Seagrass ecosystems are vital habitats for dugongs and other migratory marine species, while also providing essential climate, biodiversity, and livelihood benefits to coastal communities. Despite their importance, seagrass meadows across Asia, the Arabian region, and the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) continue to face growing pressures from habitat degradation, pollution, coastal development, and climate change. In response to these challenges, the CMS Dugong Memorandum of Understanding (Dugong MOU) and key regional partners convened three complementary events in 2025 that strengthened scientific collaboration, regional dialogue, and knowledge exchange on dugong and seagrass conservation. These included the First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation in Bangkok (funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Government of Germany and co-hosted with COBSEA and the Princess Foundation), the First Arabian Regional Scientific Seagrass Workshop in Abu Dhabi (funded by the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre and co-hosted by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi), and a special session on Conserving Dugongs and Seagrass Ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean during the 13th WIOMSA Symposium in Mombasa. Collectively, these events generated region-specific insights as well as shared lessons and emerging best practices that are highly relevant to strengthening implementation of CMS instruments and initiatives, particularly the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough.

The proposed side event at CMS COP15 aims to bring together representatives and experts from these three regions to present the main outcomes and messages from the dialogues and workshops, highlight innovative conservation approaches and successful partnerships, and explore how cross-regional learning can inform policy, research collaboration, and practical management responses. By showcasing examples of effective monitoring, science-policy integration, and regional cooperation, the event will support Parties and partners in translating lessons learned into strengthened implementation efforts under the CMS Dugong MOU and related resolutions on seagrass conservation.

The side event is expected to produce a consolidated synthesis of regional lessons and recommended actions to inform future CMS processes, while fostering stronger professional networks among policymakers, scientists, and practitioners engaged in dugong and seagrass conservation across Asia, the Arabian region, and the Western Indian Ocean. It will also help identify opportunities for capacity development, coordinated research, and collaborative initiatives that can advance conservation impact at both regional and cross-regional scales, reinforcing the role of CMS as a platform for cooperation on shared marine conservation priorities.

Link to COP15 agenda topics: Agenda item 25: Aquatic Species Conservation Issues.

Notes: 

At the CMS COP14, a Resolution and a set of associated Decisions were adopted to strengthen the conservation and sustainable management of seagrass ecosystems, including measures directed at Parties, the Scientific Council, and the Secretariat. Decision 14.65, in particular, requests Parties to identify key seagrass habitats for migratory species, assess threats and conservation needs, and to report progress at CMS COP15. Related Decisions also encourage technical support, inventory development, and collaboration with relevant initiatives and organizations.

This side event will help to inform and support Parties implementing these mandates. 

Agenda: 

• Opening remarks and setting the scene
• Presentation on the outcomes of the First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation, Bangkok, Thailand, 20–21 February 2025
• Presentation on the outcomes of the First Arabian Regional Scientific Seagrass Workshop, Abu Dhabi, 30 Apr. – 1 May 2025.
• Presentation on the outcomes of the Special Session for the WIO Region at the 13^th WIOMSA Symposium in Mombasa, 2^nd October 2025.
• Q & A
• Closing remarks.