Abu Dhabi / Bangkok, 18 February 2016 – Experts in dugong, seagrasses and community-based management met in Bangkok on 15-17 February 2016 to provide guidance and advice on current efforts and future directions for a number of major projects included in the work plan of the CMS Dugong MOU Secretariat.

The Technical Advisors to the Dugong MOU (Dugong Technical Group), along with representatives from the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), the GEF/UNEP Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project, and the Dugong MOU Secretariat, discussed the GEF/UNEP Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project; opportunities for collaboration in conservation efforts in the Gulf region; planning for the Third Meeting of Signatory States to the Dugong MOU; and a new initiative between the Secretariat and EAD to develop an Electronic Resource Kit, a decision-making tool to support managers and researchers select the most appropriate methodologies for dugong and seagrass studies.

Participants also discussed operations of the Dugong Technical Group and its Terms of Reference, including suggestions for improvement in obtaining technical support for the Dugong MOU Secretariat and for implementation of projects under the  Dugong, Seagrass and Coastal Communities Initiative which includes providing technical support to the GEF/UNEP Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project.

The Dugong MoU Secretariat gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi as well as the logistic support from Marine Research Foundation to co-host this meeting.