SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
The CITES Secretariat and SEAFDEC Secretariat co-organized the Regional Technical Workshop on Introduction from the Sea (IFS) on 4–7 August 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand. The Workshop brought together representatives from Southeast Asian and East Asian countries serving as CITES Management Authorities and Scientific Authorities, as well as officials from the CITES Secretariat and the SEAFDEC Secretariat, TD, MFRDMD, and IFRDMD. Representatives from relevant international organizations such as FAO, COBSEA, UNEP, and IOTC were also in attendance.
On 4 August 2026, at the opening of the Regional Technical Workshop, the SEAFDEC Secretary-General, Ms. Sampan Panjarat and followed by a video message from the CITES Secretary-General, Ms. Ivonne Higuero, who delivered the Welcome and Opening Remarks.
The Workshop focused on key discussions to ensure that CITES Parties’ understanding of the provisions and requirements of the CITES Introduction from the Sea. During the Workshop, the CITES Parties shared their national experiences and implementation for managing CITES-listed marine species. In addition, the international organizations, including SEAFDEC, FAO, UNEP, COBSEA, and IOTC, also shared the regional and international initiatives aimed at supporting and strengthening the implementation of relevant international frameworks. Technical insights provided by the CITES Secretariat to enhance the region’s understanding of the complex legal and scientific requirements necessary for sustainable trade and conservation.
The collaborative effort between the CITES Secretariat and the SEAFDEC Secretariat demonstrates their shared commitment to supporting Member Countries through continuous capacity-building initiatives and promoting sustainable fisheries management across Southeast and East Asian waters.
