Is scientific knowledge necessary for effective management of mangrove ecosystems?

[Chris Paterson]

Dear colleagues and friends,

Professor Gong has contacted me from the mangrove training course in Penang, Malaysia suggesting the following topic for discussion this month (May 2007):

Is there a need to understand science for the effective management of mangrove ecosystems?

The following is Prof. Gong's message:

We are about half way through the GEF/UNEP SCS training course on “Sustainable use management of mangrove ecosystems”. A few participants have asked why the course has had a number of lectures on the scientific aspects including identification of plant and animals, primary productivity, estuarine hydrodynamics, economic valuation and carrying capacity since they have been managing their mangrove ecosystems without any need of knowledge of the above.

A few participants have been really interested in some of these aspects e.g. one participant has been trying to get all the information we can provide on the measurement of primary productivity, while a few others have been keeping track of all the plant/animal species they have come across (and helped collect) during the field trips etc. The question I would like to pose (as our topic of discussion for this forum) is: Is there a need to understand science for the effective management of mangrove ecosystems?

Best regards,

Chris :).

[Vu Tan Phuong]

Dear Prof. Goong and colleagues,

Yes, I do agree that science always underpine the development and management. In this course of the training, the basic understading on the mangrove ecosystems is very important. And of course, there will also be very important to know how to capture/apply scientific base into management.

Best regards
Vu Tan Phuong

[John Pernetta]

This is not strictly a reply to Gong's initial message, to which of course the answer is yes we do need sound scientific data and knowledge if we are to manage any set of human actions in the environment. When someone claims to have successfully managed mangroves without such data and information the chances are that they are wrong! It is likely that changes are occurring in the distribution and abundance of organisms that they simply have not noticed because they do not distinguish between the species concerned; or the trends in numbers are so slow as to be not immediately obvious from year to year.

My reason for posting is a news article from a Finnish newspaper that I encountered this morning which I am including herewith:

Stora Enso acquires land for mill site in China



The Finnish-Swedish pulp and paper manufacturer Stora Enso announced on April 28th that it has acquired a total of 250 hectares of industrial land in China for possible future use as a mill site.


The prospective site is in Beihai City in Guangxi, on the coast of the South China Sea, quite close to the Vietnam border, and its purchase price is about EUR 27 million. Stora Enso has been expanding its forest plantations in Guangxi, planning to establish a pulp and paper/board mill in the area.

Stora Enso stressed that no formal decision concerning the investment has been made as yet. A prerequisite for the investment decision is that the company is able to expand its present eucalyptus plantations in a way that will secure a sufficient fibre base.


Currently, Stora Enso has some 90,000 hectares of land for forest plantations, while the company’s goal is to expand its plantation area to 160,000 hectares.

Stora Enso reported further that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has assessed the Guangxi plantations, finding no major environmental or social issues that could have an impact on Stora Enso’s plantation project in Guangxi.


Stora Enso already owns and operates a fine paper mill in China.

Why I have posted this is not because it will be of immediate interest to our colleagues in the Guangxi Mangrove Institute (although they probably are aware of this already) but because of the statement in the last paragraph that "UNDP has assessed the plantations finding no major environmental or social issues that could have an impact on.........."

Two questions arise from this:

1. Since when has UNDP been the Environmental arm of the United Nations?

2. What proof (i.e. scientific data and information) are available to support this assertion?

Perhaps Dr. Fan is aware of this UNDP study and can enlighten us, since I am very certain that the rate of transpiration of eucalyptus is considerably greater than the native vegetation, the root system penetrates deeper than native tress and hence a likely impact is a lowering of the water table. Does the UNDP study make any mention of this?

Regards
John

[Chris Paterson]

Sorry to interrupt the start of this discussion, but I thought some of you may enjoy the following photos from the recent RWG-Mangroves meeting in Koh Kong, Cambodia:

http://www.unepscs.org/images/rsgallery/display/South_China_Sea_Project_Mangroves_199.jpg.jpg
^The ferry crossing on the way from Phnom Penh to Koh Kong :)

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../images/rsgallery/display/South_China_Sea_Project_Mangroves_222.jpg.jpg
^ The Regional Working Group on Mangroves

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../images/rsgallery/display/South_China_Sea_Project_Mangroves_216.jpg.jpg
^ The deadly Koh Kong durian - Nyoto probably wishes to forget these :).

http://www.unepscs.org/images/rsgallery/display/South_China_Sea_Project_Mangroves_276.jpg.jpg
^ By the way, can any of you remember what these are? (Don't forget about your commitment to finish the mangrove cookbook!)

Please visit the mangrove photo gallery (http://www.unepscs.org/option,com_rsgallery2/Itemid,209/catid,4.html) for more. So far we have 281 photos online from your 8 mangrove meetings and demonstration sites - click here (http://www.unepscs.org/option,com_rsgallery2/Itemid,209/catid,4.html).

[John Pernetta]

The photograph is of Lingula, a brachiopod and sole surviving member of a once flourishing phylum, the so-called lamp shells. Found in muddy substrata in the tropics and sub-triopics often in association with sipunculid worms.

[Gong Wooi Khoon]

We are approaching the end of the GEF/UNEP SCS training course on mangroves and had a discussion this morning on the management system as practised in Matang. I think everyone agreed that there is a need for scientific (including economics and social sciences) knowledge for the effective management of mangroves. Also, whilst it is agreed that Matang has the best managed mangrove forest in the world, the group recognizes that there is room for improvement. I append herewith the gist of the discussion this morning:

Matang Mangrove Management – General Discussion 7 May, 2007
Led by: Ong Jin Eong
Rapporteur: Gong Wooi Khoon


1. Rotation
Rotation in Matang is 30 years.
How to determine rotation?
Go to forest and study GBH x age and MAI x age to pick when MAI is max.
Matang system – harvest is not at MAI (highest growth rate) which occurs around 15 years and not 30 years. But system good ecologically because animal populations & some other ecological aspects less disturbed with longer rotation.

