During November 21-23, 2023, consortium orchestrated the “RESCuE-2 Kick-off Meeting” at the Century Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The research project, entitled “Monitoring & Optimization of Mangrove Restoration for Sustainable Management of Coastal Ecosystems in Southeast Asia” (acronym: RESCuE-2), is funded under the EU-ASEAN-Network Joint Funding Scheme. 

The meeting commenced with a warm welcome and an opening remark from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirintornthep Towprayoon, advisor to the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, (JGSEE), King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand. The primary objective of the gathering was to capitalize on the achievements and insights gained from RESCuE-1 and outline the trajectory for RESCuE-2. Noteworthy presentations were delivered, covering diverse topics including the use of games for restoration, the dispersal ecology of mangrove propagules, and the monitoring of faunal assemblages.

Subsequent to the meeting, a seven-day field visit to project sites was slated from November 24 to 30, covering Phang Nga and Trat provinces in Thailand and Peam Krasop province in Cambodia. These visits proved instrumental in gaining valuable insights into the designated study sites in both Thailand and Cambodia. The excursion offered a unique opportunity to delve into the initial stages of project implementation within the ASEAN region. Furthermore, it fostered in-depth discussions on the perspectives of local communities regarding mangrove restoration in the region.

Special emphasis was placed on establishing long-term knowledge transfer management between national forest authorities and local communities. This focused approach aimed to enhance understanding of the project’s impact and foster collaboration for effective mangrove restoration in the ASEAN region. The overall experience underscored the importance of sustained cooperation and knowledge sharing for the long-term success of the initiative.