Environmental art on Phuket: AQUA PLAYGROUND” exhibition promotes recycling!

Environmental art on Phuket: AQUA PLAYGROUND” exhibition promotes recycling!

The magic of Phuket is undeniable, but behind the dreamy backdrop lies a pressing challenge: the waste crisis. With an increase in waste generation, the popular holiday island is acutely confronted with an overload of landfills. Inadequate waste disposal not only leads to environmental problems, but also to health risks for the local population. How ABS CBN reports, tourism, as one of the most important sources of income, has already lost its attractiveness due to this crisis.

Against this background, a remarkable exhibition opens today in Phuket that deals with the topic of environmental protection. The “AQUA PLAYGROUND” exhibition will be held at The Society, Cheong Thale-Bang Tao from December 2, 2025 to January 31, 2026. This initiative, supported by Thaipr.net, aims to promote awareness of sustainable environmental design. This exhibition uses over 700 pieces made from recycled fishing net material to address the issue of marine pollution and present creative solutions.

Commitment to sustainability

The “AQUA PLAYGROUND” project not only has aesthetic value, but also has a clear environmental purpose: it reduces more than 1,500 kg of fishing net waste that disappears into our waters every year. The installation was designed in vibrant colors – blue, green and red – and uses 100% pure fishing net material. This creative approach shows how waste can be transformed into valuable works of art through recycling, while raising awareness of sustainable practices.

The local government has taken additional measures to combat the waste crisis in recent months. This includes increasing waste fees and promoting recycling. But how ThailandSun reported that there is resistance among the population against these price increases. Experts also warn that without effective short- and long-term strategies, the island's tourist attractiveness is at risk.

Steps into the future

To further improve waste management, Phuket is pursuing sustainable tourism that focuses on separating waste to reduce greenhouse gases and environmental impact. Governor Narong Woonciew talks about intensive discussions with public institutions and environmental authorities to develop a tailored strategy, particularly with regard to food waste management. A platform to collect data on excess waste is being planned to clarify the issue.

These measures are intended to achieve annual greenhouse gas emissions of a maximum of 440,000 tonnes by 2030, which would be significant progress compared to the predicted increasing values ​​for the coming years. In the past, Phuket's carbon dioxide emissions were already at 3.1 million tonnes and could rise to around 4.6 million tonnes in a worst-case scenario.

The challenges facing Phuket are great, but initiatives such as the AQUA PLAYGROUND exhibition represent important steps in the right direction. With creative thinking and a strong community, the island may soon be not only celebrated as a paradise vacation spot, but also recognized as a pioneer in sustainable development.