Ko Mak is dedicated to become a “Low Carbon Destination”, a tourist area that leaves a small carbon footprint. The initiative was put forward by a group of businessmen, mostly of whom are local to the area, to help make their home sustainable and preserve its natural allure. This is the concept behind many of the campaigns and projects to promote the environment and reduce the carbon footprint. For example:

Clean Energy: Many hotels and resorts have installed solar cells to generate electricity for walkways, swimming pools and water heaters throughout their properties.

Local Supplies: Many restaurants buy seafood from local fishermen, reducing the cost and energy that would be needed to transport these items from mainland Trat to the island. On top of this, customers are treated to a fresher seafood experience.

Organic Garden: Some resorts use portions of their compounds for organic gardening to grow fruits and vegetables to be used as ingredients for their customers.

Waste Management: There are campaigns for locals and visitors alike to separate their garbage. The establishment of the Energy Park also helps to facilitate the separation and recycling of household waste. Wet waste, or organic waste, can be fermented for household use as biogas.

These activities and projects demonstrate that the concept of the “Low Carbon Destination” is for more than just show, but is a genuine effort by the locals of Ko Mak to preserve the natural environment of the island. They have rallied together to work towards this goal.