Project

Marine Discovery Centre

About the Project

 

The Marine Discovery Centre is the first of its kind in Thailand to be established by the private sector, specifically
Singha Estate Public Company Limited. The Centre serves as an educational hub for marine ecosystems and biodiversity, with a strong focus on raising awareness and fostering a conservation mindset.

The first Centre was established on Phi Phi Island, managed by Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort.
Currently, there are two locations: one on Phi Phi Island, Thailand, and another in the Maldives.

These Centres provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences, helping to deepen public understanding
of marine life and the importance of protecting our oceans.

กิจกรรม

 

รวมกิจกรรมอนุรักษ์ทะเลที่จัดขึ้นที่ศูนย์การเรียนรู้ทางทะเลทั้ง 2 แห่ง

ปลูกต้นพีพีหรือต้นแสมขาว

สามารถช่วยลดคาร์บอนไดออกไซด์ในอากาศ เป็นแหล่งที่อยู่อาศัย และอนุบาลสัตว์น้ำวัยอ่อน โดยได้รับการสนับสนุนพันธุ์ไม้จาก สำนักงานพัฒนาเศรษฐกิจจากฐานชีวภาพ (องค์กรมหาชน)

Explore Our Marine Discovery Centre Sites

 

Objectives

 
  • To raise awareness and foster a sense of responsibility
    marine conservation among the public—tourists, youth, staff, and nearby residents.
  • To serve as a model for future marine learning centres
    in other parts of Thailand and globally, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, which promotes the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.

Expected Benefits

 
  • Providing local communities with knowledge about the sea.
    This centre offers insights into marine ecosystems and species for local residents, teachers, and students. Activities include coral reef restoration, care for marine animals entangled in fishing gear, and clownfish breeding and release programs to enhance public understanding of the marine environment.

Learning Zones

Zone 1: Shark Room

This exhibit highlights the importance of harmony between humans and nature. Sharks—evolutionary survivors for over 300 million years—are featured as the “Majestic Kings of the Ocean.” The room includes educational displays on shark biology and ecology, and a marine animal nursery for injured sea creatures such as baby sharks caught in fishing nets. Rather than leaving them to die, the Centre purchases these animals from fisherman and provides care and rehabilitation before releasing them back into the wild.

Zone 2: Phi Phi Island

This exhibit offers information on Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, including maps of natural attractions, marine ecosystems, dive sites, and nearby islands like Bamboo Island, Poda Island, and Maya Bay. Visitors can also learn about natural trails, such as the Shell Cemetery and Railay Bay, as well as data on tourist visits, conservation projects, and ongoing marine restoration efforts under the initiative “Phi Phi is Changing.”

Zone 3: Clownfish Room

A dedicated space for Thailand’s native clownfish species, this room features educational boards on clownfish, venomous marine animals, coral biology, and reef conservation methods. Interactive games are available for children and visitors. The room also houses a lab for breeding and propagating clownfish, with coral planting and fish release activities organized regularly to support reef restoration and species conservation.

Zone 4: Auditorium

Used for presentations and training sessions related to marine ecosystems, this multi-purpose space also serves as a classroom for school groups participating in educational camps within the national park.

Location

 

Marine Discovery Centre at Phi Phi Island
Beachfront area of Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort

located within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi Province, Thailand.

Marine Learning Zones

Zone 1: Responsible Tourism

An outdoor exhibition area providing guidance on responsible marine tourism practices, important marine ecosystems, popular dive sites, and ongoing and past conservation and restoration efforts.

Zone 2: Coral Reefs

An educational space dedicated to the coral reef ecosystems found around Emboodhoo, featuring information on coral biology, reef biodiversity, and conservation techniques led by marine scientists.

Zone 3: Coral Propagation Lab

Designed as a hands-on laboratory for environmentally friendly coral propagation, supported by Ocean Quest Global. The zone hosts annual coral planting events and clownfish release programs to support reef recovery.

Zone 4: Nursery and Rearing Area

Located in the auditorium, this area is used to nurse coral fragments grown at the centre before replanting them into natural reefs. It also includes a nursery for native Maldivian clownfish, which are threatened by environmental changes. Visitors can learn about clownfish and other significant marine species.

Zone 5: Underwater Sculpture Dive Training Area

This area features sculptural installations of a hawksbill turtle and tuna—designed for beginner snorkelers and SCUBA divers to practice skills safely before exploring natural reefs. Coral planting activities also take place here

  • Hawksbill Turtle Sculpture: Placed in the shallow lagoon at a depth of around 2 metres, suitable for snorkeling and within a designated non-motorized water activity zone to ensure visitor safety.
  • Tuna Sculptures: As tuna are a national symbol of the Maldives, nine sculptures are installed at a depth of around 5 metres with safety buoys for divers.

Location

 

Marine Discovery Centre, CROSSROADS Maldives

The centre is located within the reef zone of the CROSSROADS Maldives development in the Republic of Maldives.

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