The Special Forum was held on 22 – 24 April 2024 at the Berkeley Hotel Pratunam in Bangkok, hosted by the GEF/UNEP/UNOPS Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS SAP) Project. 

A blue economy for a greener world

Over the course of three days, participants were immersed in diverse initiatives, from the strategic deployment of artificial fish reefs in newly established zones to the successful restoration of mangrove forests, each highlighting the importance of preserving marine habitats. Discussions likewise explored coral reef biodiversity analysis and the critical task of restoring coastal topographies to their natural balance. 

Speaking about direct action, Julian Barbière, Head of Marine Policy at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UNESCO and global coordinator for the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development said: 

“Science bridges to society. Science is no longer the business of scientists. It can be acted upon by local communities and governments.” 

Pichet Poepakdee, Secretary-General of the Thai National Commission for UNESCO, empowers Thailand's next generation of decision-makers by distributing learning materials about 20 seaside projects promoting ocean sustainability to 1,500 schools nationwide. This strengthens the capacity to build the science we need for the ocean we want.

The forum also showcased methodologies such as using satellite imagery to build seagrass inventories and LiDAR technology for precise canopy height measurement. Local qualitative surveys and studies of marine life were also presented, where participants learned of the population resurgence of herbivorous fish in the Bidong archipelago east of peninsular Malaysia, and how migration patterns of birds and spatial distribution are being recorded to create ecological corridors.

During the panel discussion on sustainable blue economy on the second day, SCS SAP Project’s National Coordinator for the Philippines Romeo Trono further emphasized the role of science in bridging policy gaps and its power to cultivate local communities adept at monitoring and adapting to crucial ecological data. 

"We need continuity, sustainability, and some fire in the belly. [We] need passion to make these [programs] work in the long run." 

– Romeo Trono, biodiversity conservation and coastal and marine ecosystem management expert
 

Thinking global, acting local

Roundtable of Local Representatives Meeting

One of the forum’s culminating moments featured representatives from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Philippines, sharing unique experiences and challenges in their marine and coastal conservation efforts.

Granting local communities more control over their resources can empower them to make decisions that directly benefit their environment and livelihoods, such as sustainable fishing practices or habitat restoration. However, the degree of local autonomy varies between countries. Dr. Vo Si Tuan, Regional Science Coordinator of the SCS SAP Project, highlighted this contrast by asking about funding sources and government involvement in specific projects.

For instance, the establishment of a cultural bay and river beautification in Haikou Bay, China, was entirely funded and approved at the local level, leading to a significant boost in tourism. Conversely, participants learned that in some cases decisions are centralized at the national level, affecting progress in understanding critical issues like species migration patterns and the environmental impacts of various industries. This centralized approach, coupled with limited scientific understanding among local populations, poses challenges to building capacity for effective local action.

The Special Forum highlighted the transformative potential of designated management zones, such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), in fostering local stewardship and scientific engagement. The success of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines exemplifies how empowering communities with scientific knowledge can lead to effective conservation outcomes. 

As Anders Poulsen, Project Manager of the SCS SAP Project, noted in his closing remarks:

“Collaborative action, grounded in scientific understanding and the respect for local, traditional knowledge, is key to shaping informed policy decisions for a sustainable future.”

Watch this feedback video from some of the Special Forum’s participants.

Visit the SCS SAP Facebook page to view photos and other information on the Special Forum: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556678717082

About the GEF / UNEP SCS SAP Project

The project “Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand” (SCS SAP Project) is funded by the GEF and implemented by UNEP. The project aims to strengthen regional coordination for the SCS SAP implementation and to assist countries in meeting the targets of the coastal and marine environment components of the approved Strategic Action Programme (SAP) through the enactment of the National Action Plans.  

The SCS SAP Project will be implemented for five years and executed with the support of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in partnership with the Environment Ministries of Cambodia, PR China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. For more information, visit the project website (www.scssap.org). 

For more information, please contact Ob-orm Utthasit (obormu@unops.org), visit the project page on iwlearn.net or the project website. 

Words and photos: SCS SAP Project