17 August 2022, Trang – Commemorating the loss of the dugong “Mariam” on 17 August 2019, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has established 17 August as “National Dugong Conservation Day”.
DMCR, Blue Carbon Society, and Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Trang Campus signed a memorandum of understanding during “Dugong & Seagrass Week 2022” to set up a research institute for conserving dugongs and rare marine animals.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr. Jatuporn Burusphat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr. Sophon Thongdee, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Prof. Dr. Suwat Tanyaros, Chancellor of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya; Asst. Prof. Kosin Pattanamanee, Vice President of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya; Dr. Jwanwat Ahriyavraromp, President of Blue Carbon Society; Mrs. Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp, Vice President of Blue Carbon Society along with representatives of government agencies and businesses, marine protection volunteers, students, media, and local people, with a total of over 1,000 attendees at the grand seminar room of Thumrin Thana Hotel at Trang.
Dr. Jwanwat Ahriyavraromp, President of Blue Carbon Society; said: “The association has been in discussions with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources since 2019 after the loss of the dugong “Mariam”, sharing our intentions to support operations to conserve and care for dugongs in Trang and other areas. Setting up a research institute to conserve dugongs and rare marine animals is a comprehensive response across all dimensions with partners who share our views and values, which I believe will enable dugongs to be cared for and conserved as the association expects and intends. Blue Carbon Society will work with DMCR to design the project, giving budget support and overseeing construction of the project’s buildings and utilities, including support for providing core equipment, which will be discussed further. I and the association have prepared a roadmap for public relations to raise awareness and encourage society to help take care of dugongs for a sustainable future.”
A "Rak Talay Yingcheep" ceremony honored those contributing to marine and coastal resources. Dr. Jwanwat Ahriyavraromp, Mrs. Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp, Dr. Wit Soontaranun, and marine experts were presented with the award by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
“Dugong & Seagrass Week 2022” on 17-23 August features events to share academic knowledge and to raise awareness and engagement for conserving and caring for rare marine animals, especially Thailand’s dugongs. Cooperation between organizations and the public is vital to help conserve and restore marine and coastal resources, including dugong habitats in Thailand so their population can recover.
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