Collecting coral data
Simon Dowling
Governmental Approval
Some of our programs involve coral transplantation. In Thailand it is illegal to touch or damage coral, so we had to seek approval for some of our programs.
To receive approval from the government involves first submitted a proposal for a coral reef restoration zone. Including with this proposal are the techniques for transplantation, the people involved and their experience and qualifications, and a long term plan for monitoring and maintenance.
The DMCR has fully approved our restoration related activities and we conduct transplant research and provide them with that data.
- Coral restoration experience
- Long term plan
- Proposal to government
- Assessment and approval
This is a long process to get approved. Being able to show that our programs are successful and being assessed and approved took over 2 years of communication, submissions, and assessments.
To be able to obtain permission requires a group of committed volunteers that have relevant experience and are willing to participate in the program for a long term period of time.