Environmental

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Environmental

Coral Reefs cover less than 2% of the ocean floor but support 25% of all marine life. They are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth, and also one of the most threatened. All over the world reefs are in decline, and scientists with the UN estimate that all could be lost as soon as 2050.
Have you ever wondered where statistics like these come from, or what can be done to help?
The dive school has always participated in a wide range of conservation projects over the years, and the New Heaven Reef Conservation Program (RCP) has been running for two years based on work previously conducted on the island by the Coastal Preservation and Development Foundation (CPAD). The course is designed to give participants a hands-on approach to learning about the coral reef environment and a wide range of research and restoration techniques used by professionals around the world. Research is the only way to get a true idea of what the problems are and what needs to be done to alleviate them. After the problem has been identified we can start to reduce the damage with various Restoration activities.
After finishing the course, participants will have a greater understanding of coral ecosystems and the threats to them, and learn new diving and underwater skills. The courses are broken down to accommodate those wishing to stay for a month or only 3 days.

Current Projects

After the end of the CPAD days we took over there projects here on the island so that they could continue. We have since modified their Ecological Monitoring Program to better suit the island and created a four day course certified by SSI.

We have created a three day course that gives participants an introduction in both research and restoration techniques through a reef check, Biorock dive, and a mid-water coral nursery dive. For those who enjoy this course, we also offer 2-4 week courses that encompass more education and skills and allow participants to contribute to other island project and develop their own projects both on land and in the sea.

In 2008 we began working with the Save Koh Tao group and about 15 other dive schools from the island to encourage a wider conservation movement here on the island. Through this group, we have participated in monthly underwater clean-ups, land restoration activities, fundraising, turtle releases, tourist education, and the construction of the Gulf of Thailand’s largest Biorock structure.

Past Projects

Since our dive school first opened in 1995 we have been committed to safety, professionalism, and especially the protection of the marine resources we use. We are a proud to be member of the Save Koh Tao Group, Greenfins, Koh-Taoism, and SSI ECOLogical. We feel that as a business we have an inherent responsibility to protect the area where we live, work, and play. And with the current global green movement we feel that it is important for businesses to truly be green, and not just in marketing. That is why we have dedicated ourselves towards marine conservation and social projects, our own and those being undertaken and others here on the island.

Through the early years we hosted a wide range of visitors coming from groups such as Greenpeace, local and foreign universities; however our main collaboration was with Thai groups such as the Thai Royal Navy and Miss Cintana, known locally as queen of the giant clams. Working with these groups enabled us to gain important knowledge about coral reef ecology and marine conservation in general. Projects such as mooring buoy installation, coral restoration, and crown of thorns (cots) research was carried out, by these groups, here on Koh Tao and New Heaven was always there to assist and help make these projects successful.

Later in 2005 we joined up with other dive schools through the Koh Tao Dive Operators club to promote awareness and construct a small Biorock project in the destroyed Taa Cha bay. After the group was dissolved we took over the maintenance and funding for the Biorock Project.

By 2006 we were hosting and participating in all projects being conducted by the Coastal Preservation and Development (CPAD) Foundation. The CPAD foundation was a non profit American-Thai company with great ideas and innovation for marine conservation projects here on Koh Tao. These projects included reef and water quality monitoring, a kids swimming/diving program, digital mapping of the island, vegetable oil recycling and biodiesel production, instructor marine education during IDC courses, and much more. Unfortuntely the CPAD group ran into financial difficulities and were forced to stop the good work they had started on Koh Tao. Being so involved with CPAD we felt it would be a real loss to the island and to everyone concerned with marine conservation if the work stopped. So New Heaven took over the responsibility to continue the projects CPAD had started.

Conservation Courses

The New Heaven Reef Conservation Program is designed to teach students how to dive, but how to interact with the marine environment in a positive way. Through the course, students will become proficient in coral reef ecology, research, and restoration and participate in a wide variety of conservation activities both on land and under the sea. The unique location and situation on Koh Tao provides the perfect location to learn about coral reefs and the marine environment and our school has a variety of learning options to choose from. Whether you just want to spend a day or two learning about what we do or want to spend a month actively participating in real projects or get certified as a research diver, we can accommodate you.
Assistant Instructor Amy checks on coral fragments

3 DAY COURSE
The 3 day course is designed for anybody curious about or wishing to learn about marine research and restoration but does not have the time to participate in the long-term projects. The course consists of a MArine Ecology lecture followed by one dive to perform a reef check according to the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) standards approved by SSI Thailand.

