SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
SEAFDEC participated in the Conference on Forest to Reef from 17 to 19 June 2025 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, which was co-organized by the Department of Fisheries and the Forestry Department of Brunei Darussalam. The SEAFDEC delegation was led by the Secretary-General, Dr. Suttinee Limthammahisorn, together with the Policy and Program Coordinator, Dr. Worawit Wanchana. From the SEAFDEC Training Department, the Fishing Ground and Oceanography Section Head, Mr. Sukchai Arnupapboon, and Fishing Ground Information Scientist, Ms. Siriporn Pangsorn, also participated in the event. The Conference was organized to promote the sustainable management and conservation of rich ecosystems of Brunei Darussalam, spanning from pristine rainforests to marine environments, while emphasizing the critical role of blue carbon ecosystems in global carbon sequestration and the ecological linkages between forest and reef systems in maintaining healthy ecosystems and addressing climate change.
The objectives of the Conference were to 1) connect policymakers, academics, and non-governmental sectors with a global network of biodiversity leaders by providing a platform to exchange knowledge, research findings, and best practices; 2) explore opportunities for blue and green economic growth, including ecotourism, carbon market initiatives, and innovative approaches that leverage the value of forest-to-reef and blue carbon ecosystems; 3) support capacity-building, education, and skill development while strengthening networks of professionals and advocates focused on ecosystem-based biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction; and 4) facilitate the integration of international best practices and emerging economic opportunities into national strategies and action plans across the forest-to-reef continuum.
The participation of SEAFDEC in this event reflected its ongoing commitment to advancing regional cooperation and promoting science-based approaches for sustainable fisheries and ecosystem conservation across Southeast Asia.
