Dow Thailand Group has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability with its second annual "Save the Mangroves, Reduce Waste" campaign. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Thailand Mangrove Alliance and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, brought together government agencies, employees, and over 400 community volunteers to restore mangroves in Rayong Province.
The cleanup efforts, carried out across six events from June to November 2024, successfully removed over 2.2 tonnes of waste from mangrove areas in Prasae Estuary, Klaeng District, and the Kaoyod fishery group near Laem Charoen Beach. The collected waste, including plastics and recyclable materials, was processed for recycling or upcycling, creating valuable products and income streams for local communities. Non-recyclable waste was responsibly disposed of by municipal authorities.
Notably, residual waste collected during this year's campaign decreased by over 30% compared to 2023. According to Mr. Nattapong Jirawatthanavarakul, Director of Public and Community Affairs at Dow Thailand, this reduction reflects increased community awareness about waste management and the value of waste as a resource when properly sorted.
“Dow has continuously promoted waste separation at the source among youth and communities while integrating recyclable materials into a circular economy,” Mr. Nattapong explained. “This year’s campaign not only helped reduce waste but also highlighted the importance of preserving mangrove ecosystems as a natural defence against environmental threats and as a means to attract sustainable tourism revenue for local communities.”
Dow Thailand, as a co-founder of the Thailand Mangrove Alliance, remains committed to leveraging mangroves in the fight against climate change. Mangroves, capable of sequestering carbon more efficiently than terrestrial forests, play a crucial role in climate resilience. Since 2009, Dow’s employees, partners, and local communities in Rayong have worked together to conserve these vital ecosystems, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals to combat global warming, promote recycling, and support environmental, economic, and social progress.
The initiative underscores Dow's holistic approach to sustainability, integrating environmental restoration with community engagement and economic upliftment for long-term impact.
