Thailand backs new certification to protect coral reefs

Tourism Authority of Thailand proudly supports sustainability initiative with a sunscreen amnesty on famous Krabi beach

With “reef-safe” sunscreen claims still largely unregulated, a new certification is helping to set an industry standard: Reef Protection Factor (RPF), developed by the University of Derby in collaboration with the global creative agency McCann.

RPF is a pioneering certification designed to address the issues around chemical pollution around the world which is impacting our oceans and aiding in the decline of vital ecosystems such as tropical coral reefs. It pushes the industry forward by initially targeting one of the most preventable local stressors facing these ecosystems: harmful chemicals, for example, those used in many sunscreens. With more than 80% of brands still contributing to coral damage, combined with no regulation around the ‘reef-safe’ claims – RPF helps consumers identify products that are truly safe for our delicate marine ecosystems.

Driving industry change

Awareness of RPF and education about harmful sunscreens is now going global through strategic partnerships in key marine regions.

“We believe Reef Protection Factor is a game-changer,” said Jon Elsom, Group Executive Creative Director at McCann. “We’ve been blown away by the positive reception of RPF, and Coral Care™, by all of our incredible global partners. Everyone we’ve spoken to has come on board immediately, from tourist boards to eco organisations to hotel chains. It’s not often you get to work on something that can genuinely change the world.”

Activities include a flagship partnership with Amazing Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in support of its Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025. The collaboration kicked off with an ‘Amnesty Boat’ event on Railay Beach, Krabi in southern Thailand where beachgoers were invited to exchange their sunscreens for reef-safe Coral Care™ – another breakthrough innovation developed by Stream2Sea in partnership with McCann, tested by the University of Derby.

Commenting on the success of the sunscreen swap, Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of TAT UK & Ireland said: “Coral Care and TAT share the same vision, to protect Thailand’s natural beauty. We actively encourage responsible tourism and advocating reef-safe sunscreen promotes more sustainable travel practices. Travellers using RPF-certified sunscreen is a simple yet effective way to minimise environmental impact and preserve the beauty of Thailand’s underwater world – it’s an amazing new product!”

Thailand’s commitment to raising awareness of sustainable travel continues this month with the Amazing Krabi Green Guide Fest 2025 on Hat Noppharat Thara beach. The 4 day event, 15-18 May, showcases local green businesses, food, art and learning with a fun festival vibe.

The World’s First “Reef-Nourishing” Sunscreen

Coral Care™ is the first sunscreen not only formulated to avoid harming coral, but to actively nourish it. Developed by Stream2Sea in collaboration with McCann, it’s also the first product to receive the RPF certification, marking a significant leap forward in ocean-friendly skincare.

“Partnering with McCann and the University of Derby has allowed us to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our innovative Coral Care™ product is a powerful validation of our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems, and we hope it inspires the rest of the industry to follow suit,” said Autumn Blum, Founder & Cosmetic Chemist at Stream2Sea.

Best Places to Snorkel & Dive in Thailand

Thailand is home to some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in Asia including 14 national parks with coastal areas and reefs of which 9 you can snorkel and dive in. Whatever your level of experience, there are plenty of options if you’re looking for underwater adventures on your next holiday.

• Most tourists travel through Chumphon enroute to Ko Tao, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Samui. But those who make a stop here are rewarded with colourful corals and diverse marine life including pink dolphins in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park.
• The Ko Chang archipelago on the east coast has calm and relatively shallow waters so a great option for novice divers. It’s also home to one of Thailand’s biggest wrecks – the Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS Chang – creating an artificial reef.
• Ko Tao is one of the top locations in Thailand for both diving and snorkelling and the best place in Asia to get PADI certified. For experienced divers, Chumphon Pinnacle is a fabulous spot with frequent whale shark sightings.
• The Similan Islands are a group of nine stunning islands which are part of the protected Mu Ko Surin National Park. The islands of Ko Bon and Ko Tachai are now also included within the boundaries of the National Park.
• With a number of dive schools in Ao Nang and proximity to the Phi Phi Islands and Ko Lanta, Krabi is another good choice for divers. It is 25 years since ‘The Beach’ movie put Maya Bay on the map and it is still one of the most scenic places for snorkelling. After the bay closed to let the reef rest and repair, marine life like blacktip reef sharks have been spotted again.

For more information about Reef Protection Factor and Coral Care™, visit https://rpf.world.

For more information on how to travel responsibly in Thailand visit https://responsiblethailand.com/