2. Thinnings
Planting at planting density of 1.2x1.2m gives around 8000 trees/ha. British decided on certain ages of thinning to get some income instead of waiting till the end of the rotation. But at 15 years (1st thinning as practiced now), a lot of dead trees already. So what to do?
No. of trees vs time – get a reverse J curve. Refer to Gong et al paper on demography – around 12 years or so, many trees have died. So minimize wastage by thinning at earlier age. But is the size big enough for commercial use? At 20 years, also lots of dead trees earlier so maybe can thin earlier like at 18 years. No problem with size then. Looking at natural thinning, you can also determine what is a good number to remove.
Year 1 8000 trees
Year 15 7000 trees (some death)
Half removed so 3500 trees left.
Year 20 3000 trees (some death)
Half removed – around 1500 trees
Year 30 Around 1400 left

3. Ecology
3.1 Weeds
When Achrostichum grows in gaps created after harvest, it forms a dense clump so Rhizophora cannot regenerate. Formerly, the Achrostichum clumps were removed manually but now weedicides are used. What is the impact of this on the environment and on other flora and fauna?
3.2 Monoculture
Monoculture of Rhizophora in Matang. Associated problems of monoculture – decreased biodiversity, disease outbreak etc. But in a way, monoculture not so bad as mangroves grow in zones naturally most of the time so OK to have monoculture of Rhizophora in the Rhizophora zone. But in Matang, Rhizophora is grown in zones that naturally are not dominated by Rhizophora naturally. Perhaps this would affect the growth rate (economic consideration) and certainly decrease the biodiversity (and ecotourism).

4. VJR
The purpose of a VJR in many cases is to keep the biodiversity ( a baseline showing what was originally there) and also to act as a seed bank.
What about the VJR in Matang – is it even different from the planted forest? Participants observations/comments:
Cheerawat - Molluscs population higher in VJR,
Bert - Trees bigger and older.
Bert - No Nypa reserve (Answer: not the purpose of Matang – but Nypa can be commercially important so depends on each country)
Phuong - Important to know the aim of the VJR – the Matang VJR is too small for seed bank. (Answer: in Matang purpose is to keep a small area of the “natural” forest as is done in terrestrial forests, but in mangroves, naturally occurring species depends on zones so having just one VJR i.e. one zone then fewer species. Need to improve – perhaps having bigger VJRs or in different zones).
Bansok - Need to have reserves in different zones perhaps including mudflats.
Bansok - What is the maximum size of mangroves that can be converted to other use in any area? (Answer: cannot give a number. Depends on area. Have to monitor each area – use concepts like carrying capacity, limits of acceptable change etc. A manager needs to understand scientific, economics and social aspects (multi-sectorial) to write a proper management plan. Certain decisions may favour certain sectors e.g. fisheries over forestry – you have to make the decisions depending on the purpose of the management and explain your decisions and actions to the different stakeholders.
Suhaili - Matang VJR – is this conserving gene pool? Is the size too small? What is the minimum size? (Answer: minimum size varies depends on purpose and area).
Suhaili - How about having arboretums? (Answer: arboretums is also a terrestrial concept – no zones. Ok if the purpose is to put together many species in one small area for tourists but not for conservation of species – conservating of different zones is necessary then).

5. Economics
We know the price of cockles, some fish, dried prawns, charcoal, poles etc. Is charcoal underpriced? Why?
Participants’ comments:
Mai - Price for charcoal is low because of government subsidy. Externalities not taken into consideration. (Answer: the government pays for salaries for officers and workers for replanting and looking after the mangroves for 30 years, infrastructure etc. So, government should include this as part of the cost. The producers of charcoal should be charged more to cover government costs and they can maintain their profits if they sell charcoal at a higher price).
Mai - There is also environmental cost. (Answer: yes and the details are not worked out as yet. Market failure because of government subsidy? Government also provides social aspects like education of tourists and students. It is necessary to have an economist as well as scientists on the team working out management plans so that the plan is economically sound for the long term as well as reduce environmental costs).
Gate price of charcoal is RM800 per hectare. Someone wants to clear mangroves to make prawn ponds to sell prawns at RM20 per kg – much more revenue than charcoal. So why keep mangrove forests for charcoal instead of converting to other uses? It is therefore important to increase the price of charcoal so that economically, charcoal production compares better. Of course, we keeping the forest (for charcoal production has other uses (remember goods and services lecture). Also the government should provide equity.
Participants’ Comments;
Suhaili – as we saw during our field trip, many people use mangroves for education and ecotourism purposes. How much should the government charge for such services. (Answer: for ecotourism, the forestry department can work out the charges. But for education and also for the local population, the government should perhaps provide this free of charge).
Bert – yes, should charge eco-tourists e.g. chalets charges to be equal to hotel charges. (Answer: depends on individual governments and sites. Decide at a policy level what to do e.g. perhaps Matang will attract more tourists to Malaysia so indirect benefits already).

6. Is knowledge of science (including economics) needed for effective management of mangroves?
Yes, science is absolutely necessary for effective management as shown by the discussion over the last 2 weeks and also in today’s discussion. It is necessary for hard scientists, economists and social scientists to work together.
Participants comments
Phuong – yes, we need to fit in data into management and policy. (Answer: we need a multi-sectorial team for effective management. We need scientists, economists, forestry workers, fisheries workers, government officals etc to work together for effective management).

[Gong Wooi Khoon]

We are approaching the end of the GEF/UNEP SCS mangrove workshop and during the general discussion on the mangrove management system in Matang, it was agreed that scientific (including economics and social science) knowledge IS necessary for effective management. It was also agreed that whilst the Matang mangroves may be the best managed in the world, there is room for improvement and various suggestions were made. The gist of our discussion is appended below:
Matang Mangrove Management – General Discussion 7 May, 2007
Led by: Ong Jin Eong
Rapporteur: Gong Wooi Khoon


1. Rotation
Rotation in Matang is 30 years.
How to determine rotation?
Go to forest and study GBH x age and MAI x age to pick when MAI is max.
Matang system – harvest is not at MAI (highest growth rate) which occurs around 15 years and not 30 years. But system good ecologically because animal populations & some other ecological aspects less disturbed with longer rotation.


2. Thinnings
Planting at planting density of 1.2x1.2m gives around 8000 trees/ha. British decided on certain ages of thinning to get some income instead of waiting till the end of the rotation. But at 15 years (1st thinning as practiced now), a lot of dead trees already. So what to do?
No. of trees vs time – get a reverse J curve. Refer to Gong et al paper on demography – around 12 years or so, many trees have died. So minimize wastage by thinning at earlier age. But is the size big enough for commercial use? At 20 years, also lots of dead trees earlier so maybe can thin earlier like at 18 years. No problem with size then. Looking at natural thinning, you can also determine what is a good number to remove.
Year 1 8000 trees
Year 15 7000 trees (some death)
Half removed so 3500 trees left.
Year 20 3000 trees (some death)
Half removed – around 1500 trees
Year 30 Around 1400 left


3. Ecology
3.1 Weeds
When Achrostichum grows in gaps created after harvest, it forms a dense clump so Rhizophora cannot regenerate. Formerly, the Achrostichum clumps were removed manually but now weedicides are used. What is the impact of this on the environment and on other flora and fauna?
3.2 Monoculture
Monoculture of Rhizophora in Matang. Associated problems of monoculture – decreased biodiversity, disease outbreak etc. But in a way, monoculture not so bad as mangroves grow in zones naturally most of the time so OK to have monoculture of Rhizophora in the Rhizophora zone. But in Matang, Rhizophora is grown in zones that naturally are not dominated by Rhizophora naturally. Perhaps this would affect the growth rate (economic consideration) and certainly decrease the biodiversity (and ecotourism).

