In a groundbreaking effort to help safeguard Khao Lak's stunning natural beaches, lessen the impact of rising sea levels and combat coastal erosion, Thailand's luxurious boutique resort, The Sarojin, is researching the viability of a new and innovative sustainability project. Using locally sourced oyster shells and by-products from the local fishing industry, research test sites were created in late November to assess the viability of a possible new natural offshore reef.  If successful,  it's hoped the scheme will improve the area's environmental resilience and enhance its marine ecosystem.

Khao Lak's beaches experience typical seasonal monsoon erosion due to their exposure to the Andaman Sea and, like many coastal regions, Khao Lak is at risk of shoreline retreat. Sea level rises also pose another threat, making coastal protection a key priority for the area. Current measures in place, such as sand-filled bags and concrete walls, reduce the beaches' aesthetic, impact local businesses and affect natural habitats.

The Sarojin's research project is a natural solution to coastal erosion that utilises indigenous oyster shells sourced from local fishermen. Net boxes filled with the cleaned shells have been deployed at various test sites along the coast, with locations identified through an extensive review of the shoreline. Sustainable engineering and consultancy firm Witteveen+Bos provided initial research advice. Over time, it's hoped that free-swimming oyster larvae will attach themselves to the boxed shells, gradually forming a thriving oyster basket reef that can then be more permanently installed offshore. In addition to serving as a natural barrier against erosion, the oysters are highly effective water filters and their presence is expected to significantly improve inshore water quality, further enhancing marine ecosystems.

Spearheading the initiative is The Sarojin owner Andrew Kemp, who added:

"We're truly passionate about sustainability and responsible tourism at The Sarojin and protecting the area's stunning coastline is something that is so vitally important to our local community and wildlife and has always been high on our agenda. We are already heavily involved in local mangrove planting projects along the coast and launched our One Booking One Tree initiative in 2022, which sees one tree planted for every guest at the resort, but we felt we could do more.

A similar oyster reef concept has already been researched and trialled in Singapore with promising results. If our trials in Thailand are also successful, we hope the resulting reef project will have a lasting positive impact on the environment. Our test sites should give us a clear indication of the efficiency and viability of the project within the coming nine to twelve months.”

Monitored test sites include nets fastened to the seafloor by The Sarojin's jetty as well as within the estuary that rivens the property. The sites will be monitored regularly through 2025 to assess the basket reef's growth and development. If successful there are plans for the project to be extended with additional sites added next year.

For more information about The Sarojin, please visit: www.sarojin.com

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About The Sarojin

The Sarojin is beautifully set on an 11km stretch of secluded white sand beach in Khao Lak, just a 55-minute drive north of Phuket Airport and is surrounded by five spectacular national parks and the world-famous dive sites of the Similan and Surin Islands. Designed in a contemporary Asian style, the five-star resort's 56 deluxe residences are nestled within ten acres of tropical grounds leading directly onto the beachfront. Each guest room features its own private garden and “sala” sundeck, couples' baths with waterfall showers, and plunge and relaxation pools that blend into the natural habitat. Other facilities include an attentive “Imagineer” who can create tailor-made experiences for hotel guests, an idyllic resort pool, a rejuvenating spa integrated with nature and complimentary use of a fully equipped fitness centre, mountain bikes, sailing catamarans, sailboats, sea kayaks and windsurfing boards. Tranquillity is guaranteed as no children under the age of 10 are permitted to stay at The Sarojin.

The Sarojin has been honoured by The MICHELIN Guide Thailand with two key status due to offering its guests 'an exceptional stay'. The Sarojin was also recognised for its fine dining offering by the highly regarded restaurant guide, which honours those that consistently provide diners with high-quality products, a 'mastery of flavour and cooking techniques and value for money, as well as demonstrating the chef's personality within the cuisine.

The Sarojin Community Care Fund

Established in December 2004 The Sarojin Community Care Fund, which was initially set up to help rebuild the communities surrounding our resort in the wake of the devastating 26 December tsunami, continues to contribute to several worthy local projects in Khao Lak. From providing medical provision for prosthetic limbs and supporting local orphanages with childcare to building school classrooms, roads and covering the cost of a full-time veterinary surgeon to care for the local wildlife, there's such a huge variety of ways The Sarojin's fund gives back to those closest to the resort. Guests are encouraged to donate to the fund during their stay, with 100% of the money raised distributed to local community projects and can join The Sarojin team on regular excursions and volunteer days in the local community, combining their luxurious escape with a sense of giving back and helping the local community during their time in Khao Lak.

For further information on The Sarojin, please visit: www.sarojin.com and The Sarojin 360 Tour

For media information and images, please contact Rebecca Pasha at Hume Whitehead on (0)203 375 4054 or email: Rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk.