Lifelong Learning Foundation (Thailand)

Eastern & Oriental Express 2010

2010-09-23T11:22:00.004+07:00

Eastern & Oriental Express (a top class luxury train for exclusive travelers ) selects Nature Resorts as its local partner in Trang - to arrange the award winning Dugong Tracking Tour for its program Legends of the Peninsula: Bangkok to Singapore 7 days - 6 nights which includes for the first time, an overnight stay in Trang.

Partner Organisation: Nature Resorts: Lonely Planet Reviews 2010

2010-09-23T11:16:00.005+07:00

LONELY PLANET, THAILAND, ISLANDS & BEACHES, JULY 2010, Pg 375 - 376

Haadyao Nature Resort

There are a few other choices in Haadyao, but this is the only resort worth considering. Set in the harbour and run by the Lifelong Learning Foundation, an ecological and educational NGO led by enthusiastic naturalists. This place offers a variety of environmental-focused tours in the Haadyao area.

Libong Nature Beach Resort

Once a sacred site for chow lair shaman, this property is owned and run by the Lifelong Learning Foundation and managed by resident international volunteers. Bunk in one of the dozen cottages set on a palm-shaded lawn that rolls to the best beach on the island. It runs excellent sea-kayaking tours of the mangroves and to the sea-grass mounds to spot dugongs.

Partner Organisation: Nature Resorts - Rough Guide Reviews 2009

2010-09-23T11:10:00.003+07:00

ROUGH GUIDE, THAILAND, OCT 2009, Chapter 8

TRANG HIGHLIGHTS Pg 768

Not-for-profit resorts, great tours and nice people, at Ban Chao Mai, on Ko Mook & Ko Libong

Haadyao Nature Resort pg 775

Is a well managed, non-profit resort, where your custom will go towards helping local people and the environment. The breezy, waterside restaurant serves up Western breakfasts, vegetarian food and excellent squid and other seafood dishes. Bicycles can be rented and snorkeling equipment, internet and Wi-Fi are available. The owners organize tours to the local islands, including highly recommended dugong-watching trips to Ko Libong and through the mangroves in the nearby caves of Tham Chao Mai.

Libong Nature Beach Resort pg 780

By far the best of the island’s resorts is Libong Nature Beach Resort which is run by the same charitable foundation that operates the Haadyao Nature Resort. Its neat, en-suite Bungalows all with wi-fi stretch back from a secluded part of the beach, a 10 minute walk south of Ban Lan Khao, and there’s another sheltered cove a further 5 minutes walks (or kayak) to the South. There’s a good restaurant attached too, where mountain bikes and snorkeling gear are available to rent.

As well as tours of local islands, Libong Nature Beach Resort runs award winning day long boat trips around Libong itself which are safe, insured and licensed with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and staffed by local sea gypsies who know the dugong well. As well as visiting a chao ley village, these give you the chance to kayak into the sanctuary to observe the rare birds and to snorkel at the sea grass beds – which they reckon an 80% chance of seeing a dugong.

Guided/ unguided treks into the National Park jungle behind the resort includes a three hour walk to a good view point on the south western end of the island.

Thai-British Wildlife Co-operation April 2010

2010-04-13T21:38:00.002+07:00

Lifelong Learning Foundation through its eco-resort Haadyao Nature Resort in cooperation with Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) Scotland

The Pink Dolphins of Trang: A Pilot Research Study (18th – 30th April 2010)

Extract from project brief:

‘…This expedition provides its volunteers with an exceptional opportunity to actively participate in the very first pilot study of Indopacific humpback (pink) dolphins (Sousachinensis) in Trang, southwest Thailand. The study was used to highlight the importance of the Chao Mai Marine Park for these coastally occurring delphinids, to gather baseline data on the species occurrence, its distribution, abundance, behaviour and ecology, and to raise awareness of the potential threats affecting them; considered fundamental for their future management and protection.’

‘The team was based in the tiny coastal village of Haad Yao, at the Haad Yao Nature Resort in Trang Province, on the Andaman Coast. Off the beaten track, this province of Thailand has much to offer in unspoilt natural beauty, as much of the region has been proclaimed by the government as National Parks and the growth of tourism has consequently been inhibited here to date. The Haad Yao Nature Resort is a small, family run eco resort, nestled on the edge of the Chao Mai estuary at the port of Haad Yao, and is ideally placed for access to the ocean for fieldwork. With easy admission to the marine park and its resident dugong colony, coastal dolphin populations and rare seabird habitats, this resort provides the perfect location and base for this project.’

(Pix above: Dr Kevin Robinson CRRU Director and Principle Investigator & Dr Anita Siaw LLF Project Manager)

Thai-Japanese Govt Project: Dugong Biological Survey (March 2010)

2010-04-13T21:32:00.004+07:00

In co-operation with the Haadyao Nature Resort, a team of dugong researchers made up of leading scientists and mammal researchers came on a monitoring and evaluation study for three weeks in March 2010. The purpose of the project was to record sounds made by the dugong with the aim to differentiate between the noises emanating from each individual mammal based on gender and seasonal factors eg: mating/ feeding seasons.

