Marine Biologist Dives Into Hotel’s Sustainability Effort

Written By: Colin Hinshelwood/ CPA Media

Ms Tipwimon Rattanawongwan, a marine scientist from Kanchanaburi in Thailand, has joined Banyan Tree Krabi as Sustainability Coordinator.

Tipwimon, formerly a Marine Biologist at Four Seasons Koh Samui, brings a wealth of experience to the team, including a spell at Phuket Marine Biological Center and as a Foundation Coordinator at the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation Phuket.

Banyan Tree Krabi, which opened in 2020 with 72 pool suites and villas, continues to embrace and expand its commitment to sustainability, headed by Sustainability Manager Thepsuda Loyjiw, who oversees projects at both the Andaman beachfront hotel and its sister resort Banyan Tree Samui.

Banyan Tree Samui won international plaudits in 2020 when Thepsuda and her team successfully protected and nurtured the nests and eggs of a rare green turtle on the resort’s beach, resulting in the birth and survival of more than 200 hatchlings.

“Ms Tipwimon will be a valuable addition to our team as we work continuously to create a carbon-free footprint at each of our resorts,” said Thepsuda. “Among her targets will be a focus on resource conservation, recycling and upcycling, pollution reduction, waste elimination, and limiting energy consumption.”

The Banyan Tree Hotels group is renowned as a wellness brand with strong eco-friendly policies. Check out their latest initiative.

Among Banyan Tree Krabi’s industry-recognized awards is a “Green Hotel Award – Gold Certification,” presented by Thailand’s Department of Environmental Quality Promotion in recognition of the resort’s ongoing efforts to efficiently manage energy, waste and natural resources.

The 5-star property, located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach facing the uninhabited limestone islands of Than Bok Khorani Marine National Park, looks to follow in the gentle footprints of Banyan Tree Samui which in 2018 became the first hotel in Thailand to be awarded “Gold Certification” at a single-property level by Earthcheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism.

Banyan Tree Krabi’s recent sustainability initiatives include an Earth Day beach clean-up, and the introduction of Forest Bathing, a nature-based educational tour for guests, including children, to help raise awareness about environmental conservation and protecting local flora and fauna.