To protect the ocean, push for the establishment of community-led marine protected areas, and call for coastal communities’ rights and environmental equality

Bangkok, 1 June 2024 –  The Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior is sailing around Thailand for the whole month of June to highlight the threats facing the Thai oceans and to demand for ocean justice and climate action. The ship tour will spotlight the coastal communities who are gravely affected by these threats, and call for their right to environmental equality. With the help of civil society organisations and agencies, the goal is to establish community-led marine protected areas that will allow these communities to thrive while ensuring that the marine biodiversity remains safe and protected.

To begin the ship tour, Greenpeace Thailand organised the “Rainbow Warrior Ship Tour 2024: Ocean Justice” public event at the Museum Siam from June 1-2, with the aim of raising public awareness on the importance of Thailand’s ocean biodiversity and to highlight the activities that threaten them.

Nichanan Tanthanawit, Ocean Justice Project Leader, Greenpeace Southeast Asia said:

“Ocean Justice is one of the global campaigns of Greenpeace. It calls for the sustainable management of marine resources, alongside considerations for social, cultural, and community involvement. With the Rainbow Warrior coming to Thailand, we aim to emphasise the need to protect our oceans, and to support the coastal and island communities who struggle with their right to make decisions and determine the management of their own resources —  even though they are directly impacted by the various environmental threats of today.

We hope that as the Rainbow Warrior sails the Thai seas, we can promote community involvement, as well as collaborate with organisations to sustainably manage Thailand’s marine resources and safeguard our future.”

The event opened with a welcoming performance by a marching band with an Ocean Justice theme by Debsirin Samut Prakan School. There is also a six-metre banner painting activity called Ocean Peace. It is designed by artist Sahred Toy. The painting was symbolically coloured by the Rainbow Warrior ship captain to kickstart the campaign in Thailand.

Hettie Geenen, Captain of the Rainbow Warrior said:

“The Rainbow Warrior is a symbol for campaigning to protect the environment. We have a diverse crew from various nationalities with a shared dedication to campaigning for a better environment and society that embraces diversity. I have had the opportunity to campaign in this region multiple times, witnessing the beauty of nature and the welcoming people. 

“At the same time, I have encountered the challenges posed by environmental threats. As a ship captain, I stand in solidarity with diversity. I believe that combating environmental destruction and climate crises must go with reducing oppression and advocating for equal access to a safe world for everyone.”

The public event also featured a “Diversity is Nature” panel discussion focusing on the diversity of nature and the environment, an immersive exhibition by CDE BU (Creative Content Production and Digital Experience – Bangkok University)  which portrays the mystery of the ocean through light and sound, a photo exhibition from Greenpeace photographers around the world capturing ocean wonders, an exhibition of the  history of the Rainbow Warrior, and  an opportunity to talk with the Rainbow Warrior’s captain and crews on campaigning experience. The two-day event will conclude with a screening of an award-winning movie Solids by the Seashore. 

The Rainbow Warrior’s next stop is in Pathio District, Chumphon, from June 8-9, and in Chana District, Songkhla, from June 22-24 for a public event. Each stop will be a collaboration with local communities, civil society organisations, and various agencies to advocate for the establishment of community-led marine protected areas to protect the Thai seas and the rights of coastal communities.

Register to visit the Rainbow Warrior at www.greenpeace.or.th

#OceanJustice #RainbowWarriorTH2024 

Contact

Somrudee Panasudtha, Media Campaigner, Greenpeace Thailand

Tel. 081 929 5747 Email. [email protected]