The following day, students get to learn about Biorock(c) Electronic Reefs Coral Restoration and conduct a research dive at the Biorock. Day 3 is a dive at mid-water coral nurseries for maintenance followed by an underwater clean-up. These students can elect to spend 2 more days on the course and receive a ECOlogical Diver Certification from SSI. All of the course prices include SCUBA equipment, diving, and course materials, and is broken down as follows: Andy Helps Out on the Biorock

Day 1
“Intro to Coral Reef Ecology” & “EMP Research Techniques” Lectures
1 EMP Survey Dive
Water sampling and analysis

Day 2
“Intro to Biorock© Technology and research” Lecture
1 Dive on the Biorock
Short Underwater Clean-up

Day 3
“Intro to Coral Nurseries” Lecture
1 Dive to maintain and take data on the current Coral Nurseries

Price 4500 baht, click here to book this course.

2 – 4 WEEK COURSES
Longer courses are on offer to give students a more in-depth understanding of the research and restoration techniques used by professionals around the world, and also includes the SSI ECOlogical and the SSI/Save Koh Tao Ecological Monitoring Program certifications. By participating in the course, students can become more aware of global threats to reefs and about what can be done. Furthermore, they will contribute to conservation efforts here on the island and learn valuable skills which they will take with them and apply in other areas around the globe. It is through programs like this and the fees the students pay that allow us to fund and continue all of the great projects here on the island.

The 2 Week Course is designed for those wishing to get more time learning and helping around the island. These divers will be certified by SSI for the Ecological Monitoring Program, and will also receive a certification from New Heaven Dive School. These participants will get more hands-on experience by helping on the current projects with both New Heaven and the Save Koh Tao group.

Prices and activities are based on diver certification level, but start at 19,900 baht and includes all SCUBA equipment, tanks, SSI ECOlogical Diver Certification, and course materials. copy of ssi logo jpeg

The three week course adds further involvement in current activities and a more in depth understanding of the projects. Generally those staying for the 3 and 4 Week Courses will work in an internship position on long-term projects that can benefit the island. Those staying 4 weeks will develop an individual project in an area of their chosen interest and be expected to write up short article outlining their work here.

Prices start at 28,000 baht for the 3 Week and 32,700 baht for the 4 Week course and includes all SCUBA equipment, tanks, SSI ECOlogical Diver Certification, and course materials. The SSI Ecological Monitoring Program certification can also be obtained for an additional 1,500 baht.

Amy Teaches studetns about water quality as part of her internship

Check out more pictures and chat with past students by signing onto the New Heaven Reef Conservation Program Facebook Group

Internships/Thesis Assistance

There is no better way to enrich and solidify your education than participating in 'real world' work and internship experiences. As a larger percentage of people are attending universities each year, it is vital that students looking for work after graduation set themselves apart by having experience in areas of their major. At New Heaven, we are proud to offer students the unique experience of not only getting certified and working on marine and island conservation and management projects, but also the experience of being and assistant instructor to new students through are internship programs.

We have helped many students complete academic internships, honors or degree thesis projects, or training for position with conservation groups elsewhere in the world. Because of our small program size you will get one-on-one assistance and get to participate in a wide range of activities in a leadership position. Internships process and programs vary per student, contact us directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about these opportunities.

Course Requirements
Anybody (divers and non-divers) may attend the lectures for the 3-day course, which are taught in English. Participants w Laying out the EMP Transect Line ishing to make the dives must be an Advanced Diver (or else an Open Water diver with more than 20 dives and good buoyancy skills.) Participants of the longer courses who are not divers are welcomed, but will spend the first few days learning to dive before beginning the course (prices and schedule will vary, contact for more information.)

Also note that participants must be able to carry a gear bag on and off the boat, ascend stairs, and work outside and should be of physical condition to do so.

Diving is about expanding your limits; increasing your potential. And we should take that same attitude with us after we leave the water. By encouraging stewardship and responsible business practices we believe dive schools will soon be rated not by how many certifications they pump out, but by their social and environmental impact.

Prices will vary depending on your present certification level so please contact us for more information about prices and schedules for these programs.

Future Projects

For 2009, we hope to increase the number of participants coming to take our courses so that we have more volunteers and bright minds to accomplish even more than in previous years. For this year we will be continuing all of our past projects and adding a few more. If you are interested to help have a look over our project list and write to us with any questions:

New Heaven projects:
•   Weekly beach/underwater clean-ups
•   Ecological Monitoring Program
•   Biorock Maintenance and research
•   Mid-water coral nursery Maintenance and research
•   Coral disease assessment
•   Kids marine education
•   Greenfins/Reef Watch Surveys
•   Water quality Monitoring
•   Tree/grass planting
•   Fundraising
•   Education

And With the Save Koh Tao Group:
•   Sea Turtle head starting/release program
•   Giant Clam Nursery Program
•   Reef Zoning/Mooring Buoy Replacement
•   Monthly Underwater clean-ups
•   Land Restoration
•   Island photographic journal
•   Coral Nurseries
•   Biorock Coral Restoration