4. VJR
The purpose of a VJR in many cases is to keep the biodiversity ( a baseline showing what was originally there) and also to act as a seed bank.
What about the VJR in Matang – is it even different from the planted forest? Participants observations/comments:
Cheerawat - Molluscs population higher in VJR,
Bert - Trees bigger and older.
Bert - No Nypa reserve (Answer: not the purpose of Matang – but Nypa can be commercially important so depends on each country)
Phuong - Important to know the aim of the VJR – the Matang VJR is too small for seed bank. (Answer: in Matang purpose is to keep a small area of the “natural” forest as is done in terrestrial forests, but in mangroves, naturally occurring species depends on zones so having just one VJR i.e. one zone then fewer species. Need to improve – perhaps having bigger VJRs or in different zones).
Bansok - Need to have reserves in different zones perhaps including mudflats.
Bansok - What is the maximum size of mangroves that can be converted to other use in any area? (Answer: cannot give a number. Depends on area. Have to monitor each area – use concepts like carrying capacity, limits of acceptable change etc. A manager needs to understand scientific, economics and social aspects (multi-sectorial) to write a proper management plan. Certain decisions may favour certain sectors e.g. fisheries over forestry – you have to make the decisions depending on the purpose of the management and explain your decisions and actions to the different stakeholders.
Suhaili - Matang VJR – is this conserving gene pool? Is the size too small? What is the minimum size? (Answer: minimum size varies depends on purpose and area).
Suhaili - How about having arboretums? (Answer: arboretums is also a terrestrial concept – no zones. Ok if the purpose is to put together many species in one small area for tourists but not for conservation of species – conservating of different zones is necessary then).

5. Economics
We know the price of cockles, some fish, dried prawns, charcoal, poles etc. Is charcoal underpriced? Why?
Participants’ comments:
Mai - Price for charcoal is low because of government subsidy. Externalities not taken into consideration. (Answer: the government pays for salaries for officers and workers for replanting and looking after the mangroves for 30 years, infrastructure etc. So, government should include this as part of the cost. The producers of charcoal should be charged more to cover government costs and they can maintain their profits if they sell charcoal at a higher price).
Mai - There is also environmental cost. (Answer: yes and the details are not worked out as yet. Market failure because of government subsidy? Government also provides social aspects like education of tourists and students. It is necessary to have an economist as well as scientists on the team working out management plans so that the plan is economically sound for the long term as well as reduce environmental costs).
Gate price of charcoal is RM800 per hectare. Someone wants to clear mangroves to make prawn ponds to sell prawns at RM20 per kg – much more revenue than charcoal. So why keep mangrove forests for charcoal instead of converting to other uses? It is therefore important to increase the price of charcoal so that economically, charcoal production compares better. Of course, we keeping the forest (for charcoal production has other uses (remember goods and services lecture). Also the government should provide equity.
Participants’ Comments;
Suhaili – as we saw during our field trip, many people use mangroves for education and ecotourism purposes. How much should the government charge for such services. (Answer: for ecotourism, the forestry department can work out the charges. But for education and also for the local population, the government should perhaps provide this free of charge).
Bert – yes, should charge eco-tourists e.g. chalets charges to be equal to hotel charges. (Answer: depends on individual governments and sites. Decide at a policy level what to do e.g. perhaps Matang will attract more tourists to Malaysia so indirect benefits already).


6. Is knowledge of science (including economics) needed for effective management of mangroves?
Yes, science is absolutely necessary for effective management as shown by the discussion over the last 2 weeks and also in today’s discussion. It is necessary for hard scientists, economists and social scientists to work together.
Participants comments
Phuong – yes, we need to fit in data into management and policy. (Answer: we need a multi-sectorial team for effective management. We need scientists, economists, forestry workers, fisheries workers, government officals etc to work together for effective management).

[Tran Thi Kim Tinh]

Dear Prof. Gong and colleagues,

I agree with your opinion. Scientific knowledge is important and necessary for general management, expescially sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems. We are interest in concept of this trainning course, it help us to improve our scientific knowledge about mangrove ecosystem. We would like to thanks Prof and other "teachers" who provided for us these useful information.

I hope that this trainning course is successfully.

Best regards,

Mrs Kim Tinh

[Vener Corpuz Merana]

Dear Dr. Gong and colleagues

Yes, indeed. Scientific knowledge is deemed necessary for sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems. Without this basic knowledge/information in science appropriate approach/strategies can't be attained. Furthermore, scientific knowledge is a pre-requisite for effective management scheme.

Personally, i would like to thank you and the rest of the lecturers who provided us valuable information especially in the field of mangrove ecosystems plus scientific base technology during the heights of our lecture.

Best regards.

Vener Corpuz Merana

[Cheewarat Printrakoon]

Dear Prof Gong, Prof Ong and colleages

Yes of course, basically science is the tool to explain and answer in nature. In the case of mangrove ecosystem, science is the tool to drive a decision of mechanism management. We need a combination of scientific baseline information such as ecology, physiology information, including advance science economic and others for make the answer “how we manage our mangrove ecosystem in sustainable and effective way” . From the GEF/UNEP SCS training course on “Sustainable use management of mangrove ecosystems” we grain a lot of scientific knowledge and get the idea to manage mangrove ecosystems, base on science. Thank you very much

Best Regard
Cheewarat Printrakoon

[Udchavadee Onin]

Dear all,
I agree with it. However scientific knowledge should make easy to understand and transfer to community level if we need people relevant in mangrove management and community. Adding scientific knowledge with people experience is one of important thing for effective management of mangrove ecosystems.

Regard,
Udchavadee Onin

[Ros Bansok]

Dear Professor Dr Gong, Dr Ong and respective experts,

- Well,...Science?.....complex language and difficult to be understood, ..... and adapting of high carrying capacity....

- Management........needs a right carrying capacity to ensure a long run of resources availability.......

- Ecosystem........natural assets ...can be goods and services within a limited capacity of production chain to produce their goods and services.

