I am a Masters of Science student in Environmental Conservation at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. My summer placement project will take place on Koh Yao Yai, Thailand with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). I will be working alongside the senior program officer and other field officers in evaluating the relationship between the local villages and an already implemented waste management-monitoring plan.
About two-thirds of the way through my stay at Koh Yao Yai (KYY) has seen me comfortably settled in island life, interacting and learning about current affairs and attitudes of the community. I was specifically observing what people would do with their waste – finding myself highly aware of my own waste generation – since that is the focus of my project. With just over 2500 people to figure out in the sub-district I’m staying in (also called Koh Yao Yai), I found myself wondering what I could do and how I could help make a difference in short time I’m here for.
As the end of June nears, I find myself startled that the end of my first month on Koh Yao Yai is already upon me. It’s been a whirlwind of events, a cycle of preparation and reports. Since my last post, I have reflected further about my position here and evaluating what I can do with the time and resources that are available.
… or in this case, it takes four to keep an island debris free.
Sàwàtdee-kâ! (Hello!)
My first ten days on Koh Yao Yai have been an interesting blend of hazy recuperation mixed with a flurry of activity. When I arrived at Klong Hia pier, I met the stationed field officer, Salisa, who has been invaluable in helping me adjust to not only living on an island but also in a new culture.
For my summer placement project I will be stationed on an island in Thailand. As part of the Phang Nga province, Koh Yao Yai (shortened to KYY) is located in the southern region of Thailand and only accessible through ferry. I was granted this opportunity through the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), specifically the Asia Regional Office (ARO) branch.
The Nelson Institute: Environmental Conservation Leadership Projects 