FISHERIES REFUGIA PROJECT SITES (Fisheries Linkages)
About the South China Sea
SCS Strategic Action Programme
Project Document
Project Site Visit at Si Chang Island, Chonburi Province, Thailand
Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS SAP) Project, UNEP/ COBSEA and the Department of Marine and Coastal Conducted a Project Site Visit at Si Chang Island, Chonburi Province
On March 16, 2025, the SCS SAP Project, together with UNEP/COBSEA and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), assigned the Marine Resources Conservation Division through the Marine Protected Area Management Section and the Office of Marine and Coastal Resources Region 2 to welcome Ms Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division, and representatives from UNEP. The purpose of the visit was to study the implementation areas of the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS SAP) Project at Si Chang Island, Chonburi Province.
The DMCR is the key agency responsible for implementing the project in this area. On this occasion, Ms.Chanokphon Jantharakhantee, Director of the Sub-Division of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas Management, delivered a presentation on the progress of zoning for the utilization of marine and coastal resources. The zoning is based on the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework at Si Chang Island. Additionally, the delegation visited the Si Chang Island Community-Based Marine Animal Bank Learning Center Under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, which focuses on sustainable community-based marine resource management. Assistant Professor Dr. Ninnaj Chai-thanawisut, Chairperson of the Center, and an expert in marine conservation, provided insights into the community’s efforts.
Call for Proposals: SEA Grants
The SCS-SAP Project is excited to announce the call for proposals for SEA Grants (Innovation and Management Efforts for Marine and Coastal Ecosystems in the Seas of East Asia)! This is for a 12-18 months, valued at USD 5-50K focused on community-based conservation initiatives and research.
For more information, please visit https://
Showcasing SCS SAP seagrass conservation successes at the First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation
The SCS SAP Project is proud to be a collaborating partner in the First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation, taking place in Bangkok from 20-21 February 2025. The SCS-SAP Project Seagrass Regional Working Group will showcase recent achievements from the Seagrass Ecosystem Service Project and the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
SCS SAP inspires the Next Generation at Kasetsart University
The GEF/UNEP/UNOPS South China Sea Strategic Action Programme (SCS SAP) Implementation Project hosted a special Project Day at Kasetsart University's Faculty of Fisheries on 17 January 2025, welcoming the next generation of marine scientists and conservationists. The event brought together over 70 participants, including undergraduate and PhD students, faculty members, and professionals from key environmental organizations.
The day began with a presentation by SCS SAP Project Manager Anders Poulsen, who highlighted the critical importance of coastal ecosystems, emphasizing that 40% of humanity relies on them for their livelihoods. Dr. Vo Si Tuan, Regional Scientific Coordinator, then provided a deep dive into the challenges facing the South China Sea's Large Marine Ecosystems. The afternoon featured interactive discussions, with students sharing their innovative ideas for marine conservation and exploring potential internship opportunities with SCS SAP. This event solidified the partnership between SCS-SAP and Kasetsart University, paving the way for collaborative research, innovative solutions, and regional networking to address the urgent challenges facing our oceans.
Students Raksita Prasongphol, Sirakan Supundit, and Waris Kobayashi underscored the passion and commitment of these future marine scientists. Dr. Suriyan Tunkijjanukij, Dean of Faculty of Fisheries, emphasized the importance of connecting classroom learning with real-world conservation efforts.
The SCS SAP Project Day at Kasetsart University was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of collaboration and youth engagement in protecting our oceans.
Stronger together: SCSSAP retreat fosters collaborative action
Following the 26th Intergovernmental Meeting of COBSEA in Siem Reap, members of the South China Sea Strategic Action Programme (SCS SAP) participated in a two-day strategic retreat aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration for marine conservation.
The retreat focused on developing practical solutions for regional environmental challenges, particularly important given the program's operation across multiple Southeast Asian nations. Through collaborative exercises, participants explored how to better align individual country priorities with regional conservation goals while building stronger inter-team relationships.
United for marine protection at COBSEA's East Asian Seas Meeting
The 26th Intergovernmental Meeting of the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) convened in Siem Reap, Cambodia on 23-25 October 2024. The meeting brought together delegates from all nine COBSEA participating countries: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
COBSEA nations convene for stronger marine and coastal ecosystem management
Siem Reap, Cambodia – The Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) convened its Working Group on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on 21-22 October 2024. Representatives from the nine COBSEA member countries – Cambodia, China, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam – gathered to address pressing challenges facing the region's vital marine environments. The meeting facilitated the sharing of national updates and progress, aiming to advance collaborative solutions outlined in the Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (MCE) Framework adopted by COBSEA in 2023.
A central theme of the meeting was the importance of adopting an integrated approach to coastal management. Recognizing the interconnectedness of marine habitats, participants emphasized the need to manage mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs as a cohesive whole, maximizing the benefits of ecological synergies.
Strategic collaboration in tackling the triple planetary crises in the East Asian Seas region
The SCS SAP Project and the UNEP Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) will convene a session on "Strategic Collaboration in Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises in the East Asian Seas Region: Climate Change and Marine Impacts; Nature and Marine Biodiversity Loss; Marine Pollution" on 7 November 2024 at the PEMSEA EAS Congress 2024 in Xiamen, China. The session objective is to encourage collaborative efforts amongst regional marine organizations in the East Asian Seas to address the triple planetary crises.
Aside from SCS SAP Project and COBSEA, key regional organizations like PEMSEA, IUCN, UNESCO/IOC-WESTPAC, NEAMPAN and ACB will share their experiences, thoughts and insights on collaborative efforts and approaches and how these could transform into a strategic partnership. For more details, please visit the EAS Congress 2024.
2nd Meeting of the Regional Scientific and Technical Committee
The 2nd Meeting of the Regional Scientific and Technical Committee (RSTC) was held on 23-25 July 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, with participation from National Technical Focal Points and Technical Staff from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, together with Regional Working Group (RWG) chairpersons, regional experts, regional partners, and with support by the National Coordinators and Project Coordination Unit. The meeting was also attended by Ms. Isabelle Vanderbeck, UNEP Task Manager, and Mr. Anders Poulsen, Senior Project Manager of the SCS SAP Project. During the meeting, the process for updating of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and the potentials for regional data and knowledge management processes for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand were discussed. The updated TDA and SAP, as well as effective regional knowledge management processes, are considered key outcomes of the SCS-SAP project, and can be used by SCS countries - and the region as a whole - to mobilize future support for multiple national commitments related to climate, biodiversity and the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and beyond.
