During our trip to Thailand in 2018, we discovered so much more about Plan Toys as a company. Their commitment to ethics, sustainability and passion for the environment is second to none. One project supported by Plan Toys is the campaign to protect a beautiful sea mammal called the Dugong.
In celebration of World Oceans Day, we want to tell you all about the amazing work Plan Toys are supporting to protect this wonderful species from becoming extinct.
Fantastic Dugong Facts
- The Dugong inhabits warm waters around the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans, near seagrass beds. The Trang province in Thailand forms a large part of their habitat, which of course is the home of Plan Toys. This is part of the reason they have chosen to support this important conservation work.
- They’re peaceful herbivores and the main bulk of their diet is seagrass and can eat up to 40kg a day!! They can reach up to 11 feet and weigh up to 2000lbs.
- These amazing swimmers may be slow and steady but they can stay underwater for 3-12 minutes and travel a few hundred kilometres in just a couple of days.
- The Dugong can live up to around 70 years old.
- Their most closely related mammal is the elephant. They’re thought to have evolved around 50 million years ago when mammals entered the sea.
- The biggest threat to their species is negative human activity.
The Dugong – An Endangered Species
The four main issues endangering the Dugong are:
- The Indian Ocean earthquake of 2004 causing a tsunami, had a devastating impact on Thailand. This included destruction of natural habitat and seagrass, which the dugong rely on for food.
- Illegal fishing nets prevent the Dugong getting to the oceans surface in order to breathe. As they are mammals, sadly they drown. The nets also prevent them from accessing seagrass, and they die from starvation.
- The Dugong needs to regularly swim to the surface where they are struck by boats. This causes gaping wounds that they subsequently die from.
- The increase in sea pollution is destroying the seagrass that Dugongs rely on to survive.
Therefore it’s predominantly human behaviour that’s leading to the destruction
What can be done to help the Dugong?
- Plan Toys support and fund the replantation of seagrass. This is a labour intensive process, which requires seeds to be cultivated and then planted by hand. Jolene and Peter, Babipur founders were lucky enough to visit the seagrass nursery whilst in Thailand and were able to learn directly all about the work they are doing
- Working in partnership with fisherman and local authorities to provide protected zones where fishing boats are not permitted, therefore protecting physical harm to the Dugong.
- Plan Toys provides education and resources for children about environmental issues. Working towards certification for the Thai Green Label Scheme from the Thailand Environmental Institute. This will recognise the company’s contribution to sustainable development
Current Progress and Impact
Due to the financial and physical support that Plan Toys provide, the seagrass is recovering and the natural habitat slowly improving. This alongside protecting the areas the Dugong are known to inhabit from fishing boats, is already having a positive impact. There’s even evidence that there is increase in the Dugong population.
A Conservation Success Story
Hearing about the amazing work that Plan Toys are doing to protect this endangered species was a really amazing opportunity for us. The impact of their dedication, highlighted to us that when people really care, they can have a significant positive impact.
Plan Toys made us this adorable Dugong as a memory of our trip.
Babipur Beach Clean For World Oceans Day
At Babipur we are always striving to think and work in more sustainable ways. Part of this is to work in partnership with our community, and support people to reduce our environmental impact.
This World Oceans Day we’re asking our friends and customers to join us with the Babipur Beach Clean. Even just ten minutes removing (and where possible recycling), some rubbish from your local beach or waterway will make a difference, and save it from polluting our oceans.
