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Progress of the Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project in Malaysia

This project aims to conserve dugongs and seagrass habitats in Malaysia through research, policy responses, and community-based stewardship. Results from the project include population assessments, identification of threats, and the development of monitoring methodologies.

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Progress of the Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project in Malaysia

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  1. Progress of the Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project in MALAYSIA3rdExecutive Project Steering Committee meeting21-23 November, 2017 Trang, Thailand

  2. PROJECT SITES: 1. SIBU & TINGGI ISLANDS (2) LAWAS SIBU & TINGGI ISLANDS LAWAS Sibu-Tinggi, Johor Lawas, Sarawak

  3. PROJECT PARTNER MY1 MY2 MY3 MY4 MY5

  4. Results from Dugong & Seagrass Research (Sibu-Tinggi, Johor) • Methods – distributional aerial surveys, acoustic surveys, social science interviews, habitat contaminants study (Johor) • Number of sites and total size in hectares of the research area for dugongs – 1060 km2 (Johor) • Status of dugong population in the research area in 2015 and today – endangered (< 100 animals) • Dugong hotspots in the Project research area – Sibu Archipelago & Tinggi Island (Johor) • Top 3 threats to dugongs – entanglement in fishing gear (gillnets, illegal longlines), boat strikes, lack of habitat protection (Johor); • 3 key dugong research results from the Project – visual and vocal hotspots identified (Sibu & Tinggi Islands), population < 100 animals, threats and habitat utilization identified (Johor) • The MareCet Research Organization owns the data and shared as technical/progress reports with local authorities and GEF DSCP and eventually will be published in scientific journals (Johor) • Research work to be carried out by the Project until 2018 and key research deliverables – • development of systematic monitoring via UAV (Johor) • Genetic research to look at population structure and genetic diversity of the population (Johor); • Behavioural ecology research relating to behaviour of dugongs while in the hotspot, entrance and exit times (Johor)

  5. Results from Dugong & Seagrass Research (Sibu-Tinggi, Johor)

  6. Results from Dugong & Seagrass Research (Lawas, Sarawak) • Suitable methodology for seagrass and dugong surveys using drone were successfully developed and improved continuously throughout the project • Determine the High Conservation Area of dugongs in Lawas by observing the spatial and temporal distribution patterns using drone in on-going • Determine the spatial and temporal patterns of seagrass distribution and coverage is in progress • Provided information on dugong and seagrass in Lawas to the Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources II in October 2017

  7. Dugong Survey Results for 2017 (Jan, Mar, Jul & Oct) Conducting Dugong grazing trail and seagrass obesvation Dugong sighting via drone

  8. Results from Dugong & Seagrass Research (Lawas, Sarawak) Dugong sighting locations (Jan, Mar, July & Oct 2017 Mean Percentage (%) of seagrass cover recorded at permanent sampling station sampling stations

  9. Project Policy Response To Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Needs In MALAYSIA The most important policy needs of dugong & seagrass conservation identified in 2015; • Establishment of National Technical Working Group on Dugong and their habitats • Review the NPOA of Dugong and Their Habitats Key policy gaps to effective dugong & seagrass conservation identified by 2017 • Organized the first meeting on the National Technical Working Group on Dugong and Their Habitats in June 2017. • Establish working committee to review the NPOA of Dugong and Their Habitats in July 2017. • Establish the Dugong Technical Working Committee of Johor State • Follow up actions by the Project – operationalization of the Dugong Sanctuary Management Plan and lobby for gazette of the Sanctuary (Johor) How information generated by the Project has been used to inform decision-making in your country • The National Technical Working Group on Dugong and their habitats had agreed to organize National Seminar on Dugong and Their Habitats in 2018. This is the platform for the project partner of GEF 5 to share the information to relevant stake holder for future direction on conserving dugong an its habitats

  10. Project policy response to dugong & seagrass conservation needs in MALAYSIA How sustainability of the National Facilitating Committee developed under the Project will be ensured after the end of the project • The National Facilitating Committee will become the members of National Technical Working Group on Dugong and Their Habitats Policy work under the Project until 2018, listing key policy-related deliverables • Review the NPOA of Dugong and Their Habitats • Review the Federal Law including to strengthening on the protection of Dugong and their habitats • Co-management training among stakeholders.

  11. Community-based stewardship of dugongs and their seagrass habitats (1) Communities identified to conduct community-based stewardship • 5 resort communities and 1 kampung community identified in Sibu Island • 3 resort communities and 2 kampung communities identified in Tinggi Island • Based on preliminary results, 22 individuals out of 73 showed great interest in becoming conservation leaders • 3 major seagrass sites identified for community management (2 in PulauSibu Western PulauSibu ; Area south of PulauSibu encompassing Sibu Tengah ), 1 in Pulau Tinggi (Southwest Pulau Tinggi in front of KampungTanjungBalang). Dugong sighted in all three sites • Common threats project is trying to address : Boat disturbance, physical disturbance of seagrass. • Expected result: Community based monitoring programme, alternative livelihood.

  12. Education & Awareness About Dugongs And Seagrass: Sibu-Tinggi, Johor • Target groups: local communities, resort operator, school children, fishermen, government agencies- federal & state. • Educational and awareness activities are carried out either on a scheduled basis or on an ongoing : • Education Programme with the Nature Club of Sibu Primary School; • Beach Clean-up Programme; • Exhibition and Marine Conservation Events; • Coffee Shop Talk with the local communities of Sibu. • The locals communities know about dugong and seagrass. Through the awareness program, its increase their interest in participating in the management and conservation activities.

  13. Education & Awareness About Dugongs And Seagrass: Lawas, Sarawak • Completed the Conservation Education Program for schools in Lawas District (75 students) • Conducted the Honorary Wildlife Ranger (HWR) Training and 70 HWR were appointed in Lawas

  14. MALAYSIA - lessons learned • What went well and why? • Dugong and seagrass research generally been conducted successfully, with comprehensive results. • Social science interviews completed successfully, better understanding of local stakeholders’ perceptions and intentions to participate in dugong and seagrass conservation. • A field based staff has managed to integrate himself within the community, becoming the ‘bridge’ between community and authority. Local stakeholders are now more likely to get involved and willing to share opinions. • What went wrong and why? • Lack of communication between Project Partners. • Overlap jurisdiction between Federal & State agencies on conserving dugong and seagrass. • Overlap activities in Proposed Dugong Sanctuary • How can we do better? • Better and more frequent communication between all country project partners • More frequent national facilitation meetings.

  15. Next steps - Malaysia • Continue with dugong and seagrass research (monitoring), development of marine education programmes for the schools, work with government agencies and local communities on the operationalization of the Dugong Sanctuary Management Plan (once gazetted) • Co-management concept and training among stakeholder in managing LMMA including the Proposed Dugong Sanctuary. • Alternative livelihood programme development on Sibu Island • Support and assist on the Proposed Dugong Sanctuary, Johor. • Strengthening the National Technical Working Group on dugong and seagrass • Review the National Plan of Action of Dugong to strengthen the protection on Dugong and their habitats

  16. TERIMA KASIH…

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