From front to back: Ann; P'Ning from MAP; and Dawood and Pancake from UCLA marking out the mangrove plots.

AD was successful in our application for the IUCN's Eco-systems Grant Project, which has allowed us to host a variety of activities with the Ban Talae Nok Youth Conservation Group for the six-month period from February until July. This month, we were lucky enough to have P'Ning, Project Coordinator of the Mangrove Action Project (MAP), facilitating a mangrove monitoring activity with 20 members of the youth group, assisted by Andaman Discoveries' local staff and star, Pinky.

The objective of the activity was to set up two 20 meters square and use transects to record information on the two plots to assess changes over time. The youth group will monitor the plots every six months. "We want this demonstration plot, to become another source of knowledge for the local people and also non local people," said 12-year-old Jiraprapa Hahnjit. "It's good to learn about the importance of the mangroves while having fun with friends," explained 12-year-old Sudarat Padungchat. Other youth conservation members expressed the importance of community service and understanding the mangroves for the benefit of the village. Many thanks to the University of California students, Doughnut and Pancake, for their assistance on this activity.

Getting down and dirty in the mangroves: two town schools visit the Ban Talae Nok Youth Conservation Group to share ideas about conservation.

It was a busy month for the Youth Conservation Group, who had a very special visit from 20 students from two Kuraburi town schools who came to learn about their conservation activities. P'Ning, Project Coordinator of the Mangrove Action Project (MAP) assisted the Youth Group as they planned and prepared the day's activities, which included experience exchange, a puppet show called "The World id Beautiful Like Us," and even a trip into the muddy mangroves to learn first hand about the diverse and ecologically important eco-system.

"These students will become adults and the fate of the world will be in their hands," said Mr Moosa from Ban Triam School in Kuraburi. "We need to teach the students how to protect the mangroves and their connection to the whole environment." When asked about the importance of coming together to share ideas, a young 14-year-old Sirima Pinhua explained that, "Each of our brains may be able to think about one thing; if many people exchange their opinions, it would be possible to make a difference." Sixteen-year old Is-al Tumuda also explained that conservation is important because, "We live in a society in which we need to depend on the environment." After lively discussions between the three student groups, the Ban Triam and Kuraburi High School invited the Ban Talae Nok Youth Group to visit their school. If anyone would like to sponsor this activity, please contact us at: info@andamandiscoveries.com.

UCLA students showing their participatory community mapping results to the Ban Talae Nok students.

As part of the University of California at Los Angeles's month-long summer study trip, Travel Summer Course: "Thailand - Sustainable Ecosystems: Natural and Social Science Service Learning with multi-cultural communities on the North Andaman Seacoast," they participated in a participatory community-mapping activity with the youth of Ban Talae Nok village over two days. Fun-filled activities included conservation orientated games, songs, and even dances, which were followed by community mapping of two areas: one into the mangroves along the coastal road and another into the jungle.

AD local staff and Youth Conservation leader, Pinky, organized, led, and facilitated the whole program -- excellent experience for her and the group as they are gaining local recognition for their work in youth leadership and conservation activities. One UCLA student said, "This village is awesome, they are so switched on to environmental matters." AD would like to thank UCLA for providing the funds to make this activity possible.

Amy helping the homestay children with their English using the homestay pack created by previous AD volunteers.

This month we welcomed Amy from the UK, a student studying International Relations and Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Amy volunteered on several of our community and conservation initiatives over a five-day period as part of a longer Thailand trip. AD and villagers appreciated her 'have-a-go' attitude and open-mindedness. "I had an absolutely amazing time," admitted Amy during the debrief session. "I was very nervous to begin with but the villagers made me feel right at home. My host family was fantastic and helped me get involved in their activities. Pinky (Andaman Discoveries local staff) is an asset to the village, she is fun, friendly and always with a smile on her face and P'Tui (Andaman Discoveries Co-Director) I couldn't have done it without you. You've all been so great, thank you!" AD would also like to welcome Ja Fa and her husband to the homestay group. Amy was their first guest, and they did an excellent job of making her feel like part of the family.

