News & Topics

Focus on Marine Plastic Pollution in the Southeast Asian Sea Region: The SATREPS Thai Project Covered by Various Media

October 23, 2019

Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable (SATREPS)

https://www.jst.go.jp/global/english/index.html

The media conference introduced a SATREPS program that was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 7, 2019．The program entitled “Formation of a Center of Excellence for Marine Plastic Pollution Studies in the Southeast Asian Seas” is led by Professor Atsuhiko Isobe, Center for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyusyu University.

  • Stakeholders of the project who attended the media conference.

  • Prof. Isobe addressed the media about the project.

    • This media conference amassed several journalists and stakeholders of the project including Vice President Kiat Ruxrungtham and Director Thavivongse Sriburi, both from Chulalongkorn University (a collaborative organization of this project); Sophon Thongdee, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Somchai Songprakob, Deputy Director of Pollution Control Department; and Kazuoth Takeuchi, Senior Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Thai Office.

  • Prof. Voranop Viyakarn, the research leader in Thailand, announced that the SATREPS project is organized in collaboration with JST and JICA.

  • Prof. Voranop Viyakarn, Chulalongkorn University, introduced the SATREPS project scheme.

    • The survey of the microplastics drifting on the beaches was undertaken by the media, indicating the high level of interests and expectations for tackling the issue of marine plastic in Japan and Thailand. The project aims to establish a survey and research base for marine plastic pollution in Thailand and to propose action plans to Thai government to contribute to reducing marine plastic wastes. From next spring, the project will begin researching on ways in which plastic wastes are released into the oceans, ways in which much of them accumulate, and the kind of prospected environmental impact it will have. Through an intensive future forecast on the basis of these findings, the action plans will be formulated.

  • Japanese members conduct an on-the-spot inspection on the vessel.

  • The vessel used for the on -the-spot inspection.

  • Prof. Isobe examined microplastics that drifted to the beach.

  • After closely inspecting the beach, pieces of microplastics were found.

    • The research base is expected to lay a foundation for facilitating scientific reasons to enhance and proceed with the action plans for sustainable waste reductions even after the term of the project. On the basis of our activities and implementation in Thailand, it aims at acting as a role model within the ASEAN region and contributing to reduction of the marine plastic wastes.

    【Japanese Media Pickups】

    JIJI Press(Japanese)
    https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2019100900645&g=soc
    NHK WORLD-JAPAN “Japan, Thailand to research ocean plastic waste” （English）
    https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191006_17/
    NHK NEWS WEB（Japanese）
    https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20191006/k10012115361000.html?utm_int=news_contents_news-main_001
    The Asahi Shinbun Asia & Pacific (Japanese)
    https://www.facebook.com/asahiasiapacific/photos/pcb.671845346552543/671844589885952/?type=3&theater

    【Thai Media Pickups】

    Thairath Online “Chula-DMCR-PCD launched project – established research center to solve marine plastic waste in Thai seas”
    https://www.thairath.co.th/news/society/1677426
    NNT News “Thai and Japan to implement project to establish a research center for marine plastic waste to reduce marine plastic waste in Thai waters, while highlighting ‘Samaesarn Model’ as a prototype of eco-tourism”
    http://thainews.prd.go.th/th/news/detail/TCATG191007210707743
    NNT News “Bangkok residents use less single-use plastic bags comparing to last year – preparing to conduct Thailand’s first comprehensive research on microplastic”
    http://thainews.prd.go.th/th/news/detail/TCATG191007210932744
    TNA MCOT “Chulalongkorn cooperates with JICA to research to solve marine plastic problems”
    https://tna.mcot.net/view/C-e_siR
    Daily News “Establishment of research center to solve marine plastic waste in Thai seas”
    https://www.dailynews.co.th/education/735558
    DMCR News “DG of DMCR participated in press conference to launch project – to establish a research center to solve marine plastic waste in Thai seas”
    https://www.dmcr.go.th/detailAll/35952/nws/11