July 2016 GVI Phang Nga Monthly Achievement Report

Objectives:
To assist in local sea turtle conservation efforts
To improve and restore disturbed coastal habitats to a healthy state
To provide educational opportunities to adults and children
For the past 8 weeks a group of bright, enthusiastic and engaged students from Duke University
have participated in Phang Ngas Service Learning Program. Their stay has involved a wide variety of
coastal conservation and community project work ranging from turtle center maintenance and husbandry to teaching English to local adults and children in Ban Nam Khem to collecting data on various species in Khao Lak National Park and on the nearby island of Koh Ko Khao. The Duke students,
along with GVI staff and volunteers, also attended two special events: a sea turtle release at the Navy Turtle Conservation Center and a mangrove planting day with the Department of Marine and
Coastal Resources. Both of these events were in honor of the Kings 70th anniversary on the throne
and very special for GVI to be invited to. After weeks of industrious scrubbing of tanks, application of
antifungal medicine and collection of seaweed for juvenile Green Sea Turtles the Duke students have
helped increase the chance of survival for these beautiful marine creatures. It was a rewarding moment for all to witness the release of 69 turtles back into the ocean. Attending the mangrove event
provided another wonderful opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the local community to improve
the health of the marine ecosystem. The group planted mangrove seedlings, released juvenile sea
bass and did a rubbish clean among the magical setting of a lush coastal forest.
With their positive energy and hard-working attitude the Duke students have definitely made the
most of their time in Ban Nam Khem! After attending a Marine Litter Workshop created by GVI Staff,
the students asked to do more beach cleans and over the course of their time here have removed
over 70 bags of litter from coastal ecosystems. After receiving such kind hospitality from staff at our
accommodation site the students were eager to give back in the form of weekly English lessons and
have each taught 17 hours of English Lessons. They came to Thailand to do meaningful service work
and experience a rich new culture. They proactively got involved in working towards their own group
objectives, our hub goals and on a wider scale to the Sustainable Development Goals that we strive
towards. Goals that cannot be achieved without the contribution and commitment of passionate
groups such as this one. Sweat and smiles. Labor and laughter. The past eight weeks with Duke Engage has been a productive and inspirational experience that we hope to repeat next year!

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