SO, firstly...I would totally agree....most experts use scientific knowledge as the basic toward a good management. That's so fine....however....in regarding to the ground management, especially at the lowest level....resources users, for instance local people hard to follow the scientific knowledge derived/based rules for a management strategy. To this question, from my understanding..there are two levels of management strategy; manager level and local level in rgarding to meet a long run management.

So, the interpretation from managers down directly to local....should and/or must be simple language..to be easily understood. Resources users like local people can see only their basic needs without consideration of long terms uses, ....but managers do.
Finally, I would conclude that...the survival ecosystems.. very need scientific knowledge to foresee the resources capacity of their production vs basic needs of users.

[Chris Paterson]

Thank you all for your participation in this discussion. I have recently received a package of photos from the recent mangroves training course, and thought some of you may be interested in seeing these. Enjoy!

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_01.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_02.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_03.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_05.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_06.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_07.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_08.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_09.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_10.JPG

Best regards, Chris.

[Chris Paterson]

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_11.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_12.jpg

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_13.jpg

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_14.jpg

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_15.jpg

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_17.jpg
http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_23.JPG

[Chris Paterson]

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_18.jpg

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_19.jpg

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_20.jpg

http://www.unepscs.org/forum/../../images/front_page/Mangroves/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Training_21.jpg

[Zhou Haolang]

Dear friends,

Here are some photos I took at the farewell dinner at the end of the mangrove training course.

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/Mangrove%20Farewell/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Course-Farewell_1.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/Mangrove%20Farewell/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Course-Farewell_2.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/Mangrove%20Farewell/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Course-Farewell_3.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/Mangrove%20Farewell/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Course-Farewell_4.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/Mangrove%20Farewell/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Course-Farewell_5.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/Mangrove%20Farewell/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Course-Farewell_6.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/Mangrove%20Farewell/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Course-Farewell_7.JPG

http://www.unepscs.org/images/front_page/Mangroves/Mangrove%20Farewell/South-China-Sea-Mangrove-Course-Farewell_8.JPG

Regards,

Zhou Haolang

Guangxi Mangrove Research Center
92 Chang Qing Dong Lu
Beihai 536000
Guangxi, China
Tel: 0086-779-2055294
Email: zhouhaolang@sina.com

[Roberto Rodriguez Abrera]

Dear Dr. Ong and Dr. Gong,

Please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation for the expertise and enriching experience you have afforded to us during the Regional Training Course on the Sustainable Use of Mangroves Ecosystems on April 25-May 8, 2007 held thereat the beautiful island state of Penang, particularly in your prestigious University SAINS Malaysia.

This is my opinion/comment to the topic for discussion: IS SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS?

Certainly, there is a need. Generally, no private individual owns the mangrove ecosystems. It is a common resource that usually tends to be abused, if no management measures are in place, usually it is managed by the state. In the Philippines and in other countries, the concept of co-management is now being pursued. The national government, local government units and the coastal communities take active, with defined role in the management of mangrove ecosystems.

Massive and consistent information and educational campaign in schools and in the communities, through radios, televisions and print media, on the importance of sustainably managing our mangrove ecosystems are vigorously undertaken by government agencies, non-government organizations and environmental advocates.

Definitely, the information that must be delivered to educate the coastal communities and stakeholders, concerning the management of mangrove ecosystems shall be and shall have scientific basis and explanation.

It is only then, we can convince people out there, who primarily rely there subsistence and settlement in the mangroves and coastal areas, should have scientific knowledge and information, that will make them understand and appreciate what we are professing.

Employing the appropriate strategy and understanding, taking into consideration and glimpse of the social, cultural and economic aspects of the people in a particular place, is likewise a wise move, to gain their qualified cooperation and support.

Hence, undoubtedly, scientific knowledge is an important tool, towards institutionalizing the effective management of mangrove ecosystems among our people.

Best regards.

Very truly yours,


ROBERTO R. ABRERA :)
Aquacultural Center Chief II &
concurrent RFRDC Manager
Inland Sea Ranching Station
Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources-Region 4B
Department of Agriculture
Puerto Princesa City 5300, Palawan
Philippines

[Gong Wooi Khoon]

Dear Friends,

First of all, we would like to use this forum to thank all the participants of the recent GEF/UNEP SCS Mangrove Training Course for their enthusiasm and active participation in all the activities. It was great to have a group that worked so well together right from the start and was so willing to share experiences and exchange ideas. Ong and I certainly learnt a lot from you on many aspects (including the problems you face) of managing mangroves in your various countries; as well as on “scientific” aspects like recent developments on carbon trading (thanks Phuong), and also other important things like some special tricks of photography (thanks Su Bo) and new computer “gimmicks” (thanks Zhou)! Thanks are also due to our own mangrove model (Tinh); economist (Mai); Mo and Qiu for showing us the small mangroves in Guangxi and explaining how important these are; Bert for bringing in fisheries aspects without fail; Vener and Edwin for their keen interest and persistence in questioning the Matang foresters; Eri, Marcel and Odang for constantly pointing out the many “physical” similarities between the Batu Ampar mangroves and Matang and Merbok; our champion crab catcher (Sam Aun); our most enthusiastic and efficient mollusc catcher-and-identifier (Cheewarat); our most capable class “monitor” (Bansok) and speech-presenter (Sothanine); our Mr. Conservation (Amporn) and our school-teacher & main entertainer/dancer (Wadee). Last but not least, we would like to thank Suhaili for so sportingly and ably taking all the criticisms and comments that we “hurled” at him as he was our only “local participant”! Many thanks to all of you!

Now, as to the question of whether or not scientific knowledge is needed for sound management decisions: we, of course, agree with all of you who have posted replies on this e-forum saying that yes, there is no doubt that scientific knowledge is necessary. A few (Wadee and Bansok included) pointed out that whilst the managers could well understand the science, at the local/community level, many “resource users” may not understand the science and it is necessary to present them the scientific basis for management in simple terms so that they can understand better how they too can contribute to using the mangroves in such a way that the mangroves are sustained for the long term. Wadee also pointed out the need to make use of the experience of the local people. These are very relevant points and I think all the participants appreciated how the local cockle-rearer (also contractor for thinning) Ah Miang as well as the charcoal kiln operator (Mr. Chuah) of the Matang Mangroves, had such a good understanding of the basic science as well as appreciation for the need to keep the mangrove ecosystem intact and how to do this by not over-exploiting, the need to keep plants for seed production, the importance of mangroves to fisheries etc. In his message on this forum, Bert mentioned that there is now “co-management” of the mangroves by the national government, local government and coastal communities and there are various education campaigns to educate the public on mangroves.

