Marine ecological ranching is a fishery model based on the key principles of marine ecosystem-based management. In a degraded marine environment, various methods such as artificial reef deployment, seagrass bed restoration, stock enhancement, and release techniques are employed to rebuild or rehabilitate essential habitats. Marine ecological ranching aims to restore and bolster fishery resources, enhance the ecological balance of the marine ecosystem, and achieve the sustainable development of marine resources.

Objectives of this side event:

Develop a better understanding about marine ecological ranching; engage interested stakeholders from diverse sectors, including scientific community, policymakers, and private sectors; and explore the possibility of cooperation under the framework of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific and the UN Ocean Decade.

Recognizing the vital role that healthy mangroves play in Thailand’s coastal ecosystems and economy, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) with the support from Dow Thailand Group spearheaded the establishment of the Thailand Mangrove Alliance in 2018. This public-private partnership brings together various stakeholders to accelerate mangrove and coastal conservation and restoration. Through collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, the Alliance aims to achieve sustainable development goals. The upcoming workshop will specifically focus on valuable experiences from Thailand Mangrove Alliance partners. These include citizen science initiatives, incentive mechanisms that encourage mangrove conservation and restoration, educational programs, and the development of a sustainable “blue carbon” program. Additionally, the workshop will address the significant threat of marine debris to coastal ecosystems.

Healthy oceans are critical for life on earth; hence, the protection, conservation and sustainable use of marine resources is the main premise as indicated in SDG14, advocating for the importance of keeping our Oceans clean and safe for the correct functioning of ecosystems, society and even the economy.  To achieve the SDG 14, and many other incorporated goals, many business corporations tended to set their business standards to help alleviate the global impact and accelerate the ambitious goals of sustainable development.  This special forum aims to bring various stakeholders which establish their own strategies to help protect the ocean and, consequently, moving forward to achieve the SDGs. This forum will specifically focus on valuable experiences from various business cooperation with innumerable lessons among their economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally friendly business practices.

The objectives of this side event are:

• Provide an opportunity for the Conference Participants to interact with representatives from scientific journals;
• Facilitate discussions on publishing research findings, including manuscript preparation, submission, peer review processes, and publication;
• Foster a diverse and inclusive conversation about the publication process and the role of journals in advancing marine science, environments, and oceanography in the region.

Thailand is currently experiencing a severe crisis with the widespread die-off of seagrass beds, threatening the ecological balance and livelihoods dependent on these vital marine ecosystems. The side event, “Seagrass Crisis: Solutions and Collaborations,” aims to address the urgent need for action in response to the recent seagrass die-off along the coast of Thailand. By fostering collaborations and bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, this event seeks to develop innovative solutions to mitigate seagrass degradation and restore coastal ecosystems.

UNESCO in partnership with Fast Retailing, Ltd., the parent company of UNIQLO, is launching a project on ocean education called “Sustaining Our Ocean: Building Healthy Relationships with Oceans in South-East Asia through Education for Sustainable Development. ” Three countries are joining this project: Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam.

The objectives of the launch event are:
• Share good practices in ocean education that are experiential and action-oriented.
• Discuss ocean education approaches and learning activities for children and young people.
• Strengthen regional and national community of practice in ocean education.

Aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and global commitments to achieve 30×30 there has been a rapid expansion in the number and coverage of marine protected areas (MPAs) globally.  However, many MPAs are poorly managed and lack sufficient enforcement to secure marine sites under effective management in large part due to the inherent financial and logistical difficulties associated with patrolling and managing often large, remote tracts of ocean.  Currently there are several management tools that have been developed to improve management effectiveness of the MPAs including SMART, METT, the IUCN Green List and other innovative approach and innovation like community-led coastal fisheries management, Skylight and other financial solutions.

Through this side event we aim to raise awareness of the potential application of these tools in marine systems and other innovative approach including community-led coastal fisheries management, technology like Skylight and financial solutions for MPAs that can contribute to more effective spatial planning and management strategies for both MPA management and improved fisheries outcomes.

The objectives of this side event are to introduce the Korea’s Ocean Satellite, GOCI-II, and advance the application of remote sensing for sustainable development among countries in the region.