy and Reducing Inequality (SDG 1, SDG 8): The project created market channels and promoted employment through the community market, directly increasing income for locals, which contributes to poverty eradication and supports sustainable economic growth.
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Supporting Quality Education (SDG 4): Providing scholarships to students at Ban Koh Phaluai School creates access to quality and equitable education, which is fundamental to developing human resources in the area.
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Fostering Sustainable Communities (SDG 11): Supporting the local ecotourism enterprise strengthens the community's capacity to manage tourism sustainably while preserving its unique identity and cultural heritage.
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Encouraging Responsible Tourism (SDG 12): The event's focus on ecotourism promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns within the tourism sector, raising awareness among tourists to be more environmentally conscious.
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Conserving Marine and Terrestrial Resources (SDG 14, SDG 15): The event's activities helped instill a sense of stewardship for the island's ecosystems, including its marine life and terrestrial biodiversity, such as the hornbill, which is an indicator of a healthy forest.
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Building Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): This project is a clear example of a successful partnership between an academic institution (IST SRU) and a community-based organization to achieve shared development goals.
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Table
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SDG |
Goal |
Related Project Activities |
|
1 |
No Poverty |
Generating direct income for community members through the local market. |
|
4 |
Quality Education |
Donating scholarships to students at Ban Koh Phaluai School. |
|
8 |
Decent Work and Economic Growth |
Promoting community-based tourism, creating jobs, and stimulating the grassroots economy. |
|
11 |
Sustainable Cities and Communities |
Empowering the local community enterprise and preserving local culture. |
|
12 |
Responsible Consumption and Production |
Campaigning for and organizing ecotourism activities. |
|
14 |
Life Below Water |
Raising awareness of the value of the marine ecosystem around Koh Phaluai. |
|
15 |
Life on Land |
Promoting the conservation of wildlife (hornbills) and terrestrial biodiversity. |
|
17 |
Partnerships for the Goals |
The collaboration between Suratthani Rajabhat University and the Koh Phaluai community. |