The Japanese team was led by Dr Kotaro Ichikawa from Kyoto University coordinating with Thailand’s top mammal researcher Ms Kanjana Adulyanukosol from the Phuket Marine Biological Center. The visit was a follow up to the Government funded project between the two countries which started in 2003.

(Pix right: Dr Anita, Ms Kanjana - opposite wearing white towel scarf Dr Kotaro)

Marketing efforts for local crafts

2010-04-13T21:28:00.002+07:00

Outcomes achieved by the Transrural project visit (Jan 2010): opening new marketing channels for the batik groups at the Haadyao Pier ferry interchange station (the group sold around 20 items on that day) and at the weekly local craft evening event at the five star beach resort Anantara. A study visit was also made by the Nature Batik Club to the Tok Mueng Batik group in Kantang with the purpose of learning/ sharing from each other and fostering goodwill. The aim of the visit was to strengthen comradeship between the island and mainland group for marketing support initiatives.

During the project visit, the BLK fish scale group ventured into neighbouring tourist destinations of Phi Phi and Ko Lanta and was able to attract many interested buyers and potential orders at the different outlets. They have plans to follow up with visits to interested parties in the near future.

The purpose of the activities during the project visit was to help the fish and batik groups establish and penetrate new marketing channels which they were otherwise afraid to venture on their own but that which would prove to provide abundant opportunities in the said area. They have been advised to take advantage of marketing channels provided by the government sectors (through member connections and support) and the tourism industry.

(Bottom pix: End left LLF Founder Prof Dr Laurence and Executive Director of Transrural Trust Mr Trevor Lucey with project team and batik group)

Batik craft group wins Thai Princess Award! April 2010

2010-04-13T21:26:00.001+07:00

Dr Anita Siaw visits the Tok Mueng Batik Group (one of the two craft groups being assisted in the Thai-British Project) to congratulate them on their accomplishments. Here she is with the founders of the group the dynamic husband and wife team Ms Suporn and Policeman Sakchai Promchit.

The Tok Mueng Batik Group has been selected from all craft groups in Trang province to receive the prestigious award from the Royal Crown Princess in recognition of their contribution in preserving Thai Culture through Batik Art. The ceremony took place on 4 April 2010 and was attended by the Chairwoman (Ms Suporn). The Tok Mueng Batik Group gave thanks to organisations that have helped them. Giving special mention to the support of Transrural Trust in England for funding their materials, design and creative process; and that they have achieved the current success as a result of the nurturing and encouragement by the Professors and the team at Lifelong Learning Foundation in Thailand.

Practical training at eco-resort for Swedish tourism students

2010-04-13T21:23:00.003+07:00

“We came here as volunteers for practical training. We have had four wonderful weeks (Feb 2010) at the Libong Nature Beach Resort It is with broken hearts that we now must say Goodbye! Thank you for this experience! We will never forget you!”

Emma Skyllberg & Linn Jonsson (Eighteen year old high school students) from Nature and Guide School in Alvadalen , Sweden

The girls were put in charge as Assistant resident managers at the Libong Nature Beach Resort during their stay. Their duties include, checking in and out guests; providing local information of the area and the available tours, taking care of tourists and their needs and special requests; guiding them on the tours to various local attractions; coordinating with the Thai local staff in the management of the resort; working with them in cleaning the beach and taking food orders and servicing the guests at our seafood restaurant as well as keeping accurate accounts and billing of all income and expenditure in the small beach resort. In their free time, the girls also worked on community projects organised by the Lifelong Learning Foundation.

Swedish volunteer stays for three months!

2010-04-13T21:18:00.003+07:00

“Thank you for the wonderful three months!”
Simon (Swedish volunteer Dec 09-Feb 10)

Below is an extract from an article that was published in the Swedish newspaper (Ljnsdals-Posten) on 19th December 2009:

‘… Simon Hedin is 20 years old and comes from the small town of Jarvso. He, like any other young man wishes to see the world before he enters working life. Right now he is doing volunteer work somewhere west of Trang in Thailand…’

‘… The volunteers are working and living on the organizations different properties during the three months with shifting tasks. The first thing they will do the following morning is to clear up and burn behind the half finished bungalows. Simon’s project leader Kahlil and some local workers are sweating in the heat from the sun and the fires. For Simon, to be a part of the working group is something positive…’

“ … I want to live the life as they do it here, not just stand and watch but to be a part of it”, Simon says. The organization they are volunteering with is called the Lifelong Learning Foundation whose work is focused on education, the environment and ecological sustainable tourism. The resorts are eco-based and have a target to let the locals become more involved in tourism development in a nature friendly way. The organization is nonprofit and everyone who is involved and working here are more or less idealistic.

