What’s it all about? Our team is self-funding their participation in the Rickshaw Run to promote awareness of, and raise funds for the protection of our beloved Sail Rock. The Rickshaw run is a grueling 3,500km pan-Indian adventure in a wholly unsuitable 7 horsepower glorified lawnmower. Hailed as one of the least sensible things to do with two weeks of your life, we simply couldn’t resist! What i
s Sail Rock and why is it so important? Sail Rock is a pinnacle in the Gulf of Thailand famous for its rich abundance of life. However, the world’s oceans, and the Gulf of Thailand in particular, are undergoing massive changes. Sea temperatures are constantly rising, water pollution is increasing, and uncontrolled development is reducing habitats for marine animals daily. At the current rate, it’s doubtful that coral reefs as we know them will survive for much longer. But all hope is not lost, some places are still thriving. Isolated spots, like Sail Rock, are still are safe havens for all the creatures we love. Protecting many of these “rocks” can create a highway of safe spots for all sorts of animals while they transition between the bigger protected areas. And, on the side, we’re protecting some of the greatest dive sites of the world. The big plan is to create a chain of small, locally managed protected areas (like Sail Rock), to connect two already existing big ones (Ang Thong Marine Park with Chumphon Marine Park). -> Saving the Oceans One Rock at a Time. How will the funds we raise help to protect Sail Rock? We need media attention, time, and money. A lot of the political stuff and science is already happening, but we lack the money to build and install mooring buoys for boats and divers, to print educational material for our local fishermen, and to fund a regular education program in the local schools. Our main focus for this fundraising activity is to get these mooring buoys installed as quickly and effectively as possible to protect these important sites from further damage. What else will happen to the funds? Well, we will also be giving £500.00 (25,000 thb) of the funds to another great cause, Cool Earth, a charity that works with indigenous villagers to help protect the rainforests. Aside from that, all proceeds will go towards the marine conservation project…oh, and a laptop so that we can keep up the fundraising efforts and communications in the lead-up to, and during, the rickshaw run itself. If you have a laptop that is in reasonable working condition but is no longer needed, please contact us, we would love to take it off your hands!
