The First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation: From Gaps to Impactful Action

Dugong feeding on seagrass © Canva.com

The upcoming First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation seeks to bring together key actors to bridge existing gaps and amplify impactful action. This event will leverage the expertise, resources, and ongoing initiatives of partners including the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout Their Range (Dugong MOU) under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project (International Climate Initiative (IKI)), the UNEP/GEF South China Sea Strategic Action Programme (SCS-SAP) Project, and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA). 

This meeting will bring together key experts, policymakers, and conservation practitioners to discuss innovative approaches, identify gaps, and develop actionable strategies for the protection and restoration of seagrass ecosystems and associated dugong populations. Through targeted discussions and working group sessions, the aim is to enhance regional cooperation, scale up seagrass conservation initiatives, and mobilize the resources necessary to secure the long-term resilience of these critical ecosystems, and strengthen the momentum needed to safeguard seagrass ecosystems as critical components of sustainable development and climate resilience.

Objectives:

1. Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Provide a platform for capacity building of the key stakeholders from Dugong MOU, SCS-SAP, and COBSEA. Experts will share the latest data, research, and successful strategies related to seagrass conservation, restoration, ecosystem services and associated dugong populations.
2. Showcase Achievements: Present recent successes and achievements from the Seagrass Ecosystem Service Project, and Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
3. Develop Practical Solutions: Brainstorm and develop actionable strategies to address identified gaps, including the creation of concrete project ideas and initiatives that can be scaled at the regional level.
4. Strengthen Collaboration: Promote international cooperation between governments, NGOs, and local communities to foster integrated approaches for coastal conservation.

Funding Acknowledgment

This event is supported through the Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), which is an important part of the German government’s international climate finance commitment and the South China Sea Strategic Action Programme (SCS-SAP) funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Their contributions play a crucial role in advancing sustainable solutions and fostering international collaboration for seagrass and dugong conservation.

The updated concept note to be included which is available here The First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation: From Gaps to Impactful Action | Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA)