The new normal: protecting the seas and their coral reefs in Thailand

On the occasion of the World maritime day on the 24th September, the Embassy of France and the Alliance Française of Bangkok are holding an event on the protection of the seas and their coral reefs in Thailand.
This event aims at raising awareness on the importance of coral reefs in the marine environment, their role in protecting coastlines, and the threats that weigh on these ecosystems today.
A panel discussion will highlight the environmental; but also social economic and cultural value of Thai seas and their coral reefs, with the foundation Oceansforall, the reef biology research group of Chulalongkorn University, UN Environment programme and IRASEC (Research Institute on Contemporary Southeast Asia).

- Moderated by Dr. Petch MANOPAWITR is a Thai conservation scientist with 20 years of experience in biodiversity research, protected area management and conservation science training. He recently completed his PhD. in designing resilient Andaman marine protected area network at the Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Canada. Petch has also been a freelance environmental writer and received a Green Globe award from the former prime minister of Thailand for the best environmental writing of the year. In 2017, Petch has co-founded ReReef, an environmental and sustainable enterprise based in Thailand with outreach in SE Asia which aims to provide practical solutions for a healthy planet by empowering consumers and build business cases for circular economy.


Speakers :


• Dr. Suchana Apple CHAVANICH, currently works at the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. Suchana has a broad base of ecological research interests that involve the study of nearshore species from tropical to polar regions. In addition, her research focuses on impact of current stressors on marine biodiversity, conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems particular on coral reefs. At present, she is also the Sustainable Ocean Ambassador.

• Tunnie SRISAKULCHAIRAK, is a Programme management officer to UNEP and implementing the EU-funded SWITCH-Asia project to promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and Circular Economy in Asia. She has extensive experience working with multi-stakeholders to promote and mainstream environment into sectoral and national development plan. Coastal and marine issue is her educational background and deep passion.

• Dr Christine CABASSET, a geographer trained in Sorbonne University (Paris) in territory planning, in charge of the research axis on Societies, Environment and Climate Change for IRASEC (French Research Institute on Contemporary Southeast Asia). One of her current research topics is about territorial governance in which tourism’s, sustainable development, and social cohesion, focusing on coastal areas & islands.

• Sirachai (Shin) ARUNRUGSTICHAI: is a Thai conservation photojournalist and marine biologist, who combines marine science and photographic storytelling. As an independent photographer, he mainly works on assignment for National Geographic Magazine (Thai edition) and various conservation organizations. He is an Emerging League of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a talent of 6x6 Global Talent Program of World Press Photo Foundation and a National Geographic Explorer.

• David MARTIN, French national and professional diving instructor, Marine environmental consultant for the tourism industry, Underwater cameraman specialised in Sharks. An Author and documentary film maker, he is the president and co-founder of Phuket based non profit organisation Oceans For All Foundation with projects as shark breeding, seagrass nursery, coral farming and ocean plastic cleaning.