Marine and Coastal Biodiversity and its Management (WESTPAC-MCBM)

Project Leader: Dr. Suchana Chavanich, Department of Marine Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

This project composes of three programs:

1. Biodiversity and taxonomy of marine organisms
2. Effect of disturbance and current stressors on biodiversity
3. Restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems

Objectives:

1. To understand and provide the scientific basis for biodiversity management by articulating the state of the science with respect to current and emerging stressors.
2. To establish the effective management plan and monitoring programs for marine biodiversity among WESTPAC country members.
3. To encourage research collaboration and to exchange knowledge among WESTPAC countries.

Major Activities:

Overall, the Group will carry out the following functions:

1. Review the regional concerns on ocean ecosystems in the areas of 1) biodiversity and taxonomy, 2) disturbance and current stressors, and 3) restoration and rehabilitation, and identify projects needed for each program.
2. Promote efficient and cost effective implementation of the WESTPAC project and prepare recommendations on this implementation to the IOC Sub-Commission.
3. Ensure effective interaction and communication among WESTPAC country members and with WESTPAC and IOC Intergovernmental Panel.

More specifically, the proposed activities are followed:

1. Have a WESTPAC workshop/meeting in each program
   Biodiversity and taxonomy: workshop on certain taxonomical groups of marine organisms.
   Disturbance and current stressors: workshop/meeting on 1) marine invasive species in WESTPAC region, 2) the effect of anthropogenic factors, or other related issues.
   Restoration and rehabilitation: meeting on restoration techniques for coral reef, mangrove, and seagrass ecosystems.
2. Publish books/reports on biodiversity, disturbance, and restoration of marine ecosystems in WESTPAC region.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Books/reports on marine biodiversity, disturbance and current stressors, and restoration and rehabilitation of marine ecosystems in WESTPAC region will be published.
2. Effective management plan and monitoring programs for marine biodiversity among WESTPAC country members will be identified.

Cooperation:

The initial Project Steering Committee will compose of delegates from nine member countries of WESTPAC: China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Additional to the list on the original proposal, scientists from Vietnam have been contacted and two scientists will also be in the committee: Dr. Dang Ngoc Thanh and Dr. Nguyen Huy Yet.