Safeguarding Thailand’s Coral Reefs and Ecosystems with ‘Coral Screen’

Wadwalai Rujipornpong created “Coral Screen,” a reef-safe sunscreen, to protect Thailand’s coral reefs, promoting eco-friendly choices. The initiative supports marine conservation while being affordable for all consumers.

Key Points

• Wadwalai Rujipornpong, a young researcher and environmental advocate in Thailand, created “Coral Screen,” an effective and affordable reef-safe sunscreen aimed at protecting the nation’s vulnerable coral reefs from harmful chemicals found in conventional sunscreens.
• With guidance from academics, she developed an FDA-approved formula using natural ingredients that are safe for both skin and marine life, ensuring sustainable sun protection accessible even to lower-income consumers.
• Proceeds from Coral Screen are directed towards marine conservation and reef restoration projects, encouraging eco-friendly consumer behavior, while promoting awareness of the environmental impact of routine activities like sunscreen application.

Wadwalai Rujipornpong, a dedicated young researcher and environmental advocate, has taken significant steps to address the detrimental impact of chemical sunscreens on Thailand’s vital coral reefs.

Through her initiative, “Coral Screen,” she has developed a locally produced, reef-safe sunscreen that prioritizes both efficacy and affordability for the Thai population. Thailand’s coral reefs, essential to the global marine ecosystem, face threats from climate change, pollution, and notably, toxic sunscreen ingredients. Despite a ban on harmful substances like oxybenzone and octinoxate in Thailand, other chemicals such as avobenzone and octocrylene persist, alongside potentially damaging nano-sized particles in mineral sunscreens, which lead to coral bleaching—a phenomenon that causes corals to expel vital symbiotic algae.

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Wadwalai began her journey with the Junior Science Talent Project from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in 2021. Over the following three years, she worked meticulously on research and product development, collaborating with Associate Professor Watcharee Khunkitti from Khon Kaen University. The outcome is an FDA-approved sunscreen formula that leverages natural ingredients like non-nano titanium dioxide and plant-based emulsifiers, effectively safeguarding both users and marine ecosystems.

In addition to product formulation, Wadwalai designed the packaging and strategized the marketing process, making it her mission to deliver reef-safe skincare options accessible to all, particularly for those in lower-income brackets. Furthermore, in partnership with the Climate Change Data Center at Chiang Mai University, Coral Screen is poised for distribution among tourists and local emergency services, enhancing environmental awareness and action. Proceeds from the sales are directed towards marine conservation and reef restoration initiatives, amplifying the positive environmental efforts.

Ultimately, Wadwalai Rujipornpong’s Coral Screen serves as a catalyst for broader conversations about the environmental impacts of everyday behaviors, such as sunscreen usage. Through this initiative, she aims to inspire a cultural shift toward eco-conscious choices, safeguarding Thailand’s coral reefs while promoting individual health and sustainability for future generations.

Source : Protecting Thailand’s coral reefs and ecosystem with ‘Coral Screen’