‘… Simon continues to sweep the land for grass, branches and coconuts. He has also hunted down a runaway goat and even worked out a proposition for the color scheme of the bungalows before the night fall…”

“… They said that I should come with an open mind when I applied for this position, the plans are changing by the day” says Simon. However it seems that the unstructured way of working is fitting Simon. He takes all the news with ease, he likes the people and their culture, and thinks that Ko Mook is a fitting island to start on. “ It’s a little bit like home in Jarvso, it seems like everyone knows everyone” he says as a finishing touch before we all go to bed in our individual tents under the stars in the Asian night sky.

New design for Batik scarf!

2010-04-13T21:01:00.009+07:00

The creation of this new design and product is a result of the tireless efforts of four elements. The Italian designer Giorgio Turino who volunteered his artistic abilities to the project; Dr Anita Siaw project manager of Lifelong Learning Foundation; the rural women with knowledge of this traditional craft skill (batik painting) and Transrural Trust who funded research and development in this Women’s Livelihood Restoration Project (a Thai-British Cooperation) which started in 2008. These sample products are now being test marketed in the UK and if proven to be popular, will result in developing a sustainable livelihood for women along the coast and islands as a means for poverty eradication.

During the New Year 2010, Giorgio Turino visited Haadyao and was amazed as to how his simple drawings could be converted into a piece of native art. He is very happy to know that he has contributed his skill for a good cause and he wishes the project every success! (pix: Rita, Giorgio, Elisabeth, Anita)

A Batik workshop on new design was also held in November 2010 to test and practice the skill of painting the lizards and butterfly on the silk cloth. Leaders from both craft groups (Tok Mueng Batik and Nature Batik Club) took part and the class fostered goodwill and cooperation amongst the participants.

Organisation and Production Training for Fish Scale Women's Group

2010-04-13T20:58:00.002+07:00

Held at their headquarters in Ban Laem Kruad, Krabi the small training session was attended by thirteen members and took place on Monday 26th October 2009. Participants felt that they had benefited from the workshop by gaining more knowledge in the craft making production process and that it was a learning experience for the purpose of improvement and making corrections to their previous commission so that they will become more professional and produce products of high quality to be test marketed locally and abroad.

(Pix: Dr Anita (Left in green)

Thai-Romanian Cooperation 2009

2009-05-15T19:17:00.003+07:00

Building a creative and artistic sustainable community

“Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose” Charles Eames

The Lifelong Learning Foundation (Thailand) has entered into a partnership agreement with the Ranovsky Foundation (Romania). The partners share a vision towards the development of a socially aware creative and artistic sustainable community around the world, with particular emphasis on its growth in Thailand and Romania. Our aim is to provide non-profit organizations all over the world with quality creative work not otherwise affordable. Designs are provided pro bono and subject to terms and conditions. Please email us if you are interested to use the services of our pool of designers.

Fish scale design workshop

2009-05-15T19:11:00.004+07:00

Fish scale jewellery design workshop

As part of the Thai-British Cooperation on women’s livelihood restoration, a fish scale workshop was held during the second week of May. Attended by over 25 enthusiastic beneficiaries, the women were trained in technical craft skills and jewellery design. The workshop was a success as the rural women learned new skills and were exposed to creative designs, artistic product labels and fancy practical packaging. The next step we are looking into is to organise advanced training in producing jewellery collections to enable the beneficiaries to be comfortable in producing these new products for sale to the respective target markets.

Solar cooking!

2009-05-15T19:01:00.005+07:00

Solar cooking – the most delicious chicken soup ever!

We had an interesting visit this month when American solar energy expert Bruce Stahlberg came over to stay with us. He taught our LLF team and local community leaders the art of making solar cookers by using everyday materials. He also demonstrated to the village how rain water could be distilled for drinking while hiking; how to test for bacteria in our water supply; how to cook rice in a bucket insulated with a blanket; and how to test the temperature to see if the food cooked by sun power was safe to eat or not. The lessons were very informative, enlightening and interesting and we enjoyed every minute of it. Highlights of the training were when we got to feast on solar powered BBQ eggs, solar powered chicken vegetable soup and whole wheat rice baked in a blanket! Bruce runs his own company back in the States and is very busy with contracts under the new Government’s green policies (Pix above: The Solar Team/ Bruce and Kahlil putting out the chicken vegetable soup for cooking in the sun! yummy!).

Mar 09 - Meet the Project Manager!

2009-03-10T20:38:00.014+07:00

Hi from Anita! : )

A gem in the forest - that’s how my Swedish project leader and Environment expert/consultant Tomas Gustafsson always refers to me to anyone we meet : ) - and each time we will both tell you the story of many moons ago way before we started working together, how Tomas had rented a motorbike and was exploring the coast of the marine park. He then came across a resort in the middle of nowhere and if I remember correctly I served him iced lemonade. He wanted to know about the area and so he started asking me some questions not really expecting much of an answer, assuming I didn’t really speak his language. A big shock for him when I replied in perfect English and a bigger surprise when I told him that having come back from England with a law degree, I was completing my doctorate thesis in Australia specializing in Sustainable Tourism Management.

This was the start of a great friendship back in 2002 (I did say it was many moons ago!). We kept in touch when he flew home and in 2003 he wrote to me about a training course being organised by SIDA and perhaps I may be interested to apply to be selected to join participants from all over the world to be trained in Local Environmental Management in Sweden.

I applied, was selected to represent Thailand, went to Sweden and everything changed for me. Soon after the tsunami disaster in 2004, SIDA funded a project in Trang and Tomas came to Haadyao and asked me if I would join his team of experts as their international coordinator. He gave me my first taste of what being in an international cooperation was all about and I was ‘hooked’! He gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and opened many doors for me in this path, to which today, I am still grateful. Our days were filled with hard work but also many funny moments. Tomas was brilliant, jolly and passionate about his work, all at the same time. The two years changed my life mission and vision and when the assignment ended I ‘took over’ the project management duties of the Lifelong Learning Foundation so as to continue follow-up activities in the tsunami affected areas.

Today, Tomas and I continue to keep in touch regularly. Both our families know each other very well. He wrote for me what Americans would refer to as a ‘smashing’ reference letter when the project ended.

While we’re on this topic of chance encounters that changes your life, I’ll like to share one more that happened a year after the Swedish project ended. I was on the overnight train to Bangkok and the carriage lights were not really working so it was quite dim. I had bought the newspaper (a rare occassion) before boarding just for something to read. It was here that I came across an ad looking for a country coordinator to work in a post-tsunami women’s livelihood project. I was excited but could not really make heads or tails of the whole notice because it was so dark. I’ll have to wait the next morning and see, I thought to myself. I wasn’t even able to sleep that night! Talk about being excited about projects : ) Have you ever felt the adrenalin rush? Well, I had that feeling that this was what I was looking for.

Hungry for more information about this great project, I couldn’t wait to send an enquiry. To make a long story short, I applied and after a ‘negotiation trip around the coastline and back :) a project cooperation began between Lifelong Learning Foundation (Thailand) and Transrural Trust (England). I’ve been on the assignment now for 8 months and am enjoying every minute of it. Perhaps in time, they may view me as a gem in the forest too? I’m keeping my fingers crossed : ) Each project activity brings its own set of challenges and working with the women beneficiaries and seeing them become more self reliant and empowered gives me a sense of fulfillment that makes me really feel that we’re making a difference.

I’ve come a long way from when Tomas first ‘discovered’ me many years ago and when last year I responded to an ad on a dimly lit overnight train. Both incidents have changed my life and serves as the driving force behind what I plan to do now and in the future. I am also greatly motivated and stimulated intellectually by my father Prof Laurence who is the founder of this Foundation. If you should come by Haadyao, we are very easy to find. Sitting at the cozy corner table sipping from mugs of chocolate milk you will see us both discussing and brainstorming about our plans and possibilities for the future.

President Barrack Obama also helped me to recognise that change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. For I am the one that I've been waiting for - and so although our Foundation is only 2 years old, I am committed to its development as project manager and will continue to work towards its growth to realize our mission and vision to benefit nature conservation and local welfare along the coasts and islands. I wrote this post to answer the question everyone is always asking me - what is someone like you doing here in the middle of nowhere? Perhaps now you will understand how I came about to do what I am doing!

P.S Many of our supporters/ volunteers/ potential partners are always trying to put a ‘face’ onto the person they are communicating with (that’s me! The project manager). So here I have attached a photo which I took yesterday (so its really the latest picture of me!) and some in action (incidentally I have already retired from all these activities, so please don't ask me to join you!). Oh, and this is a short film footage I did some time back. I think you'll need hi-speed internet to view it properly. Enjoy!

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Mar 09 - Italian designer draws for charity

2009-03-10T19:28:00.009+07:00

Italian designer draws for charity

We are at the stage of the Thai-British project in which we are working on improving methods and designs as prerequisites to wider craft training and marketing for the beneficiaries. So when well known Italian designer Giorgio Turino and his partner sculpter/ photographer/ language teacher Ganora Maurizia walked into the Haadyao Nature Resort as a guest, we immediately took this opportunity to invite them to join our project in creating new designs for batik.

It was a wonderful experience working with Turino with Rita acting as English translator. Turino is a two time first prize winner of the International Comics Contest and provides private tuition for young talented artists. Specializing in textiles and comic illustrations, he has been interested in art since he was eighteen. Both he and Rita live in Alexandria (one hour away from Milan) with their two cats Motter and Puppet. His designs are inspired by the nature of Libong Island. We have attached some (there's many more!) original designs for you to see. Aren't they lovely? When we showed them to the rural women’s batik groups, they were so excited and could not wait to start making pieces of batik cloth from these new prints. Turino and Rita are thrilled at their response and are looking forward to seeing their designs on local batik products in the near future.

On behalf of Lifelong Learning Foundation and Transrural Trust, I would like to thank both Turino and Rita for their contribution to our project. We wish them the best of luck as they continue on their travels and a safe journey back to Italy at the end of the month.

Feb 09 - Greenpeace, Scottish charity and Wildlife Friends visit

2009-03-08T19:32:00.010+07:00

Dolphins - magnificent creatures so near us!

We had a special visit this month by Dr Kevin Robinson (Director of Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, a Scottish charity), Mr Edwin J Wiek (Director of Wildlife Friends of Thailand), Mr Geert Drieman (Director of International & Legal Affairs Greenpeace Netherlands) and Mr Dinkie Hendrikse a man with a passion for wildlife.

The group came to survey Libong Island for dolphins and supported our Foundation by going on our wildlife safari tour. It was a beautiful day and the team was pleased to have been able to capture film footage of the dolphins playing in mid-air. We are hoping that we will be able to work on some cooperation project to protect the wildlife in this area. Dr Kevin recently emailed us some really nice shots of the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin “Sousa chinensis” that they saw off of Libong Island. We’ve attached it here so that you can enjoy them too. Aren’t they indeed magnificent creatures?

Feb 09 - Ministry of Education host workshop

2009-03-07T23:29:00.002+07:00

Ministry of Education host Workshop

On February 3rd 2009, the Ministry of Education played host to the Speech and Reading Clinic Workshop. Presentations were made by Dr Intira addressing the importance of English Language skills for the Thai people if they are to compete at the international level; students also testified on how the Foundation’s English courses have led to better jobs and increased their opportunities for them to win scholarships to study abroad. The workshop was opened by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education (2nd pix above) and attended by over 200 representatives from various Universities and Colleges in Thailand.

Feb 09 - LLF meets with former prime minister

2009-03-07T23:25:00.003+07:00

LLF meets with ex-premier

Co-founder and Honorary Secretary General of LLF Dr Intira met up with ex-premier Chuan Leekpai at his home in Trang to discuss/ advocate for the future of English Education reform in Thailand. Mr Chuan Leekpai is the current Government’s most senior and respected advisor. He has special interest in Education as he has held the position of Minister of Education prior to becoming Prime Minister of Thailand (twice).

Feb 09 - Village football & canoe competition

2009-03-07T23:09:00.005+07:00

LLF sponsors village football & canoe competition

Promoting team spirit and community involvement

Feb 09 - Classroom in nature

2009-03-07T23:06:00.003+07:00

Classroom in Nature

Lifelong Learning Foundation offers free English classes to interested village children so as to break down social and educational barriers in the small fishing communities.

Feb 09 - Local community involvement

2009-03-07T22:50:00.003+07:00

Local Community involvement

The Foundation works closely with Nature Resorts to develop tours and activities that benefit the local people and the environment. Information signs as the one below were developed to educate tourists.

How our Tours & Activities Benefit the Local People and the Environment (1) We only use local fishermen boats for our Tours & Transfers, unlike other resorts, our resort does not own a single tour boat (2) The fishermen gets 70% of the cost of the Tours YOU purchase (3) The Resort gets 15% by providing the necessary equipments (Lifejackets, Snorkeling gear, and meals on the boat for the guests, boatman & guide) (4) The other 15% goes to pay for the TAT (Tourism) insurance and the necessary taxes.

Benefiting the Local People (1) Income from the Tours & Transfers go directly to the fishermen and their families (2) Teaches the locals alternative means to making a living other than fishing (3) Exposes the locals to foreigners to better understand and appreciate them more (4) Teaching the locals to be more responsible and take extra care for guests safety, providing proper insurance, abiding by government laws and regulations etc.

Benefiting the Environment As the environment provides a means of income to the local fishermen, through tours and activities, they take a more active role in protecting their livelihood. Our Wildlife Safari Tours brings about an appreciation for nature, and why we should conserve it.

Jan 09 - LLF welcomes MP for the European Union

2009-03-07T22:20:00.004+07:00

LLF welcomes MP for the European Union

Attracted by the unspoiled and undeveloped marine coastline of Trang, Mr Anders Wijkman (Member of Parliament for the European Union) and his lovely wife Lady Catherine Bonde from Sweden made their way to this part of the Andaman coast to celebrate the New Year. The couple shared with the Foundation many ideas that they had about environmental conservation issues. They were extremely interested in helping the Foundation on a follow up project of the Thai-Swedish Cooperation. Both Mr Anders and Lady Catherine made a survey visit to Libong Island and Libong Nature Beach Resort – pilot sites that were selected by SIDA in the project.

The Lifelong Learning Foundation was delighted to play host to the couple as they had been recommended by our good friend – Mr Peter Hannerberg. Peter is a famous Swedish author and environmentalist. Due to his in-depth knowledge of Ecotourism issues and the surrounding nature, he has on many occasions escorted the Royal family of Sweden on their travels. Dr Anita worked with Mr Peter during the Thai-Swedish Project during his two year commitment with SIDA in assisting the province in developing an eco-friendly tourism concept. Peter is mostly traveling to exotic places around the world.

Jan 09 - Interpretation signs make it to Austria

2009-03-07T22:01:00.003+07:00

Interpretation signs make it to Austria

The Lifelong Learning Foundation has been working with Haadyao Nature Resort on interpretation signs at the resort. These are seen as an important ecotourism tool in bringing about awareness and providing information about the area to tourists. When there is better understanding of one’s surroundings (especially in a foreign country!), there is greater appreciation for the nature, natives and the local environment.

