Dugong and SeaGrass Conservation Project

The Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project aims to enhance the conservation of dugongs (Dugong dugon) and their associated seagrass ecosystems in eight countries in the Indo-Pacific region : Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu. A priority of the project is to work with local communities to help them understand the benefits of conserving dugongs and their habitat. They focus on sustainable fisheries practices and financial incentives, establishing Locally Managed Marine Protected Areas, and advocating for dugong and seagrass conservation as priorities in national and regional policies and planning. This is a GEF funded project, lasting from 2015-2018.