GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project
The GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project was implemented from 2015 to 2018 to strengthen the conservation of dugongs and their seagrass habitats across the Indian and Pacific Ocean basins.
The First Coordinated Multi-Country Initiative
It was the first coordinated multi-country initiative dedicated to dugong and seagrass conservation, supporting 38 national projects with 26 local partners across Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu
The project worked with governments, local communities and conservation partners to strengthen community-based management, sustainable fisheries, research and monitoring and the integration of dugong and seagrass conservation into policy and planning. Activities included community conservation and incentive schemes, surveys and monitoring, awareness and education and support for conservation policy development and implementation.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project was implemented with support from UNEP and executed by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, with technical support from the CMS Dugong MOU Secretariat.
The project has now concluded, but its website provides access to information on the country projects, conservation activities, resources and lessons generated through the initiative.