The Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project works in partnership with many different organisations to conserve dugong and their associated seagrass habitats. Our partners make all these conservation activities possible.

Many different partners play important roles in the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project. Our ‘Key Partners‘ provide funding, administrative, scientific and technical assistance. Our ‘Project Partners‘ work in the field doing the conservation work to save the dugong and seagrass habitats. Our ‘Supporting Partners‘ provide various contributions to the project including in-kind and financial support, legal, moral, and political support.

Key Partners

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems. Since then, the GEF has provided $14.5 billion in grants and mobilized $75.4 billion in additional financing for almost 4,000 projects. The GEF has become an international partnership of 183 countries, international institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector to address global environmental issues.

Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund is a significant philanthropic endowment established in 2009 to provide targeted grants to individual species conservation initiatives; recognise leaders in the field of species conservation; and elevate the importance of species in the broader conservation debate. The Fund’s reach in species conservation is global, and its species interest is non-discriminatory. The Fund is the 'Executing Agency' of the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP is the implementing agency for the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project

MoU on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MoU)

The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MoU) of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) is an international agreement that aims to promote internationally coordinated actions to ensure the long-term survival of dugongs and their seagrass habitats throughout their range. The MoU entered into effect on 31 October 2007 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and has been signed by 26 countries. The Dugong MoU Secretariat developed the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project between 2011 and 2014, and is based alongside the Raptors MoU Coordinating Unit at the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi.
Project Partners

Community Centred Conservation

Community Centred Conservation (C3) is a truly grassroots community-immersed NGO network, focussed on a two-way process for conservation; learning from local communities about their innate knowledge of environmental resources and at the same time providing them with the information they required from collaborative scientific studies to make their own decisions about sustainable resource management. C3 is one of our Project Partners in Madagascar.

Wildlife Conservation Society

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US nonprofit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. WCS is one of our project partners in Madagascar.

COSAP Sahamalaza

COSAP Sahamalaza is a platform for the conservation of nature in Madagascar. COSAP or Steering Committee and Support for Protected Area Sahamalaza is a platform established in September 2008. The main objective of COSAP is to manage the Sahamalaza National Park in collaboration with Madagascar National Parks. COSAP is an NGO mandated by the state to manage the national resource protected areas of Madagascar. COSAP Sahamalaza is one of our project partners in Madagascar.

Endangered Wildlife Trust

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is a non-governmental, non-profit, conservation organization, founded in 1973 and operating throughout southern Africa. The EWT conserves threatened species and ecosystems in southern Africa by initiating research and conservation action programmes, implementing projects which mitigate threats facing species diversity and supporting sustainable natural resource management. EWT is one of our Project Partners in Mozambique.

Blue Ventures

Blue Ventures is a science-led social enterprise that develops transformative approaches for nurturing and sustaining locally led marine conservation. The organisation works in partnership with coastal communities in places where the ocean is vital to the culture and economy, and promotes transformative and integrated approaches to marine conservation and coastal poverty alleviation. The Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project collaborates with Blue Ventures on the Project in Madagascar, Mozambique and Timor-Leste.

Directorate of CMB Indonesia

Directorate of CMB has aim that is to develop and manage the conservation of fish resources, and conservation of coastal areas as well as small islands through the protection, conservation and sustainable use for guarantying the existence, availability and continuity with maintaining and improving their quality and benefit to community. The full name of the CMB Directorate is “Directorate of Conservation and Marine Biodiversity, Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Republic Indonesia. It is one of our Project Partners in Indonesia

Sarawak Forestry Corporation

SARAWAK FORESTRY was established by the Sarawak State Government to position Sarawak at the forefront of sustainable forest management and conservation, as outlined in Sarawak Forestry Corporation Ordinance, approved by the state legislative Assembly in 1995. SARAWAK FORESTRY undertakes the management and conservation of Sarawak’s forests. Sarawak forestry manages a project in Malaysia.

Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies

The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) was established in August 1991 to undertake research and post-graduate training in Marine Science and Coastal Ecosystems. It provides the institutional mechanism for mobilising and integrating the University’s considerable expertise and resources in marine science. The main objective of CEMACS is to enhance the capability of conducting integrated inter-and multi-disciplinary studies leading towards solving problems related to marine and coastal ecosystems. CEMACS is one of our Project Partners in Malaysia.

Department of Marine Park Malaysia

Department of Marine Park Malaysia (DMPM). DMPM holds a greater responsibility not just managing and conserving all 42 islands gazetted as Marine Park but also the leading federal agency in protecting marine biodiversity and resources in Malaysia. The principal goal of establishing Marine Parks in the country is to protect, conserve and manage in perpetuity representative marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs and their associated flora and fauna, so that they remain undamaged for future generations. Other goals are to promote scientific research and to inculcate public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of Malaysia marine heritage.

MareCet Research Organization

The MareCet Research Organisation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation in Malaysia, established in 2012, dedicated to increasing scientific knowledge, implementing conservation actions, strengthening policies, and generating awareness on marine mammals and the greater marine environment. The name MareCet (pronounced ma-rei-set) signifies the two main focus of the organisation: (1) the ocean, in general and (2) marine mammals, in particular. MareCet is first and only non-profit, non-governmental organisation solely dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals in Malaysia. MareCet is our project partner in Malaysia.

Solomon Islands Community Conservation Partnership

Since SICCP’s establishment in 2009, SICCP supports community level conservation initiatives engaging a network of Community Based Partners, customary leaders, Government and Non-Government Stakeholders. Our collaborative approach links community-based initiatives to national and international initiatives. Through SICCP’s current setup and existing partnerships, work is focused on ensuring that community-based organisations are equipped with that the necessary skills and knowledge to manage their sites, such that eventually communities can progress towards registering their sites under the Protected Area Act 2010.

WorldFish

WorldFish is an international, non-profit research organisation that harnesses the potential of fisheries and aquaculture to reduce hunger and poverty. Utilising its scientific expertise, its networks and partnerships, and an innovative ‘research in development’ approach, WorldFish increases the productivity and sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture and improves the lives of poor people who rely on them. WorldFish is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. WorldFish is one of our Project Partners in the Solomon Islands,

Department of Wildlife Conservation – Sri Lanka

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) is the principle government institution responsible for the protection of wildlife resources of the country over its entire land and sea territories. DWC also bears the legal authority to establish and manage the network of Wildlife Protected Areas (WLPAs) of the country, which at present exceeds a total area of 8500 km2; 13% of Sri Lanka’s land surface.

ORCA

ORCA is dedicated to the study, management, conservation and restoration of Coastal and Marine environments, species and natural resources in Sri Lanka. ORCA has been involved in coral reefs and allied marine habitats, Invasive species management, habitat restoration, campaigning for regulation on Marine mammal fishery and tourism. Marine Pollution, coastal development, ornamental marine aquarium industry, Awareness building and training. ORCA is one of our Project Partners in Sri Lanka.

Biodiversity Education And Research (BEAR)

Since its inception in 2009, Biodiversity Education And Research (BEAR) has worked on projects to protect wildlife and conserve habitats all over Sri Lanka. The BEAR team takes pride in performing in-depth research on very diverse and less studied species such as spiders, dugongs, whales and volant and non-volant small mammals, plus are responsible for numerous publications. BEAR strives to achieve a harmonious living with the environment in a sustainable manner by maintaining essential ecosystems, protecting natural areas and providing communities with adequate conservation education. BEAR is one of our Project Partners in Sri Lanka.

National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA)

National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency coordinates research and development and management activities on the subject of aquatic resources in Sri Lanka. Further to that it ensures the scientific and technological expertise for the implementation of the national development program on the subject of living and non-living aquatic resources. It is one of our Project Partners in Sri Lanka.

