Community is something that is very important on a small island like Koh Tao, and the Save Koh Tao Festival is one opportunity where we all get to come together and celebrate all that is good about island life and share our joy at being here.
Working together islanders under the leader ship of Save Koh Tao bring together this annual two day long extravaganza, raising money and awareness about issues which affect our island.
My contribution, whilst small and insignificant in the greater scheme of efforts that go to help the conservation of our little piece of paradise, is to share the things that I can do, to help promote awareness in a fun and visual way, for me this is through film and dance.
The team of “dancers” who come together to from Ban’s Diving Resort and Sunshine Divers – some of whom are “veterans” of this annual performance – do so to draw peoples attention to the great work that is being done by Save Koh Tao.
I have to say, when you’re sitting at the side of the stage waiting for the music to start and the lights to come up, your heart is in your throat and your wondering if it’s your going to remember the steps or fall flat on your face or just plain throw up, some of the logic and reasoning behind throwing yourself on stage in front of thousands of your peers disappears in the adrenalin rush! I even got nervous again as I watched the footage back for the first time as I began to edit this piece!
This is also my tribute to the dancers and their dedication to training, discipline and the fun they brought to this event and for sharing their time for such a good cause.
Whilst a big part of the experience is of course the shows and party which physically brings together the community. The sense of working together for a common good is what really reflects that spirit.
Save Koh Tao work year round to bring together local businesses, government agencies and visitors to the island to support environmental programs, working to reduce rubbish and waste, preserve and protect the natural resources, to promote sustainable development and share knowledge and information which supports the islands cultural an environmental stability.
The festival is a culmination and celebration of all the hard work and effort through out the year and features, lectures, demonstrations on sustainable transportation, waste management, forest and reef restoration, as well as turtle and clam releases.
Please find out more about all excellent programmes that Save Koh Tao manage by visit www.savekohtao.com and www.marineconservationkohtao.com