Bang Kachao to get sustainable label

The national tourism policy committee has authorised the registration of Bang Kachao -- dubbed Bangkok's "Green Lung" -- in Samut Prakan as a designated area for sustainable tourism, says the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

Proposed by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) under the ministry, the newly designated area covers six tambon in Phra Pradaeng district including Songkanong, Bang Krasop, Bang Yo, Bang Namphueng, Bang Kachao and Bang Ko Bua, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Tuesday.

Bang Kachao, or Khung Bang Kachao, is a large green area spanning almost 12,000 rai that is home to farmland, forests and more than 13,000 families. The area is regarded as an urban oasis, absorbing up to 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year and releasing 6 million tonnes of oxygen each day.

Mr Phiphat said it is located near Bangkok and has an abundance of nature that draws the attention of domestic and foreign tourists each year. The area is also known as a "slow tourism" destination where people enjoy cycling around the area.

The announcement of this as a new designated area for sustainable tourism complies with the government's policy of promoting green development and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model, he said.

However, it could lead to problems including a reduction of green space due to an increase in property development, as well as wastewater and garbage management.

Dasta director Gp Cap Athikun Kongmee said the agency will work with local residents to develop tourism strategies for Bang Kachao following the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great's sufficiency economy philosophy.

Dasta will adopt global sustainable tourism criteria to find out the strengths and weaknesses of the area.