IUCN Sri Lanka

IUCN Sri Lanka country office was established in 1988. IUCN Sri Lanka National Governing Committee comprises of Government and Non-Government member organisations. IUCN Sri Lanka supports sustainable natural resource management initiatives of the members and partners covering conservation and management of critical habitats, policy/legal and institutional support and environmental education/awareness. Key thematic areas are a) Biodiversity and ecosystems covering terrestrial and inland aquatic systems; b) Coastal and marine resources; c) Business and biodiversity; d) Economics of conservation; e) Water; and f) Climate change. It is one of our Project Partners in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project

Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project is a non- governmental organisation that works on community based marine and coastal resources conservation. The organisation implements programmes such as research, incentives and creating awareness. It has its main office in Panadura and field activities are conducted in Rekawa and Kalpitiya. SLTCP’s awareness programme is conducted along coastal and associated areas of the island. SLTCP is one of our Project Partners in Sri Lanka

Conservation International – Timor-Leste

Conservation International measures success in human terms. Its ultimate goal is to protect the most fundamental things that nature provides to all of us: our food, our fresh water, our livelihoods and a stable climate. It builds upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, CI empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity. CI imagines a healthy, prosperous world in which societies are forever committed to caring for and valuing nature, for the long-term benefit of people and all life on Earth. The local office of CI manages two projects in Timor-Leste

Vanuatu Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation

The Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation is responsible for the overall management and protection of Vanuatu’s environment and sustainable use of its natural resources. It also provides an advisory role to the national government, provincial government and local communities on any environmental issues as they arise. It operates under four main divisions: biodiversity and conservation, environmental protection, environmental planning and assessment; and support services. The Department is mandated under the Environmental Management and Conservation Act No.12 of 2002 to implement its programmes and activities. In addition, the Department implements other national legislation and numerous multi-lateral environment agreements.

The Vanuatu Environmental Science Society

VESS’s purpose is to promote science in the fields of conservation, environmental protection and sustainable development within Vanuatu. We believe using science allows communities to make informed choices so they can live harmoniously with their environment. Our aims are to share scientific information with communities in a form they can understand and to fill knowledge gaps where the science is missing with scientifically robust studies. VESS manages two of our projects in Vanuatu.

Vanuatu Fisheries Department

The Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD) is the government body charged with the implementation and enforcement of fisheries management laws, policies, regulations and principles under the Ministry of Agriculture, Live stock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB). The mission of the Fisheries Department (VFD) of Vanuatu is “to ensure sustainable management, development and conservation of fish resources in order to achieve maximum social and economic benefits to Vanuatu for the present and future generations”. The VFD is composed of six divisions: Administration, Management & Policies, Development & Capture, Research & Aquaculture, Seafood verification and Licensing & Compliance.

Dominican Friars of the Solomon Islands

The Dominican Friars of the Solomon Islands is a religious organization committed to education, assistance to the poor and environment conservation in the Solomon Islands. The members are local people, they live in communities on Guadalcanal, Western Province, Choiseul and Shortlands. In the Western Province, the Dominican Friars are actively working on environment preservation and sustainable development on Logha Island, located 1km to Gizo. Part of their work is to create a peaceful place where people from Gizo can learn about the local wildlife and how to preserve it.
Supporting Partners

Mojo Ink

Seeing your uniqueness, leveraging your differences: Mojo Ink is a new breed of agency that understands how to bring meaning and power to your efforts. We’ve thrown out all the cookie cutters, pitched all ready-made solutions and stopped using fire-heated cow stamping a long time ago. We kicked them all to the curb. What remains is a seriously individual creative structure that treats every client’s challenge as one-of-a-kind. Mojo is the branding agency for the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project. Their work is donated to the project - all this wonderful branding and creative design - kindly - in-kind.

Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy

The Department of the Environment and Energy designs and implements the Australian Government’s policies and programs to protect and conserve the environment, water and heritage, and promote climate action.

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme

SPREP is a regional, intergovernmental organisation comprising 26 members consisting of 21 Pacific Island Countries and Territories and five developed countries with direct interests in the Pacific region. The purposes of SPREP are to promote co-operation in the Pacific region and to provide assistance in order to protect and improve its environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations. SPREP works on the protection of dugongs and their seagrass habitats in the Pacific region under SPREP's Threatened and Migratory Species programme. The Secretariat helps the Pacific region through the development and implementation of initiatives promoting dugong conservation by communities and governments.