Short-term volunteers have been crucial in keeping local traditions alive.

Last year Andaman Discoveries was overall winner in the Best for Cultural Preservation category. The good news is, we have been short-listed again for the same category. The Virgin Holiday Responsible Tourism Awards are now in their fifth year and celebrate tourism ventures and individuals who make a positive contribution to conservation and the economies of local communities while minimizing any negative impacts of tourism.

The awards are supported by The Daily Telegraph, Geographical magazine and responsibletravel.com. Full details of the Awards including category sponsors, the judging process and previous winners can be found at www.responsibletourismawards.com. "Andaman Discoveries has recognized that the best custodians of cultural heritage are the local people and they have worked with communities to empower them," said Justin Francis, Director of Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2007.

Co-Director of Andaman Discoveries, nicknamed 'Angel of the Andaman' by the Thai press for her tsunami efforts.

We are delighted to inform our friends that Andaman Discoveries' Co-Director, Kelly May has been nominated for a Responsible Tourism Award in the Best Personal Contribution category. Last year's winner was Anthony Climpson, Destination Manager of The New Forest. "I'm slightly embarrassed by the nomination," blushed Kelly, who has dedicated herself to the development of Andaman Discoveries for the past two and a half years. "The success of Andaman Discoveries is due to each one of the staff, volunteers, responsible tourists, and donors who has contributed over the years since the tsunami." Kelly has decided not to apply for the award as she is too busy working on this Update and has a sneaky suspicion it was her Mum that made the nomination!

The woman who laid the foundation of Andaman Discoveries, Charlotte Johnston (far left), during a Ban Talae Nok homestay pilot tour in December 2005.

Andaman Discoveries was a finalist in last year's Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award for Best for Community-run Homestay. "We have had a record number of entries for our 2008 awards, which is very exciting," wrote Rebecca Thomason, Responsible Tourism Coordinator for Wild Asia. "The network of Responsible Tourism operators is growing! The standard is, as always, high and we have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of (your) checklists. It is inspiring to learn of so many resorts, hotels, and homestays working very hard to ensure they are run in a responsible way. Our judges have had a hard time choosing finalists because there is so much good work being done that deserves recognition. Our team of Fact Finders will visit the finalists and report back to the judges. From the extra information gathered during the site visit, the judges will then select a winner in each category." Andaman Discoveries is looking forward to welcoming the Wild Asia assessment team, who visited both Tung Nang Dam and Ban Talae Nok villages last year.

A local guide teaches a family from the UK about community-led conservation during a mangrove restoration activity.

This month two families (from Denmark and UK) visited Andaman Discoveries to get off the beaten tourist path. We try to make such trips enjoyable and informative for both parents and children. "Through taking part in activities, talking to the very informative local guide, and observing village life, I gained a real picture of both the successes and challenges of sustainable development," explained Janette, a mother of three. "We were very well looked after, thank you!"

The parents weren't the only ones who had a nice time. "Eye-opening, interesting experience with lots to do! Was nice seeing the villagers live and how they have adapted after the tsunami. The variety of organized activities was good and well mixed. The food was really tasty, especially the BBQ on the beach and all the fruits," said young Anna. Jan, the father of two young boys, aged 4 and 6, said that "it was great that our itinerary was flexible, as it was very difficult to follow a fixed schedule with two small children." Young Anders celebrated his 4th birthday in the village! Andaman Discoveries offers family tours geared toward young kids and teenagers, in addition to our regular tours and volunteer trips. Email info@andamandiscoveries.com to start planning your family holiday.

Irina and Paul making Batik prints while staying at a homestay.

Thailand is known as the "Land of Smiles," but if you have been to the touristy areas you may have noticed that that smile has grown weary! We are committed to ensuring that the tourist experience is enjoyable and beneficial to the villagers. A young Scottish and Russian couple visited us this month for a taste of something different. "A fantastic experience we were made extremely welcome and enjoyed every minute," said Paul from Scotland. "It has been a privilege and a pleasure to share this lifestyle at least for a short time. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for a stimulating, rewarding, and fun time -- Great stuff! An excellent trip away from the bland, commercial, mainstream touristy world. Many thanks for the opportunity." Irina, Paul's Russian girlfriend (our first Russian guest) said, "The host family and everyone who we met during our activities were very friendly. I will tell my friends back home to visit here and experience the homestay."