The founders and creative directors of an Austrian advertising agency came across the resort during their travels. They were on assignment in Asia and were captivated by these signs. They donned on their red suits and started posing. It was definitely an exciting experience for the people at the resort (most of all the villagers!).

Jan 09 - Empowering rural groups

2009-03-07T21:57:00.007+07:00

Empowering rural groups

Since the devastating tsunami in the year 2004, the Lifelong Learning Foundation have been working with tsunami affected women along the Andaman cost (please see our Post-tsunami project link for more information) to teach them a skill that would bring about extra income to support their families.

The Objective is to:

1. Apply local knowledge, traditions and skills to product crafts with characteristics specific to the locality.
2. The development of a sense of self-reliance in rural-crafters, based on initiative, creativity, productivity and decision making at the local level.
3. Providing new opportunities for work to those who were once excluded.
4. Empowering minority communities by breaking down social and educational barriers.

Nature Resorts (our partner organization) acts as a distribution channel for these products to bring awareness of Thai workmanship and skill to local Thais and foreign tourists visiting the destination. When tourists purchase these crafts, the money is considered a donation to the Foundation to support this on-going project. It goes towards the costs of training, buying art materials, and subsidizing volunteers who work with the villagers. The item you pick is seen as a souvenir and token of appreciation for your generosity.

We would like to thank all those people who have purchased these items at the resort (no matter how small!). One person can make a difference!

Jan 09 - Free bicycles for village children

2009-03-07T21:51:00.003+07:00

Free bicyles for village children

On Children’s Day (January 9th), the Lifelong Learning Foundation donated one dozen bicycles to the village community of Libong Island. This was done with the aim to encourage the use of more bicycles on the island as they are vehicles that do not produce exhaust fumes. The Foundation together with their partner organization Libong Nature Beach Resort began a Go Green campaign to encourage tourists to rent bicycles instead of motorbikes when choosing a mode of transport to explore the island. The money from the rental of the bikes is channeled to sponsor free bicycles for the village people and children.

To further promote the interest of tourist in cycling, LLF and Nature Resorts also worked together to develop a Sustainable Tour Program. Known as the Discover Libong Island DIY Tour by Mountain Bikes, the objective is to encourage tourists to follow the dirt roads and paved roads to discover an old Sea Gypsy village community of 4 villages with a population of over 6000 people. Find secret beaches and cycle along mountainous terrains while enjoying a spectacular view. Other highlights include the solar power plant, ancient shipyard, rubber processing station as well as wild monkeys, sea birds and crab plovers you will discover along the way.

Jan 09 - Foundation joins hands with luxury hotel chain

2009-03-07T21:48:00.004+07:00

Foundation joins hands with luxury hotel chain

The Lifelong Learning Foundation cooperated with the Anantara Sikao – a new luxury resort that recently opened last month along the marine park coastline. The objective was to educate their Diversion Centre (Tours and Activities Department) on how to go Dugong Tracking the Sustainable Way. The Management team of this hotel are committed to doing their part for nature and our Foundation is pleased to have played a role in helping this hotel chain take steps to protect our natural resources. More information on how we developed our tours can be read in the Sustainable Tours link.

Dec 08 - First and last tsunami commemoration

2009-03-07T21:33:00.003+07:00

First and Last Tsunami Commemoration

The earthquake and tsunami disaster of December 26th 2004 took over 280,000 lives and devastated coastal areas and communities around the Indian Ocean. The five most affected countries were Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand and India. In Thailand, the tsunami swept through the Andaman coastline and neighboring islands causing mass destruction. The impact hit top tourist beach destinations of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Trang and Satun.

In Trang province, there was loss to life, infliction of injuries, loss to belongings, fisheries and agriculture in many districts, especially the coast and islands. Despite this, Trang suffered the least loss compared to other beach destinations. With only 5 reported deaths (3 Thais and 2 Foreigners) and over 160 partially destroyed homes – as compared to thousands in neighbouring provinces. It is believed that the destruction against the coastline was not that great because Trang still maintains many of its natural ecology and forest. It was for this reason that Lifelong Learning Foundation began its cooperation with many international organizations working in the affected areas with the aim to safeguard our natural resources for the next generation.

Each year, the Andaman region will pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the disaster. The first and last anniversary was held at Haadyao Pier in the year 2005. It became the last event to be held in Trang because of the province’s decision that it was not in the best interest of the tourism industry to remind future tourists of the tragedy. The people’s sentiments along the coast and islands were strongly voiced and accepted by the Provincial Government. Today, if you should visit the coast and islands of Trang, the only sign that such a catastrophe had occurred in the area are evidenced by tsunami warning signs that point for escape to higher ground.

Dec 08 - Nature saves resort from tsunami

2009-03-07T21:19:00.003+07:00

How Libong Nature Beach Resort was saved from the Tsunami Destruction

(Written by Prof Dr Laurence who was on Libong Island the day of the disaster. This first hand personal account of the situation was released a few days after the catastrophe. It was written in response to questions by the media, govt, and used by relief workers/orgs working in the affected areas to better understand what happened from a local’s perspective)

At precisely 11.20 am on the fateful morning of Boxing Day 26th December 2004, a line of white foamy wave was seen from the horizon approaching the serene curved shoreline of Libong Nature Beach Resort. This “Paradise Found” Resort is tucked cozily amongst lush greenery facing a lagoon-like bay at the hilly western end of Libong Island.

Most of the guests were still asleep from the late Christmas Party last night. The early morning tremor at 8.30 am were not serious enough to be of concern to anybody. The handful who were up early were walking up and down the beachfront picking shells and looking at the unusual absence of seawater at the beach. Nobody suspected anything unnatural about this. Maybe it was an unusually low tide. Nothing to worry about. The natural lagoon pool at the left side of the Resort was also empty but the water will come back to fill it up.The natural rocky patches at the seafront were seen all over. For the first time since nobody knows when the beachfront finally reveal its rocky fossilized bottom which has always been mostly covered with crystal-clear water.

The handful of guests loitering along the exceptionally low water level shoreline did see the strange wave approaching. They kept watching the ever changing rolling foaming waves coming towards the shorefront. But no one suspected anything out of the ordinary would happen. The line of wave kept coming faster, higher, foaming and churning louder and louder like a fleet of droning aeroplanes. Then, right before their eyes, the roaring waves broke and collapsed amongst the platform of fossilized rocks along the resort’s front shoreline. It was as if a million foot soldiers came rushing in but tripped themselves on the network of undulating rock formation prepared by Nature left alone for decades – as if waiting for this day to come.

The breaking formation of the foaming churning water quickly turned into the likes of low-lying soldiers crawling on the bellies still aggressively moving towards the shoreline. By this time, people started to run up the resort higher ground but still looking at the frothing water coming in. The lonely resort longtail boat parked in front started to move as the oncoming giant ripples came rushing in. Within minutes, the boat went afloat and was rocked about. The boat driver rushed quickly to steady it but the bubbly water kept swelling and rocking the boat more violently. Knowing the danger under such a stormy situation, the boat driver quickly let go the longtail boat and ran inland for shelter. Sure enough, the stormy water rushed forward and tossed the boat onshore – crashing it against an old tree leaving it to hang tilted on the higher seafront ground to the right side of the Resort.

Fortunately, the crushing waves receded as quickly as they rushed in. But less forceful waves kept pounding the shore for about ten minutes bringing all sorts of debris with it and throwing these all over the shoreline. The withdrawing water retreated just as fiercely as it came – pulling away whatever was in its way. Then, as if by magic, there was complete silence from the sea. The beachfront returned to its normal water level but the sandy area many people sunbathe the day before was covered with broken tree branches, leaves, and garbage of all sorts was strewn all over. By midday, residents in the resort wondered what had happened. The good news was – nobody was drowned, no one was hurt. Nobody even screamed.

News of devastation on other places still did not reach the island that fateful morning. The Resort Resident Manager quickly ordered his staff to clean up the surrounding as a matter of routine duty. Many of the residents also helped to bag the unsightly debris around. Within a couple of hours, the beachfront looked acceptably clean. Nobody though much about the “sudden storm”. Then, news of “terrible wreckage” started to come in from local officials and over the radio and TV. There was general confusion and suggestions of possible evacuation began to get into everyone’s conversation. Villagers from far and near started to advise their friends and relatives working for the Resort to leave for the mainland.

The Sea Police are supposed to be sending large boats to evacuate the villagers to the mainland. Many villagers ran up the mountain behind the Resort for refuge and just as many gathered their valuables and waited at the south end pier for the Police Rescue boat. But most people from the four main villages in the Island remained in the homes still thinking what to do next. The following few days were filled with rumors and counter rumors but nobody, including Government Officials, would dare make assurances that there shall be no more “tidal waves” coming again. Anyway, no more dangerous killer waves came. The sea was back to normal. But life was not back to normal.

Continuous reports on the mass media around the world revealed the many destruction caused by this freak wave. The psychological impact on local villagers and tourists are negative and made people avoid being near the sea. Tourism for the time being, is zero. Life for the villagers in Libong Island should be back to normal but going out to sea again would never be the same again. The “ghost” of the Tsunami coming in will always be in the minds of those who saw the impending danger.

Dec 08 - Village clean up campaign

2009-03-07T20:57:00.003+07:00

Village clean up campaign

December is the height of the tourist season on the islands and it’s the time of the year when foreigners go on holiday to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. Libong Island is the largest island in Trang with a population of over 6000 villagers. More people means more garbage on the island and this is not a welcoming sight for anyone visiting the area or enjoying a village walk. The Lifelong Learning Foundation sponsored a village clean up campaign targeting children in particular. The movement was a follow up activity of the Thai-Swedish project on waste management on Libong Island.

