Parks to be environmentally friendly

If declared "green national parks", they will adopt a range of measures to ensure that visitors there do something for the environment.

"For example, we will ask tourists to replace plastic bags with reusable cloth bags before entering these national parks," Upai Vayupat said yesterday as the head of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department.

He said the move is in line with the National Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan Thepsuthin's policy.

"We will report the progress to her next week," Upai said.

He added that a working panel had already been established to work on the plan.

"We will look into energyuse reduction, wastewater treatment, garbage separation, rehabilitation of degraded areas and effort to reduce air pollution too," Upai said.

He said his ministry would work closely with the Tourism and Sports Ministry in promoting the plan among foreign tourists.

Khao Yai National Park chief Narong Mahannop said he agreed with the "green national park" plan.

"Actually, we have already started some measures like collecting Bt100 security money from every visitor. When they show their garbage on the way out, they can get their money back," Narong said.

He said this measure was intended to reduce garbage at the Khao Yai National Park by half.

"Some animals died after eating decaying rubbish. We have to find a way to prevent such cases," he added.

He said advance bookings now show that all rooms in the Khao Yai National Park will be full till the end of the year.

"Any tourist planning a visit should look for accommodation in nearby areas," Narong said.