#Marineconservation

As travellers increasingly seek out landscapes and species thought to be vanishing under rising seas, warming oceans and melting ice, researchers warn that last-chance or “see-it-before-it’s-gone” tourism can both raise awareness and accelerate destruction if poorly managed. New scholarship frames the trend as a distinct policy challenge — dubbed eco-necrotourism — that forces park managers, tour operators and governments to contend with visitors’ grief, grief-driven demand, and the legal and practical limits of access. The debate matters for Thailand because coral reefs, mangroves and other coastal attractions already under stress draw millions of domestic and international visitors whose choices will shape local livelihoods and the country’s nature-based tourism future.

As travellers increasingly seek out landscapes and species thought to be vanishing under rising seas, warming oceans and melting ice, researchers warn that last-chance or “see-it-before-it’s-gone” tourism can both raise awareness and accelerate destruction if poorly managed. New scholarship frames the trend as a distinct policy challenge — dubbed eco-necrotourism — that forces park managers, tour operators and governments to contend with visitors’ grief, grief-driven demand, and the legal and practical limits of access. The debate matters for Thailand because coral reefs, mangroves and other coastal attractions already under stress draw millions of domestic and international visitors whose choices will shape local livelihoods and the country’s nature-based tourism future (An ethical guide to last-chance tourism).

A growing trend in travel invites visitors to witness habitat loss before it disappears. Researchers warn that “see-it-before-it’s-gone” tourism can raise awareness but may hasten damage if poorly managed. Scholars frame this as eco-necrotourism, a policy challenge for park managers, tour operators, and governments who must balance visitors’ grief with practical access limits. For Thailand, where coral reefs and mangroves draw millions of travelers, the way this trend is handled will shape livelihoods and the future of nature-based tourism.

Koh Chang is emerging as a noteworthy destination for Thai and international travelers who seek a nature-forward escape. The island’s appeal centers on rainforests, pristine beaches, and a relaxed pace that resonates with Thai hospitality and communal spirit.

Located off Trat province in eastern Thailand, Koh Chang ranks among the country’s larger islands. Data from Thailand’s Tourism Authority shows a steady rise in visitors in recent years, with 2024 marking a strong rebound after the pandemic. The growth mirrors a shift toward slower, nature-rich experiences in a post-pandemic world, while underscoring the need to protect local culture, ecosystems, and infrastructure.

A new line of research draws a surprising link between the reproductive health of seals and human fertility. Scientists are studying seals, distant from clinics, to understand why fertility may be declining across species. Research highlights the role of environmental pollutants and the hormones they disrupt, which can affect reproduction in wildlife and humans alike.

For Thailand, where birth rates are falling and families face growing demographic pressures, these findings offer a global context for local policy and health strategies. Understanding how chemicals in the environment influence fertility can guide practical actions at home, in communities, and in government programs.

Recent research is drawing unexpected parallels between the reproductive lives of seals and the challenges facing human fertility, sparking fresh conversations about the hidden environmental factors impacting reproductive health worldwide. As reported in a feature by Oceanographic Magazine, scientists are turning their attention to seals — charismatic marine mammals that live far from hospitals and clinics — in hopes of unraveling why fertility rates are declining across species, including humans (Oceanographic Magazine).