Taking a Holistic Approach to Marine Protected Areas

Abu Dhabi/Johor Bahru, 10 October 2017 – The Programme Management Officer of the Dugong MOU Secretariat, Dr Donna Kwan, attended a conference in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on 8-9 October 2017. The conference, titled Holistic Approach to Marine Protected Areas – Towards Sustenance and Conservation Success was held in conjunction with Johor’s plans to gazette a new marine protected area that was specifically designed to meet the needs of dugongs, their seagrass habitats, and the local community.

During the two day event, participants heard from a number of speakers from across the region. On topics including Marine Protected Area design and management, research and monitoring within Marine Protected Areas, conservation efforts in Marine Protected Areas, community involvement in Marine Protect Area management, and Marine Protected Area financing and sustainability.  Dr Kwan also had the opportunity to give a short presentation on the Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit (www.conservation.tools).