Technology and innovation to create digital platforms that are accessible and tailored to local needs

Krungthai Bank (KTB), a key partner in the "Koh Tao Better Together" crowdfunding campaign, developed an easy-to-use electronic donation platform integrated with the Thai tax system. The bank's innovation lab offered to create the e-donation platform. Through a QR code, Thai citizens were able to donate to the account "Raks Thai Foundation, UNDP and Krungthai Love Koh Tao" in a quick, transparent, and verifiable way. The platform allows Thai donors to automatically send their donation information to the Revenue Department for tax deduction. Moreover, UNDP designed another e-donation platform for international donors. 

KTB acted as the initial donor of the campaign, contributing 30% of the fundraising target. Furthermore, the bank committed to covering the remaining donations if the target was not met, which proved unnecessary thanks to the success of the e-donation platform.  

Additionally, KTB trained boat drivers on how to access the bank's existing digital financial services. These include Krungthai NEXT — an e-banking app with multiple functionalities for directly managing personal finances —, and Krungthai Connext — a free notification system via the LINE messaging app that provides real-time updates on financial transactions.  

The key enabling factor is the establishment of effective public-private partnerships to leverage the expertise of each stakeholder in addressing a common issue. By uniting BIOFIN's financial expertise, KTB's innovation, Raks Thai Foundation's experience in engaging local communities, and the government's role in overseeing financial services, it was possible to develop and disseminate an appropriate e-donation platform.  

Another relevant condition is effective communication strategies to increase public awareness of, and access to, the e-donation platform.  

It is imperative to promote multisector engagement in order to solve today's pressing issues. In a scenario that global and local challenges are multidisciplinary by nature — from financial constraints amid a global health crisis to biodiversity degradation associated with tourism —, working across silos enables to effectively and quickly address the many components of an issue, catalyze positive outcomes, and increase support to the solution.  

 Moreover, it is crucial to develop solutions that reflect recent advancements in innovation and digitalization. When well-designed, digital tools have the potential to exponentially increase the number of impacted individuals (i.e., surpassing the fundraising target) and simplify processes (i.e., connecting the e-donation platform with the tax system). Equal importance must be given to the training of locals on these digital tools, enabling just and equitable access.  

Data-driven and evidence-based design for effective crowdfunding strategies

UNDP Thailand conducted a socio-economic impact assessment of Covid-19 on Koh Tao's tourism sector. Using pre-pandemic data and information from locals, the study concluded that small tourist boat drivers are amongst the most affected and most vulnerable segment of the population due to the complete dependence on tourism. The study also found an estimated minimum living cost of USD 500 (THB 15,000) for individual households on Koh Tao and that 90% of them received almost no income since the beginning of the pandemic. The study served as the foundation for the campaign and enabled the estimation of a baseline, making sure that the solution addresses the most vulnerable groups and provides an income that can, at least, alleviate sustenance needs. The campaign was also designed with support from UNDP's Crowdfunding Academy, with expertise in this area.  

Enabling conditions include the availability of socioeconomic data prior to the event (in this case, the Covid-19 pandemic) or the ability to collect data from relevant stakeholders before designing the crowdfunding campaign. Another enabling condition is having the technical capacity or necessary support to translate existing data and studies into the design of a project/program. 

The importance of designing programs and projects based on data and well-conducted studies, ensuring that the project effectively meets the needs of participants. Beyond supporting the design of the crowdfunding campaign, the impact assessment of Covid-19 on Koh Tao revealed how, on the one hand, local livelihoods became vulnerable without tourism and, on the other hand, the pause in visitor activity allowed nature to recover. Therefore, the crowdfunding campaign — and the Covid-19 impact assessment — were the entry point for rethinking a more sustainable future for tourism on the island. These efforts led to the establishment of tourism fees as of April 2022, generating revenues to fund biodiversity conservation. 

Hybrid sailing catamaran integrating renewable energy for sustainable nautical tourism

The Mundo Marino ECO catamaran demonstrates how hybrid propulsion (sail + electric engines), combined with solar panels and hydrogenerators, can significantly reduce emissions in passenger transport and tourism activities. This building block showcases the integration of renewable technologies into a large-capacity (250 pax) vessel, allowing silent navigation, lower fuel dependency, and direct education of tourists on sustainability. It provides a replicable model for coastal operators seeking to align maritime tourism with decarbonisation and marine conservation goals.