I think I will stop here and not labour the point that scientific knowledge is indeed necessary for sound management. So, once again, thank you for being such good course participants and also for participating in this e-forum. Lights out please (thank you Sam Aun)!

Ong joins me in sending our best regards,

Gong

[Zhou Haolang]

Dear Friends,
China National Forum on Mangrove Wetland is going to be held from September 8 to September 9. We hope those mangrove people who are interested in the forum can come to my city (Beihai, Guangxi) to attend the forum. Costs for accomodation and foods in my city will be borne by my center (Guangxi Mangrove Research Center).
Title of the forum: China National Forum on Mangrove Wetland
Venue: Beihai, Guangxi, China
Date: Sept. 8-Sept. 9
The themes of the forum:
l Ecological Security of Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
l Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Use of Mangroves
Sponsors:

Forestry Bureau of Guangxi
Guangxi Mangrove Research Center (GMRC)/ Guangxi Marine Environment & Coastal Wetland Research Center
Organizers

Guangxi Mangrove Research Center (GMRC)/ Guangxi Marine Environment & Coastal Wetland Research Center
Forestry Bureau of Beihai
Co-organizers

Guangxi Land and Resource Dept. (Guangxi Oceanic Administration)
Environment Protection Bureau of Guangxi
Guangxi Academy of Science
Beihai Government
International Sponsors

UNEP/GEF-SEPA
UNDP/GEF-SOA
REAGMAN,Japan
Participants
160 participants are expected to come.
Secretary Office
Guangxi Mangrove Research Center
92 Chang Qing Dong Lu
Beihai 536000
Guangxi, China
Tel: 86-779-2065609 (Fax), 2055294
Email: mangrovecenter@sina.com (mangrovecenter@sina.com)
Website: http://www.mangrove.org.com
Contact:
Name
Employer
Mobile
Email
SU Yong
Wildlife Protection Office
13307861293
gxnnsw@163.com
ZHOU Haolang
GMRC
13006999029
mangrovecenter@sina.com
LU Haining
Beihai Forestry Bureau
13507793105
lu126789@126.com
FAN Hangqing
GMRC
13977939731
fanhq@ppp.nn.gx.cn


Return Recipt
ame

Gender

Nationality

Birth Date

Employer

Position

Address

Post Code

Mobile phone

Fax

Email

Presentation Title



Please fill in the recipt and send it to the secretary office, and then we can send you a formal invitation to facilitate the issueing of your visa. Thank you. Hope I can see the friends I met in Penang again in my city.

[Roberto Rodriguez Abrera]

Dear Dr. Ong and Dr. Gong,

Please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation for the expertise and enriching experience you have afforded to us during the Regional Training Course on the Sustainable Use of Mangroves Ecosystems on April 25-May 8, 2007 held thereat the beautiful island state of Penang, particularly in your prestigious University SAINS Malaysia.

This is my opinion/comment to the topic for discussion: IS SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS?

Certainly, there is a need. Generally, no private individual owns the mangrove ecosystems. It is a common resource that usually tends to be abused, if no management measures are in place, usually it is managed by the state. In the Philippines and in other countries, the concept of co-management is now being pursued. The national government, local government units and the coastal communities take active, with defined role in the management of mangrove ecosystems.

Massive and consistent information and educational campaign in schools and in the communities, through radios, televisions and print media, In the importance of sustainably managing our mangrove ecosystems are vigorously undertaken by government agencies, non-government organizations and environmental advocates.

Definitely, the information that must be delivered to educate the coastal communities and stakeholders, concerning the management of mangrove ecosystems shall be and shall have scientific basis and explanation.

It is only then, we can convince people out there, who primarily rely there subsistence and settlement in the mangroves and coastal areas, should have scientific knowledge and information, that will make them understand and appreciate what we are professing.

Employing the appropriate strategy and understanding, taking into consideration and glimpse of the social, cultural and economic aspects of the people in a particular place, is likewise a wise move, to gain their qualified cooperation and support.

Hence, undoubtedly, scientific knowledge is an important tool, towards institutionalizing the effective management of mangrove ecosystems among our people.

Best regards.

Very truly yours,


ROBERTO R. ABRERA
Aquacultural Center Chief II &
concurrent RFRDC Manager
Inland Sea Ranching Station
Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources-Region 4B
Department of Agriculture
Puerto Princesa City 5300, Palawan
Philippines

[alexchiu]

Dear Prof. Ong, Prof. Gong and all friends,
First all, I would like to say sorry to everyone here for my recent absense from E-forum. These days were very busy days for me. After coming from the training course in Malaysia, I had been out of many other cities for work trips. I just came from Fangchenggang 2 days ago. And there are still several field surveys waiting for me to conduct.
Of course, science knowledge is primary for effective management of natural resource, including mangrove resource. On this, maybe it's no need for me to talk too much, many colleagues have mentioned a lot above. But a notable case in point is the application of GIS technique in MPA management. Last week I came from another traing course financed by UNDP/GEF/SOA/NOAA, named 'Marine Protected Area Management Capacity Building and GIS Application Training Course'. With GIS technique, we can run our MPA in more effective and efficient manner. Peaple who are familiar with GIS would agree this viewpoint, I think.
One more thing, we sincerely invite all the friends here to participate the China National Forum on Mangrove Wetland.
Hope to see you all in Beihai!
Qiu

[alexchiu]

Dear colleagues,
One more photo, with friends from Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand:D ;)[/quote]

[Gong Wooi Khoon]

Dear Friends,

Greetings - hope everyone is well and expect everyone is as busy as Xiao Qiu! Ong is away in Okinawa for the Pacific Science Congress/ISME conference - he said that there is some interesting stuff on mangroves and tsunami (received before the conference) that he will email all of us when he returns. I am busy too - just started sorting out my videos and tapes of the alst 35 years and yes, I have had to throw 90% of the VCDs and tapes out due to fungus - I shudder to think what happens when I start looking at photographic slides. Su Bo - have you backed up all your slides onto VCDs yet?

Thanks to Zhou, Qiu and colleagues for invitation to attend the Chinese in-country workshop. I will not be able to join you but would like to take this opportunity to wish you a successful forum. And, I look forward to seeing you in March/April next year for the RWG-mangrove meeting in Beihai. I expect we will be seeing Phuong there as well (as a member of the RWG?)

