Koh Samui City Municipality and UN-Habitat have partnered to boost sustainable development, focusing on a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) report and climate projects like wastewater solutions. Led by Deputy Mayor Ms. Supinya Srithongkul, this collaboration aims to build a brighter, greener future for the island.
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Introduction to the Partnership
On August 5, 2025, a significant meeting took place at the Ibis Samui Bophut Hotel in Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province. The event marked a collaboration between Koh Samui City Municipality and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), under the Partnership to Accelerate SDG Localization in Thailand. This initiative is supported by the Joint SDG Fund and is integral to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.
Key Participants and Stakeholders
The meeting was led by Ms. Supinya Srithongkul, Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui City Municipality. Attendance included heads of government agencies, municipal staff, representatives from both the public and private sectors, stakeholders, and individuals involved in local development. Their collective engagement aimed to foster a multi-sectoral approach in advancing sustainable development on the island.
Objectives of the Meeting
The primary focus of the meeting was to gather input from diverse sectors in Koh Samui regarding the preparation of the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) report and to propose climate-related projects. The event provided an opportunity to:
- Present progress on previous operational data surveys
- Approve the draft of the VLR report
- Collect recommendations for climate-related projects
- Discuss wastewater management initiatives
These objectives align with efforts to monitor and report local progress towards the SDGs, particularly concerning environmental sustainability and community well-being.
The Voluntary Local Review (VLR) Process
The VLR report serves as a self-assessment document, detailing the municipality’s achievements and challenges in pursuing the SDGs at the local level. The preparation process involved forming a dedicated working group and methodical data collection to ensure the report accurately reflects Koh Samui’s unique context. This localized approach to SDG monitoring enables more targeted strategies for community development and resource management.
Workshop Sessions and Project Development
During the event, participants engaged in group workshops focused on developing actionable projects under key environmental themes. These sessions encouraged collaboration among government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society. The workshops emphasized the need for innovative solutions in climate resilience and wastewater management, both critical areas for Koh Samui given its rapidly growing tourism sector and ecological sensitivity.
Broader Impact and Community Involvement
The initiative underscores the importance of inclusive participation, drawing on insights and expertise from all sectors of the community. The open-forum nature of the meeting ensured that stakeholders could contribute to the decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility in achieving sustainable development outcomes for Koh Samui. The municipality’s ongoing commitment to the SDGs is expected to improve quality of life, enhance local resilience, and set a precedent for other Thai municipalities pursuing similar objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the collaboration between Koh Samui City Municipality and UN-Habitat?
The collaboration aims to boost sustainable development on Koh Samui by focusing on climate projects – such as wastewater management – and by preparing a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) report to monitor and advance local progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How does the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) process benefit Koh Samui?
The VLR process helps Koh Samui assess its achievements and challenges in implementing the SDGs. By involving a working group and collecting local data, the municipality tailors sustainable strategies to its unique context, improving resource management and community development.
Who are the key participants in this sustainable development initiative?
The initiative involves government agency heads, municipal staff, public and private sector representatives, and other stakeholders. Led by Deputy Mayor Ms. Supinya Srithongkul, the project encourages collaborative decision-making and inclusive participation from the whole community to ensure effective and resilient outcomes.
