BMA’s The Great Bubble Barrier – Combat Plastic Pollution in Bangkok’s Canals

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a climate and environmental protection project under the EU-funded GCoM Asia project. Since February 2024, the BMA has been collaborating with The Great Bubble Barrier (TGBB) and various stakeholders to address plastic pollution in Bangkok’s waterways. This initiative aims to create a cleaner environment for the city’s residents and aquatic ecosystem. The cooperation between BMA and TGBB is a follow-up to the IURC Asia and Australasia project, which was initiated in 2021.

Plastic pollution in Bangkok’s canals has posed environmental challenges, impacting public health and local biodiversity. To address this issue, the BMA, supported by the European Union under the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) Asia Project, initiated a Feasibility Study to evaluate the potential implementation of a Bubble Barrier system in the city’s main canals. This system uses a curtain of bubbles to channel plastic waste to a catchment area, facilitating removal and recycling. The technology aims to capture visible plastic pollution and raise awareness about clean waterways. It has received several international awards and EU funding for implementation.

The feasibility study, finalized on July 29, 2024, focused on several canals – part of Bangkok’s waterways network – channeling water into the Chao Phraya River and the Gulf of Thailand. The Bubble Barrier system is designed to capture plastic pollution and prevent it from flowing downstream.

The feasibility study, conducted by The Great Bubble Barrier in collaboration with the BMA, Precious Plastic Thailand, the Embassy of the Netherlands and the European Union Delegation to Thailand, analyzed the technical and practical viability of installing a Bubble Barrier in the selected canals. The study’s objectives included assessing the Bubble Barrier’s effectiveness, identifying necessary permits, estimating costs, and developing an action plan for the implementation phase.

The study identified several canals in Bangkok for the Bubble Barrier installation, including Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai and Phadung Krung Kasem.

Addressing plastic pollution in waterways is a critical aspect of climate action. Plastic waste contributes to environmental degradation, harming ecosystems and contributing to climate change through the breakdown of plastics into microplastics. The Bubble Barrier project aims to mitigate these effects by capturing plastic waste before it reaches the ocean.

The initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce plastic pollution, contributing to healthier aquatic ecosystems and reducing the carbon footprint associated with plastic waste management. By preventing plastic from breaking down in the water, the project also reduces the release of greenhouse gases, which are emitted during the degradation process.

The study is the results of a series of online and onsite technical meetings that have taken place since early 2024 (see below pictures). The project was presented to over 100 Asian cities’ representatives and technical experts during the GCoM Closing Workshop that took place on 12-13 June 2024.

Following the feasibility study, BMA plans to look for funding sources along with the GCoM project. With the support of the GCoM Global Secretariat, the GCoM project will seek funding by involving The Great Bubble Barrier and BMA in international flagship events. This approach aims to attract investments and partnerships to support the Bubble Barrier system’s implementation and sustainability.

The project is expected to enter the realization phase within the next 15 months, contingent on securing the necessary permits and funding. The BMA, in partnership with The Great Bubble Barrier and other stakeholders, plans to engage the local community to foster environmental stewardship.

The EU-funded initiative in Bangkok is part of the GCoM Asia Project’s broader effort to promote sustainable urban development and enhance cities’ resilience against climate and environmental challenges. By addressing plastic pollution in its waterways, Bangkok aims to set an example for other cities in the region, highlighting the potential of international collaboration in tackling environmental issues.