Field visit activity to exchange ideas and listen to issues regarding the current management of the marine ecosystem in Trat Province.

On August 25, 2024, the team was led by the National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) project team, Prof. Padermsak Jarayabhan, along with representatives from the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, and the lead authors.

The project was honored by the presence of the Governor of Trat Province, as well as representatives from various agencies, local administrative organizations, business representatives, the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, educational institutions, and civil society organizations led by the Foundation for Sustainable Development, who engaged in lively exchanges throughout the day. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to visit communities to learn about successful and recognized examples of community-based resource management. However, many challenges and obstacles also remain.

This marks another significant step for the National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) project, aiming to summarize lessons learned, synthesize data, and develop national policy recommendations and governance guidelines at the local and regional levels for effective biodiversity and ecosystem management. It also provides recommendations for future ecosystem assessments in Thailand, ensuring that social, economic, and local knowledge dimensions are considered.