After nearly four years, the SCS SAP Project Regional Working Groups (RWG) on coastal and marine ecosystems, namely Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass, and Wetlands, is finally moving from virtual meetings to an on-the-ground gathering. Taking place in Iloilo City, Philippines from 11-12 August 2025, this meeting marks a pivotal moment for the project. It is our first in-person gathering for the RWGs since the inaugural virtual meetings in December 2021. 

Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) are productive ocean areas near continents, crucial for both the environment and coastal economies. Facing threats like pollution, habitat loss, and overexploitation, LMEs require transboundary cooperation. Protecting our global ocean and biodiversity is a top priority for the United Nations, and for UNOPS, especially as the world prepares for the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, where commitments will be made to #SaveOurOcean. Our regional collaboration under the GEF/UNEP/UNOPS SCS SAP Project directly addresses these challenges in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand LMEs through strong regional collaboration and various activities.

Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS SAP) Project, UNEP/ COBSEA and the Department of Marine and Coastal Conducted a Project Site Visit at Si Chang Island, Chonburi Province

On March 16, 2025, the SCS SAP Project, together with UNEP/COBSEA and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), assigned the Marine Resources Conservation Division through the Marine Protected Area Management Section and the Office of Marine and Coastal Resources Region 2 to welcome Ms Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division, and representatives from UNEP. The purpose of the visit was to study the implementation areas of the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS SAP) Project at Si Chang Island, Chonburi Province.

We are excited to announce the call for proposals for SEA Grants (Innovation and Management Efforts for Marine and Coastal Ecosystems in the Seas of East Asia)! This is for a 12-18 months, valued at US$ 5-50,000 focused on community-based conservation initiatives and research. 

For more information, please visit https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/261657 and this flyer. Please spread the call for proposals in your network and identify possible sites in the project that would benefit from this. The submission deadline has been extended to 15 May 2025, 23:59 UTC+7.

For FAQs, please visit via this google link for real-time questions and responses: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SFW-sVrzwdrf4aBHX6JduVV9XYSP-JQaz8Guw_E3NS0/edit?tab=t.0

The SCS SAP Project is proud to be a collaborating partner in the First Asian Regional Dialogue on Seagrass and Dugong Conservation, taking place in Bangkok from 20-21 February 2025. The SCS-SAP Project Seagrass Regional Working Group will showcase recent achievements from the Seagrass Ecosystem Service Project and the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand.  

We hosted a special Project Day at Kasetsart University's Faculty of Fisheries on 17 January 2025, welcoming the next generation of marine scientists and conservationists. The event brought together over 70 participants, including undergraduate and PhD students, faculty members, and professionals from key environmental organizations.