American students learning about the local way of life with a local guide.

A group of young students visited Ban Talae Nok as part of an exciting two-week Andaman Coast adventure that aimed to acquaint them with the diverse Andaman cultures while working on several service initiatives. Jay, Senior Programs Manager for Rustic Pathways, was a volunteer at Wat Yan Yaos Temple (where Co-Director Kelly May also volunteered after the tsunami) and was interested in our tsunami connection. "The villagers are so kind and welcoming and the village is beautiful and well kept," said Ashley, one of the students. "We learned so much about Thai culture and their commendable efforts towards recovering after the tsunami. After spending a few days here, you begin to have so much respect for the people, their stories, experiences, and culture." After the success of this trip, Rustic Pathways have planned another trip with us in August.

John was an asset to the Andaman Discoveries team, and will be missed by staff, volunteers, teachers and students alike.

"I am a 40-year-old secondary school teacher from the UK. I have visited Thailand on several occasions over the past few years. Having most recently worked as a supply basis, I decided to volunteer in Kuraburi to see if living and working in Thailand was the sort of thing I would enjoy. I have spent four weeks in Kuraburi, working at Ban Hin Lad School where the children range from seven to 15. The behavior of the students is very good by UK standards, and they are genuinely surprised and happy to see a non-Thai at the school. Often I am followed by students who will then stop and stare at you with a smile on their faces, if you sit down.

"The staff have been very helpful and welcoming, although do not be surprised if a 'snap-meeting' is called and the timetable goes out the window! It's a Thai way of thinking that takes a little while to pick up. As Kuraburi is quite small, it doesn't take long for people to get to know your name, and I have been touched by the warmth of the welcome extended, not only by the Thai's themselves, but also by the other volunteers and those working on associated projects in the area. There is always something going on. All in all, a great experience and I shall be genuinely sad to leave my school and my students and I would recommend volunteering to anyone. It may take a while to get a feel for the relaxed way Thai's deal with everyday life, but that is infinitely outweighed by the memories you will have and the feelings of friendship and appreciation that you will accrue along the way." John, Secondary school teacher from the UK who volunteered with Andaman Discoveries for one month. Thanks John, I know we'll see you again soon!!

Andaman Discoveries staff, Mangrove Action Project staff, Wetland International staff, Naucrates staff and the University of Birmingham students at Lions Village on Koh Phrathong Island.

We are delighted to welcome nine University of Birmingham students joining us for five weeks as part of the International Volunteer Society Thailand program. The lively students spent their first week on Koh Phrathong with the conservation organization Naucrates, working with Monica and Claudio on mangrove restoration. They stayed with the newly formed homestay group at the Lions Village. The volunteers have a action-packed five-week program including community development projects, teaching English and piloting new eco tourism activities as part of the region's sustainable livelihoods development.

Josh working on the mangrove restoration after partying hard at the Full Moon Party.

Many people may feel a homestay or community-based experience might put them out of their comfort zone; however, here at Andaman Discoveries we aim to make sure that everyone -- regardless of their background or age -- is taken care of and makes the most of their time while in the region. We do this by informative pre-trip and post-trip briefings before people go into village, comprehensive support materials, a Thai-English phrasebook, and a translator with each group to ensure meaningful exchanges with the villagers. "Coming from Koh Phang Nga and the Full Moon Party I couldn't have experienced two different aspects of Thailand in a shorter period of time," explained Josh, who found us in The Rough Guide guidebook. "However, I really enjoyed both experiences, which shows that anyone could appreciate community-based tourism. It was reassuring to find everyone so smiley and helpful, which is a stereotype of Thai people but rarely seen in touristy areas nowadays. Thank you for an enlightening experience."