Highlights from Day 1 of the Walailak International Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink

Date: January 12, 2025

Venue: Huatapan Meeting Room, Walailak University Hospital

The Walailak International Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink, part of the Reinventing University 2567 Project, commenced with an exciting and insightful first day, focusing on Mangrove Carbon Sink Ecosystems. This initiative aims to enhance Thailand’s academic and research excellence in blue carbon ecosystems while fostering global collaborations in sustainability and climate change solutions.

Morning Highlights

-Welcome Remarks and Progress Report by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice-President of Walailak University, set the tone for collaboration and innovation.

-Dr. Mei-Li Hsueh shared her insights on Mangrove Species in Thailand and Taiwan, highlighting their unique biodiversity.

-Professor Dr. Hsing-Juh Lin delivered an engaging session on the Introduction to Mangrove Carbon Budget, emphasizing the role of mangroves in combating climate change.

-Dr. Wei-Jen Lin discussed Carbon Pools and Fluxes in Mangroves, providing participants with valuable knowledge about carbon dynamics in these ecosystems.

Field Activities

Participants then embarked on a hands-on experience at Ban Laem Homestay: A Mangrove Conservation Tourism Community.

Afternoon sessions included fieldwork courses on mangrove restoration, led by a team of experts:

-Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee, Vice President and Dean of School of Science

-Assoc. Prof.Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee, Asst. Dean on Research

-Professor Dr. Hsing-Juh Lin, Lifetime Distinguished Professor, National Chung Hsing University

-Dr. Wei-Jen Lin,Postdoctoral Researcher, National Sun Yat-sen University

-Miss Hsin-Hsun Wu, Research Assistant, National Sun Yat-sen University

-Dr. Mei-Li Hsueh, Research Fellow, Biodiversity Research Institute, MOA

-Mr. Tai-Kun Wu, General Manager, La La Land Ecological Consultant Co., Ltd.

This workshop is a key initiative under the Reinventing University 2567 Project, which aims to position Thai universities as leaders in academic excellence and international research collaboration. By focusing on blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses, this project highlights the importance of research-driven solutions for sustainable development and climate resilience.

The involvement of network universities, including Burapha University and Suranaree University of Technology, strengthens the collaborative efforts and amplifies the impact of this important initiative.

The day concluded with participants gaining both theoretical insights and practical experiences that will contribute to advancing blue carbon research and conservation efforts.

Stay tuned for more updates from the workshop as we continue to explore seagrass ecosystems and their role in carbon sequestration tomorrow!