Mainstreaming Dugong Conservation: The CBCGDF-OceanWetlands' Effort for Marine Conservation and Action

 


The China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation’s OceanWetlands working group has long been dedicated to mainstreaming marine and wetlands biodiversity, including the species of the dugong (Dugong dugon) and the restoration of its habitats - seagrass ecosystem. In 2022, this commitment was formalized with the establishment of a dedicated dugong task force, 2 months before the alarming announcement by an international scientific team regarding the regional functional extinction of the species in China. In response to this urgent situation, the working group decided to conduct a feasibility study on the reintroduction in the future of dugongs into their native habitats .


As an influential media platform in China's marine science community, OceanWetlands has consistently published information on the dugong's species status, population dynamics, and the latest conservation efforts, helping to mainstream the protection of this species.


In November 2022, the OceanWetlands working group had the privilege of inviting expert for dugongs at the Abu Dhabi office of the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), to participate in a CBCGDF-organised thematic side event at the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands held in Geneva, Switzerland. During this event, Mr. Grimsditch delivered an insightful presentation focused on the significance of seagrass for migratory species and the importance of international cooperation in their conservation.


Moreover, the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s Chinese Species Specialist Group (ChSSG) has made it a priority to publish an updated edition of the "Chinese Species Research and Conservation Priority Recommendations" annually. On May 7, 2024, Linda Wong, Chief Editor of OceanWetlands and a members of the ChSSG, submitted recommendations, which included suggetions on the establishment of a long-term action plan for dugong conservation and the continuation of feasibility studies for their reintroduction.


In June 2024, OceanWetlands invited renowned marine biologist John MK Wong, who has extensive experience in dugong conservation, research, and rescue, to serve as an advisor.


This will no doubt a long journey, and it won't be easy. Through consistent efforts, the CBCGDF OceanWetlands working group aims to foster a collaborative environment that engages stakeholders across sectors to safeguard the dugong and its habitats. 


As Ms Linda Wong mentioned, by mainstreaming dugong conservation, protecting habitats, restoring marine ecosystems, and fostering international cooperation, there is hope that the precious species, which has been regionally functionally extinct in China, may one day return to its waters.







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(Please note: This article is a routine work record. It is based on meeting minutes and is for information only.)


Reported by Wendy

Reviewed by Samantha

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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