Protests in Koh Samui over oil drilling show increased environmental awareness, but people also have a responsibility to use energy in a sustainable manner
The current dispute between residents of Koh Samui and oil exploration companies is an example that illustrates the importance of community engagement in industrial projects that may have a negative effect on the environment.
While the oil companies are trying to assure local people that their drilling projects in the Gulf of Thailand - close to the islands of Koh Samui and nearby Koh Tao and Koh Pha-ngan - are unlikely to cause such massive damage as the devastating BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, local concern is still understandable.
If the companies want to go ahead with their exploration plans, they must be able to address the concerns of local residents and provide certain guarantees before getting acceptance. If they do not or cannot do these things, their projects are likely to face more local resistance.
Oil exploration may be viewed in some quarters as crucial to securing future energy sources. However, a series of recent oil spills, including the Gulf of Mexico and in China, has raised new concern over the environment impact of carelessness by the operators.
Communication with local communities - the people who will be directly affected by any accident on offshore operations - must be established, and that communication must be direct and sincere. Any accident that causes damage to the environment would thus leave an even more negative impression of these companies in the minds of the public. Businesses can play a constructive role in developing local communities, but they need to be aware of local sentiment, especially in environmentally sensitive areas like the Gulf of Thailand, where livelihoods in fishing and tourism can be destroyed by negligence or incompetence in the oil industry.
Hearings are now planned regarding further exploration in the Gulf, and the result could go either way. Nonetheless, even in the event that the companies decide to suspend new exploration, the issue regarding current oil drilling is not resolved. In fact, it will require more than just protests from members of the public.
Energy is crucial to sustain the economy of Koh Samui. Many of the island's residents, and those on the neighbouring islands, earn their living through tourism. The demand for energy has been increasing every year. Therefore, the search for new energy sources is crucial. But while there is increasing concern over the impact that oil exploration can leave on the environment, everyone must play a part in using existing resources in a sustainable manner, in recycling, and in finding cleaner methods to generate power for future generations.
Energy companies can lead this process by spending on research and development into new potential green energy sources. Local communities must thus be encouraged to embrace solar or wind power or bio-fuels, the latter of which should help local farmers as well.
The public may protest, but people cannot deny their own responsibility in energy use. Koh Samui's residents and the public in general must be made aware of the massive waste they discharge every day from their booming businesses. An awareness of effective energy management and recycling must be instilled. Unfortunately, at present, even trash bins for recycled materials are not readily available for the public in many tourist destinations.
The news about the Koh Samui protest is a good sign regarding the community's increasing awareness of the environment. But the demonstration must not be limited only to protest and resistance; people must take the lead by showing a desire to promote energy conservation. Meanwhile, the oil companies must ensure close communication with these communities to ensure that no backlash happens in the future. After all, no one has to be perceived as a winner or loser. The companies can prosper along with the communities.