 

  • Access to advanced hybrid propulsion technology (Torqeedo Deep Blue).
  • Regulatory frameworks encouraging low-emission vessels.
  • Collaboration with ports providing infrastructure for hybrid/electric operations.
  • Market demand for sustainable tourism experiences.

 

 

  • Hybrid systems require significant initial investment; financial incentives and partnerships are essential.
  • Crew training on renewable systems is critical for smooth operation and passenger engagement.
  • Public communication (e.g., Blue Flag certification, onboard environmental education) increases acceptance and replicability.
  • Maintenance of battery systems and renewable modules requires new skills not always present in traditional shipyards.

 

Catalyzing Additional Resources via Social Engagement and Champions: the Tamaraw Society

To support the crowdfunding campaign, the organization Philippine Parks and Biodiversity launched the Tamaraw Society initiative in July 2020. 

Philippine Parks and Biodiversity is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to conserving the country's biodiversity through multistakeholder partnerships, ranging from grassroot communities to the private sector. 

The Tamaraw Society consisted of a group of organizations and individuals, mostly from younger generations, who committed to running their own fundraising activities to support the crowdfunding campaign with at least USD 400 each (PHP 20,000 at the time). The 19 participants, referred to as champions, collectively raised USD 7,789 (PHP 389,450). They conducted activities such as online raffles of film cameras, online selling of secondhand clothes, auction of digital artworks, and merchandise sales such as tamaraw tote bags and shirts

A key enabling factor was the pre-existing expertise of the Philippine Parks and Biodiversity in running champion-based initiatives. The NGO had previously called for private sector and individual champions to support its programs as a creative financing method, which helped the implementation and success of the Tamaraw Society initiative. 

A key lesson learned is that creative financing solutions can complement broader strategies, such as crowdfunding, by actively engaging civil society around a shared cause.

Use of traditional and social media as marketing instruments to accelerate awareness rais-ing and resource mobilization

The crowdfunding campaign maintained a strong presence on traditional and social media. Daily posts were tailored to strengthen the business case for donations, highlighting key events such as a tamaraw killed by poachers, Tamaraw Month, and the death of the last captive-bred tamaraw, Kalibasib. By leveraging a mix of media platforms, the campaign reached both national and international audiences and engaged diverse age groups. 

Social media releases on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn were reposted and shared by BIOFIN Global and Philippines (including promoted posts), UNDP Philippines, and various accounts associated with the DENR. Moreover, a national Tamaraw Ambassadors program was launched on social media, engaging public figures to promote the campaign. These communication strategies effectively reached the general public within and beyond the Philippines.

Traditional media also supported the campaign, with coverage from reputable news networks like Stand for Truth and GMA Digital Specials. Press releases and media pick-ups generated an estimated media value of USD 70,000 (PHP 3.4 million) as of September 2020.

Lastly, a promotion email was sent to over 2,000 individuals through the BIOFIN global mailing, targeting a specialized audience of professionals and partners in the biodiversity sector.

 

A key enabling factor was the established presence and reputation of UNDP in the Philippines, along with its partnership with relevant actors such as the DENR. This contributed to the rapid promotion of the campaign across social media, quick engagement of public figures, and the public's trust in the initiative. The donation of USD 4,400 from Congresswomen Josephine Ramirez Sato to kick start the campaign, being the highest contribution, was also key to the solution. 

A key lesson learned is that an effective marketing campaign should leverage multiple media platforms and tailor its messages to engage diverse audiences. While the Tamaraw Ambassadors program likely helped reach younger audiences and heavy social media users, the campaign advertisements in printed media may have been more effective with older audiences. 

The main challenge in the marketing strategy was the inability to produce new on-site photos and videos, given travel restrictions and budget constraints for hiring specialized personnel. This was addressed by creatively using existing materials, such as video clips from the 2019 documentary film Suwag o Suko and photos from the 2018 Biodiversity Camp—an initiative from UNDP-BIOFIN and the TCP that gathered journalists and influencers in the natural habitat of tamaraws to raise awareness about the need to mobilize funds for their protection

Step 3 – Tactical Growth

Step 3 – Tactical Growth

The ROS – Recreation Opportunity Spectrum is a tool that classifies opportunities for tourism and recreation by measuring the degree of intervention across three attributes: Biophysical, Sociocultural, and Management. Based on these indicators, it defines five Classes of Experiences: Pristine, Natural, Semi-natural, Ruralized, and Urbanized.

By combining the vocation of the area with these classes, managers can design a gradient of opportunities, ranging from sites with maximum naturalness, minimal human presence, and very low visitation (Pristine class), to areas with extensive infrastructure, altered landscapes, high accessibility, and strong human interaction (Urbanized class).

Using ROS allows planners to shape the Ecotourism Program by defining:

  1. Zoning
  2. Classes of Experiences
  3. Environments
  4. Activities
  5. Infrastructure
  6. Services
  7. Regulations

This tactical step translates the strategic vision into concrete management choices, ensuring that ecotourism development is diversified, coherent, and aligned with conservation priorities and visitor expectations.

Success of Step 3 depends on having reliable baseline data and a clear strategic vision to guide tactical decisions. Stakeholder participation is crucial to define appropriate classes of experiences and ensure acceptance of zoning and regulations. Technical knowledge of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS), combined with field assessments, helps adapt global standards to local contexts. Institutional support and long-term monitoring are also key to sustain implementation.

The key condition for Step 3 is understanding that the most important factor is the experience you want to provide. Zoning, infrastructure, activities, and services are all defined in relation to this. Success depends on engaging stakeholders to agree on desired experiences, applying the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) with reliable data, and ensuring institutional support and monitoring so that experiences remain authentic, feasible, and sustainable.

Cooperation for the conservation of marine protected areas.

Multisectoral cooperation is promoted for the conservation of marine protected areas, including actions to reduce marine pollution and unsustainable fishing, with a special focus on the Galapagos National Park and the Hermandad Marine Reserve. In 2025, TUNACONS reaffirmed its commitment to protect marine migratory routes and promote sustainable fishing in these key areas, also integrating academia and organizations such as Fundación Jocotoco in conservation actions. Awareness campaigns have been developed to broaden the connection and sense of belonging of diverse communities to these marine areas, transforming distant perceptions into an active commitment to their protection.

Define actions to reduce negative effects of marine pollution and cooperate with processes for sustainable fishing practices within MPAs.

Building processes in cooperation with local fisheries organizations requires time and expertise in fisheries.

Implementation of Codes of Good Practice

A visual and practical guide has been developed, with clear illustrations and little text, designed to facilitate the correct release of non-target species, reduce the risk of infractions, and promote the well-being of both crew members and marine fauna. This tool is constantly updated based on new learning and technical advances, ensuring that fleets have current and accessible information. Its operation is based on continuous training, technical support, and the integration of these practices into the daily routine of fishing operations, thus contributing to the conservation of marine ecosystems and compliance with international standards.

Design specialized codes that guide captains and crew of fishing fleets in adopting responsible and sustainable practices.

1) The support and experience of fishermen is important.

2) Implementation takes time

3) Always disseminate crew members' actions.

Multisectoral Collaboration

The purpose is to improve the efficiency and sustainability of fishing activities in the region. A memorandum of understanding with the Galapagos National Park implements the “Caring for Galapagos” initiative, which consists of three lines of action: recovery of EcoFADs, coastal and underwater cleanup activities, and fishery improvement projects. These lines of action are worked in coordination with artisanal fishermen to strengthen the sustainability of their activities. The company also works with Bureo (Net Positiva) in the collection of unused nets: the nets are recycled and, in exchange, an economic compensation is received that is destined for sustainable projects that include communities such as Manta and Posorja. Initiatives such as “Pescando Plásticos”, developed together with FENACOPEC, allow these funds to be channeled towards activities that combine marine conservation and local development.

Generating alliances between fishing organizations, governments, NGOs and industry to encourage participation and commitment to sustainable management.

Build credibility based on results to achieve effective technical cooperation.

Participatory Management, Training and Awareness

It is promoted with the aim of strengthening good practices on board and reducing negative impacts on non-target species. Since 2018, with the support of organizations such as WWF, workshops have been organized for captains and crew members - reaching more than 1,510 people - where key topics such as national regulations, IUU fishing, fishing sanctions, electronic monitoring, traceability, data collection on board, among others, are addressed. These spaces update technical knowledge and allow for direct dialogue with fishermen, fostering the co-creation of solutions. An outstanding example is the design and implementation of an excluder grid for the efficient return of mobulas caught incidentally, which has reduced release time and improved their survival.

Involve the participation and knowledge of vessel owners, fleet managers, captains and crew members in management and conservation strategies, sustainable practices, management of vulnerable species and information for science.

1) Implement appropriate language for training activities. 

2) Use practical materials 

3) Disseminate their actions on the water.