The First Online Regional Working Group on Mangroves (RWG-M) Meeting

The First Meeting of the Regional Working Group on Mangroves (RWG-M) was held via teleconference on December 1, 2021. The meeting's core objective was to coordinate the work of the National Mangrove Committees, ensure effective implementation of project activities toward mangrove management targets, and provide a mechanism for exchanging information and experience among participating countries. The overall project outcome is to establish appropriate forms of sustainable management for 860,000 hectares of mangrove. Key objectives of this initial meeting included: formally establishing the RWG-M and electing a Chairperson and Vice-Chair ; presenting and discussing the SAP targets for mangroves and selected sites ; presenting compiled information on SAP implementation status between 2008-2020 ; and discussing the execution arrangements and workplans for 2021-2022. Furthermore, national focal points from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam were invited to present achievements and the current status of consultations toward revising national targets and sites. A significant outcome was the agreement on follow-up actions for the PCU and national teams, including finalizing the National Implementation Reports (NIRs) and preparatory steps for the next meetings, emphasizing the integration of new issues like climate change and plastic pollution.