Best wishes,

Gong

[alexchiu]

Thanks Prof. Gong, I am writing a proposal for the project this week. As the saying goes, Winning Smart After Losing Big, I will try again this year.
And thanks Chris. Today he help me upload a photo, but due to the slowly connection between China and Thailand on the weekend, I had to send the photo to him by E-mail.
I learned from Zhou that probably Phuong will paticipate in Mangrove Forum in China this September, hope other friends can join us, and meet together again, I do miss those nice time in Penang, so many friendly guys....haha
Next week I will go to Zhanjiang for a exam of Metrology Authentication, and will stay for 5 days over there. So maybe I can come again after coming from Zhanjiang.
Regards,
Qiu
-------------------------------
QIU Guanglong
TEL(+86)779 6880875
Mobil(+86)13977975825
Guangxi Marine Environment and Coastal Wetland Research Center
(or)Guangxi Mangrove Research Center
92 Changqing Dong RoadBeihai City, 530600
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PRC 　
chiuchiu[at]vip[dot]163[dot]com; qalong[at]163[dot]com (qalong@163.com)　
　　　　　　　　　2007-06-16

[Sonjai Havanond]

Dear Friends,

On 31 May to 1 June we had mangrove plantation for celebration of the king 80 years old in Chantaburi and Trat province. About 10 persons from Koh Kong, Cambodia came to join the ceremony as shown in the pictures.
They were also enjoy study in mangrove forest and nursery and plantation areas. They will apply this study to their area. It is the first time of cross boundary management for mangrove.
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8070/pic1ld5.jpg
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/4354/pic2as8.jpg
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3526/pic3et5.jpg
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/1457/pic4mn8.jpg

[John Pernetta]

Dear Colleagues,

I have just been copy editing the report of the 8th meeting of the RWG-M prior to sending it for princting and was renminded of our agreements regarding the e-forum. Under item 5.3.12 it was agreed that memebrs would take responsibility on a monthly basis for stimulating discussion and use of the forum as per the following list:

May Dr. Gong
June Dr. Fan
July Mr Vongwattana
August Mr. Koh
September Mr. Santoso
October Mr. Barangan
November Dr. Sonjai
December Dr. Pernetta
January Dr. Hoang Tri
February New Vietnamese Focal Point
March Dr Gong
April Dr. Fan
etc.

Well done Gong for getting things going but what happened Dr. Fan in June and Mr. Vongwaatana in July?

I note also that we agreed under agenda item 13 to post photographs for possible inclusion in the cookbook and that Dr. Fan agreed to provide something regarding sipunculid worms and Dr. Sonjai something relating to pickled sesarmid crabs and their use in Som Tam.

Perhaps Dr. Fan can get us going again with some photos and recipes for sipunculid worms, particularly the ones fried with white sesame seeds - delicious!

Regards to you all
John

[alexchiu]

Dear colleagues,
China Echo seminar of Mangrove Training Course was convened at Beilun Estuary National Ecological Reserve, Fangchenggang, China, from 30th June to 2nd July 29, 2007.
Forty five participants were attended in the training course. The represents were from SCS Fangchenggang Demo sites(Beilun Reserve), Shankou Mangrove National Natural Reserve, project execution institution(Guangxi Mangrove Research Center), schools, NGO, enterprise(Xindi Company) and department of land resources administration, oceanic administration, forestry and environmental protection.
The content of the training course were as follow (to be translated into English):
Topics
Lecturer
Wise-use of Mangrove and Managerial Economics
Mo Zhucheng
Mangrove Rehabilitation
Mo Zhucheng
Mangrove Management and Restoration
Mo Zhucheng
Introduction to Mangroves
Mo Zhucheng
Mangrove Productivity
Mo Zhucheng
Mangrove Structure & Function /Mangrove Goods & Services
Zhou Haolang
Mangrove Animal Diversity
Zhou Haolang
Economic Valuation on Mangrove Ecosystem
Zhou Haolang
Mangrove & Aquaculture/Silvofisheries
Zhou Haolang
Mangrove Plant Diversity in SE Asia
Qiu Guanglong
Mangrove Ecotourismin in SE Asia
Qiu Guanglong
Matang Mangrove Management Experience—Consideration on Mangrove Sustainble Utilization
Su Bo
Strengthen Cooperation, To Conserve the Mangrove Togethe- Reflections on Establishing Mangrove Conserving Network in SE Asia
Su Bo

Still, there were some interactive discussions (See photos) and fieldtrips during the training course.
It’s too late tonight; I think I will upload some more photos tomorrow. And probably Zhou and Mo will post more photos (they are more wonderful) soon……

[alexchiu]

from left to right

Mr. Liu Xiang (Oceanic Administration Bureau of Fangchenggang)

Mr. Tan Xuefeng(Guangxi Forestry Bureau)
Mr. Zhong Bin(Guangxi Environmental Protection Bureau)
Dr. Fan Hangqing(Guangxi Mangrove Research Center)
Mr. Liu Jingfa(Guangxi Land Resources Administration Bureau)
Mr. Wan Litao(Environmental Protection Bureau of Fangchenggang)

[alexchiu]

Representative of NGO was speaking

[alexchiu]

Mo was presenting

[alexchiu]

Zhou was presenting

[alexchiu]

During the discussion~

[alexchiu]

Qiu,I ,was presenting:p

This photo was taken by Zhou, thanks Zhou for nice photo for me.
while, those photos taken by me were all not in quality, sorry~~~

[alexchiu]

Su Bo was presenting~~

[alexchiu]

The representative of shool teachers was asking questions~

[alexchiu]

in the field trip~~

[alexchiu]

in the field trip~

[alexchiu]

Embracing the mangrove~~~
Note the characters in the board means MANGROVE in Chinese~~


This photo was stolen from Zhou(Zhou have more wonderful photos:D ).....

[alexchiu]

to be continued, more photos.......

[alexchiu]

on the discussion

[alexchiu]

The Echo Seminar was convened at Visiting Center of Estuary National Ecological Reserve~~

[alexchiu]

concentrating~~~

[alexchiu]

Reporter was covering the vice director of Guangxi Environmental Protection Bureau during a break of the Echo Seminar~

[alexchiu]

Participants were identifying mangrove plant species~

[alexchiu]

Do u think i am more handsome than the mangrove~:D :D

[alexchiu]

Listening, then noting~~

[alexchiu]

After the seminar, reprentatives of NGO and me,....to be honest, I am one of the NGO:p

[alexchiu]

Dear Phuong, Mai and Tinh,
We were standing on the boarder between China an Vietnam, do you know which location where we were?


