First South Asia Dugong Conservation Workshop Successfully Concluded

Update - Abu Dhabi, 20 June 2011 – The First South Asia Sub-Regional Workshop on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs hosted by India on 6-7 June 2011 in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, has successfully facilitated regional cooperation to implement the Dugong MOU Conservation and Management Plan in the region. At the meeting the range states – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh – shared information as well as undertook training to help develop their capacity to conduct the standardised surveys on dugongs.

The high commitment from each of the range states was reflected in the unanimous support of the recommendations: (1) encourage the Governments of South Asia range states to sign the UNEP/CMS Dugong MOU; (2) develop and deliver a practical and resource-efficient strategy to collaborate in, and implement regional dugong conservation and management initiatives; (3) enhance communication among participating countries and organization; and (4) identify the financial and technological resources to support implementation of these recommendations.