Dec 08 - Promoting Organic Fruits & Vegetables

2009-03-07T20:31:00.003+07:00

Promoting Organic Fruits and Vegetables

The Lifelong Learning Foundation supports sustainable agriculture practices. In cooperation with the Nature Resorts we have our own in-house vegetable patch at the same time teaching the local community that it is possible to grow fruits and vegetables without the use of harmful chemicals. The resorts purchase their seafood direct from the fishermen and buys fruits and vegetables locally to support island farmers. We do not support dynamite fishing or illegal wildlife trading.

Nov 08 - Batik Painting Workshop

2009-03-07T20:21:00.003+07:00

Batik Painting Workshop

A Batik Painting Workshop was held on Libong Island, Trang during the 1st and 2nd of November as part of the project activity for the Thai-British Cooperation. The objective was to teach the rural women on the coast and islands the art of batik painting (a well known Southern Muslim Thai craft). More than twenty five women beneficiaries benefited from the teaching. The workshop attracted much curiosity from the island community and men and children soon took part at a later stage out of interest. The training session was attended by the Executive Director of Transrural Trust (England) as well as representatives from the Lifelong Learning Foundation (Thailand). Materials, accommodation, meals and cost of experts were co-funded by both organizations.

These workshops are not new and have been organised since the tsunami disaster of 2004. Sponsored from the start by the Lifelong Learning Foundation on a quarterly basis, batik experts have been invited from the mainland to train the rural people. Quality finished products are then sold to foreign tourists staying on the island. The income goes to the ‘artist’ thereby encouraging creativity, talent and lots of hard work. Teaching craft skills to the villagers was seen as a better method of bringing in revenue as compared to asking for outright donations from the domestic and international community. Making rural women self sufficient and self reliant not only leads to an improved lifestyle for their families but also financial independence in the long run.

Nov 08 - Libong Island's Reptiles & Amphibians

2009-03-07T16:20:00.004+07:00

Libong Island’s Reptiles & Amphibians

The Lifelong Learning Foundation in cooperation with Mr Andy Ryder carried out a survey surrounding Libong Nature Beach Resort to establish the types of reptiles and amphibians found at this location. Andy is a nature enthusiast and photographer from England and he carried out this survey during a five-day period while holidaying on the island. His full report is available upon request from LLF (with the Author’s permission of course!).

Having reviewed the various types of creatures found on the island, Andy ended his survey by asking the reader if they could identify this unknown species. We found it quite amusing and so included it here for you to see!

Unknown Species? Found only at Ko Libong and Hat Yao this extremely vocal specimen could be seen around human habitations or sleeping near the beach in the afternoon. This specimen exhibited strange behaviours but was good-natured.

Prof Dr Laurence (on-site supervisor of this research) pix above

Oct 08 - DVD on Sustainable Tourism in Trang

2009-03-07T16:18:00.003+07:00

DVD on Sustainable Tourism in Trang

As part of the Thai-Swedish Project activity, a video film was produced depicting the development of Trang as a sustainable destination. The DVD contains a presentation of Trang´s valuable tourism resources and the vision of sustainable tourism in the province. This was distributed to the international media and major travel agencies overseas. Dr Anita Siaw (project manager of LLF) contributed her time in writing the script, translating it into English and doing the voiceover taping for the English Language version of the film footage. Anyone interested can request a copy of the DVD by contacting us.

Sept 08 - Sustainable Code of Practice

2009-03-07T14:54:00.003+07:00

Sustainable Code of Practice

Libong Nature Beach Resort is one of the pilot sites for Sustainable Tourism in the Thai-Swedish Project. The resort adopts a good environmental management system and its income goes towards nature conservation and local welfare activities. The resort is located on Libong Island - the largest island in the Trang Sea and it is home to the near extinct dugongs, rare migratory birds and an interesting fishing community.

In cooperation with the Lifelong Learning Foundation, we have developed what is referred to as the Nature Resort’s Sustainable Code of Practice.

Some examples of this are:

1. Promoting the use of sea kayaks and bicycles as these are tours that do not use fossil fuels.
2. Encouraging the use of traditional longtail boats for tours. We also train our boatmen to take tourists dugong tracking and bird watching the sustainable way.
3. Lights used in the resort are energy efficient as it only uses 20% power of a regular light bulb.
4. Water saving push taps are used in public places.
5. Wastewater from the restaurant is used to water in-house plants and vegetables.
6. Glass bottles such as beer, soft drinks and water are sent to the mainland by longtail boat to be recycled.
7. The resort supports the local sea gypsy community by employing service staff from the village and promoting native handicrafts.
8. Another form of support for the local island economy is the resorts purchase of seafood and vegetables from the local fishermen and farmers.
9. The resort also has a sound tsunami preparation and action plan.

Nature Resort’s environmental efforts have been recognized worldwide. Its efforts have been featured in leading travel magazines and newspapers around the world. We would like to invite anyone interested to visit us and check us out!

For more information, please go to www.trangsea.com