;)

[alexchiu]

Visiting a mangrove nursery in FCG Demo Site~~

[alexchiu]

Dear friends,
the last photo~
hope to see your photo taken in your country soon~~

[alexchiu]

one more~~:D :D

[Cheewarat Printrakoon]

There were about 140 participants join Youth Camp Activity- “Youth Network Succeed in Mangrove Conservation” in Trat Mangrove Demonstration at Ban Prednai School, Thumbol Huang Nam Klow, Trat province. From 25 to 28 July 2007 (3 days, 2 night) . 106 Students from 15 schools in TratProvince were main target group for increasing mangrove awareness and conservation among youth people in Trat Mangrove Demonstration Site. The main aim of this activity was to increase knowledge in natural mangrove resources and mangrove conservation to youth people, adding, enhanced awareness in mangrove conservation. To promote Mangrove Conservation network among youth people and moreover produce young blood leader in Mangrove conservation at Trat Mangrove Demonstration that was expected from this activity.

[alexchiu]

CD-ROM "Mangrove's ABC" unveiled recently

[alexchiu]

China National Forum on Mangrove Wetland Held in Beihai, Guangxi in Sept 7-8th, 2007


BEIHAI, SEPT 13th -- A high-profile forum on mangrove wetland was opened in Beihai City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region last Friday. 203 PARTICIPANTS, who were from mangrove administrative institutes, research institutes, universities, NGOs and media agencies in China mainland, Taiwan and Hongkong, attended the forum.


After the theme speeches of Mr. Chen Kelin from Wetland International, Dr. Lin Guanghui from Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mr. Luo Yongkui from Guangxi Provincial Forestry Administration and Dr. Fan Hangqing from Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, the participants were divided into 2 groups and have hearted discussions over the topics "Mangrove and Coastal Wetland Ecological Security" and "Mangrove Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Utilization". During the discussions of one day(two half days), 25 participants delivered their reports and shared their experiences and viewpoints with others.


Besides, visiting on Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Beihai Mangrove Plant Fine Breed Nursery, Daguansha Urban Mangrove Wetland, Beihai college of Beihang and Silver Beach were arranged at the morning of Sept 8th.

On the forum, 203 participants from all over the country, drafted, discussed and eventually agreed on an announcement-BEIHAI DECLARATION. In the BEIHAI DECLARATION, development of propagation and education on wetland conservation, promotion of public awareness, boosting of management ability and monitoring level, were called on in the nation; coastal wetlands along Beibu Gulf were suggested being brought into the general develop planning of Beibu Gulf as strategic environmental economic resources; state government and local government were appealed to promulgate and amend laws and regulations regarding mangrove wetlands protection; accelerating on communication and collaboration with ASEAN countries, to develop a “GREEN” Beibu Gulf Zone were also proposed in the BEIHAI DECLARATION.


:) :) :)

Themes
Mangrove and Coastal Wetland Ecological Security
Mangrove Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Utilization


Host
Wetland Protection Administration Center, State Forestry Adimistration, P.R.China
Guangxi Provincial Forestry Administration
Guangxi Mangrove Research Center/Guangxi Marine Environment and Coastal Wetland Research Center


Organizer
Guangxi Mangrove Research Center/Guangxi Marine Environment and Coastal Wetland Research Center
Beihai Municipal Forestry Administration


Co-organizer
The Department of Land and Recourses of Guangxi(Guangxi Oceanic Administration)
Guangxi Provincial Environmental Protection Administration
Guangxi Academy of Sciences
Guangxi University
Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi
China Beihai Municipal Government


Funded
Guangxi Provincial Forestry Administration
UNEP/GEF-SEPA
UNDP/GEF-SOA


Preparatory Committee/Organization Committee

Chairman

Ma Guangren,Director of Wetland Protection Administration Center, China State Forestry Adimistration
Luo Yongkui,Vice Director of Guangxi Provincial Forestry Administration
Fan Hangqing, Director of Guangxi Mangrove Research Center

Vice-Chairman
Su Yong, Guangxi Provincial Forestry Administration
Lu Changyi,Xiamen University
Wang Wenqin, Xiamen University
Zhou Haolang, Guangxi Mangrove Research Center
Huang Rifu, The Department of Land and Recourses of Guangxi
Zhong Bin, Guangxi Provincial Environmental Protection Administration
Chen Bo, Guangxi Academy of Sciences
Wen Yuanguang, Guangxi University
Chen Yuyu, Beihai Municipal Government


Media
Liang Siqi, Xinhua News Agency
He Gensheng, Science Times
Ma Shun, Wenweipo(Hongkong)
Xu Haiou, Nan Guo Zao Bao
Lu Di, Beihai People’s Radio
Hanjian, Beihai TV Station
Chen Liang, Central People’s Radio, P.R.China
Lv Xin, Guangxi Daily
Qiao Lili, Radio Guangxi
Tang Xiangpin, Nan Guo Zao Bao
Huang Zhijun, Legal Daily
Qin Lin, Nanning Evening Paper
Huang Donghua, Planet Radio Guangxi
Hong Yuyu, Beihai TV Station
Wu Jinhui, Beihai TV Station
Lin Yexia, Beihai Daily
Zeng Chuchao, Beihai TV Station
Qin Bin,Radio Beihai
Chen Jiacai,People Daily Online
Yang Jiekui, Planet Radio Guangxi
Wen Liang,Guangxi TV Station

Fang Wenhui, Guangxi TV Station
Ma Lili, China News
He Zhichan, Scientific Chinese
Lu Qiuchun, China News

The photo below is the group photo of most of participants.

[alexchiu]

Photos of Opening Ceremony

[alexchiu]

Theme Speeches

Photo 1: Dr. Lin Guanghui, from Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Speech on Mangrove Research, Conservation, Status Quo, and Countermeasures

Photo 2:Mr. Chen Kelin, from Wetland International, Speech on Natural Hazard and Mangrove Conservation

Photo 3: Dr. Fan Hangqin, from Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Speech on Smart Uses and Demonstration on Mangrove Ecosystem-Key for China Mangrove Ecological Construction on the Part of Regional Development Trends

Photo 4: Mr. Su Yong, from Guangxi Provincial Forestry Administration, Speech on To Strengthen Protection of Mangrove Wetland, Develop “Green” Beibu Gulf Zone

[alexchiu]

Photos on the forum(delivering reports and discussing)

[alexchiu]

Continue:
Photos on the forum(delivering reports and discussing)

[alexchiu]

Continue:
Photos on the forum(delivering reports and discussing)

[alexchiu]

Discussion and photos outside the forum

[alexchiu]

Photos of evening banquet and shows

P.S.: The shows were presented by Beihai Mangrove(Hong Shu Lin) Children's Glee Club, whose activities were partly funded by Guangxi Mangrove Research Center.

[alexchiu]

Visiting on Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Beihai Mangrove Plant Fine Breed Nursery, Daguansha Urban Mangrove Wetland, Beihai college of Beihang and Silver Beach were arranged at the morning of Sep 8th.

[alexchiu]

Disscusions on Drafting BEIHAI DECLARATION and Final Sitting

[alexchiu]

Photos of the hotel~

[Gong Wooi Khoon]

Dear Friends,

Qiu - congratulations on the successful echo seminor as well as the in-country forum on wetlands - you guys have certainly been busy.

Sonjai and Cheewarat - sounds like you have had various activities in Thailand too. Cheewarat - I agree that it is great to have young ones actively involved in mangroves!

Take care all and best regards,

Gong

[alexchiu]

Thank you Dr. Gong, it is really a pity we coundn't meet you in this forum. I miss all of you so much, and hope to see you soon.

Qiu

[alexchiu]

Dear friends,
Any Further information about the Mangrove Echo Seminar and China National Forum on Mangrove Wetland, please feel free to contact me.

Qiu
-------------------------------
QIU Guanglong

TEL: (+86)779 6880875
Mobil: (+86)13977975825

Guangxi Marine Environment and Coastal Wetland Research Center
(or)Guangxi Mangrove Research Center

92 Changqing Dong Road
Beihai City, 530600
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PRC
chiuchiu [at] vip [dot] 163 [dot] com (chiuchiu@vip.163.com); qalong [at] 163 [dot] com (qalong@163.com)
2007-09-16

[alexchiu]

Snaps from PPTs of some participants

[alexchiu]

(continuing)
Snaps from PPTs of some participants

[Cheewarat Printrakoon]

:D Dear Mangrove friends,
Dr.Gong -Thank you very much for comment.
All, i would like to inform you the result of Cooperative meeting
" The Second Joint Meeting between the Management Teams of
the Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary (PKWS)and Trat Demonstration Sites " at Koh Kong Province, Cambodia, 21 to 23 August 2007. There were 21 Cambodians, 20 Thais and 2 PCUs in this meeting. The objective of this meeting was to foster the exchange of ideas concerning the effective management and conservation of mangrove and wetland resources in Trat and Koh Kong Provinces. to progress and joint activities. Moreover enhanced the exchange of experiences at three different levels: scientific and policy at the inter-governmental level; management and planning at the Provincial level; and action at the local and community levels. We had a good chance to visit local villages in PKWS.

Best Regard,
Cheewarat

[alexchiu]

From May 26 to May 30, a Cambodian delegation consists of seven members, paid a study tour to Guangxi, China.

Mr. Koch Savath, the deputy director general and National Technical Focal Point of SCS/GEF/UNEP Project, Mr. HE. Youth Phouthoong, the governor of Koh Kong province, Mr. Un Chhaly, the chief of Cabinet to Koh Kong Governor, and other members come from Ministry of Environment and Koh Kong Province Government Office, joined the visiting delegation.

During their 5days’ travel, they visited Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Beihai Silver Beach, Daguansha Mangrove Wetland in Beihai, Beilun Estuary Sino-Viet Border Mangrove, Wutou Avian Reserve in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Beilun Estuary National Nature Reserve, Coastal Plant Nursery in SCS FCG Demo Site, Ecofarming Experimental Site in SCS FCG Demo Site, Fangchenggang Jiangshan Primary Center School, Fangchenggang Mangrove Oceanic Ecological Park and Xindi Company.

Exchanges and discussions were also made between the Cambodian guests and relevant people of Fangchenggang Mangrove Conservation Association, Guangxi Beilun Estuary National Nature Reserve, Jiangshan Primary Center School and Xindi Company.

Mr. Savath, on behalf of Cambodian guests, expressed their heartfelt appreciation to all the Chinese people they met for their hospitality. He said, they learned a lot from the visiting of FCG Demo Site, especially on mechanism of involvement of multi-stakeholder, mangrove education, and participation of private sector and NGO in mangrove conservation. Remarks were also made by Mr. Savath that they will bring all the valuable experience they have learned back to Cambodia put their work of mangrove conservation forward.

Both Chinese party and Cambodian party expressed their strong desire for future further collaboration and exchange regarding to mangrove administration and conservation. Mr. Savath also hoped they can meet their Chinese friends at Cambodia in the Cambodian study tour of June.


:) :) :)
Best regard
Qiu
---------------------------------
QIU Guanglong
TEL: +86 779 6880875
Mobil: +86 13977975825

Guangxi Marine Environment and Coastal Wetland Research Center
(or)Guangxi Mangrove Research Center

92 Changqing Dong Road
Beihai, 530600
Guangxi, PRC

[Chris Paterson]

Dear colleagues and friends of the SCS project mangrove network,

The National Technical Focal Point for the South China Sea Project in the Philippines, Dr. Gil Jacinto, forwarded the following link to me today and suggested that you may be interested:

http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/715/1

Best regards,

Chris Paterson

[Chris Paterson]

Dear colleagues and friends,

Dr. Hangqing Fan recently provided the PCU with two videos from the Fanchenggang mangrove demonstration site in China. We have since loaded them to the South China Sea Project video library (http://www.unepscs.org/South_China_Sea_Online_Public_Awareness_Centre/Community_Awareness_Materials/South_China_Sea_MultiMedia_Centre.html).

The first video is a 1.20 minute TV news story on a meeting between NGOs in Guangxi and the Fangchenggang Mangrove Friendly Association for the exchange information and experiences about mangrove management – click here (http://www.unepscs.org/mambots/content/mgmediabot/players.php?params=standalone,true%7Ctype,wmv%7Cpa th,http://www.unepscs.org/images/stories/video/Fangchenggang-Mangrove-China-TV-News.wmv%7Cwidth,400%7Cheight,340).

The second video is a 12 minute TV documentary on the Fanchenggang mangrove site which highlights the work of the Fangchenggang Mangrove Friendly Association, eco-farming, training, and assessment of the effects of cold weather on mangroves – click here (http://www.unepscs.org/mambots/content/mgmediabot/players.php?params=standalone,true%7Ctype,wmv%7Cpa th,http://www.unepscs.org/images/stories/video/Fangchenggang-Mangrove-China-Documentary.wmv%7Cwidth,400%7Cheight,340).

Dr. Fan informs me that both of these TV news stories generated a lot of publicity for the Fanchenggang site and mangrove management generally in southern China.

Best regards,

Chris.