Report of the 6th Meeting of the Regional Scientific and Technical Committee

Abstract

Project Coordination Unit of the SEAFDEC/UNEP/GEF Project on Establishing and Operation of a Regional System of Fisheries Refugia in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand organized the Sixth Meeting of the Regional Scientific and Technical Committee (RSTC6) at SEAFDEC/Training Department (TD), Samutprakarn Thailand on 4-6 July 2022. The National Scientific and Technical Focal Point attended the meeting from six partner countries. The project's national focal points and the SEAFDEC/TD scientists also participated in the discussions. The RSTC6 finalized the progress works from six countries that align with the Results Framework objectives adopted by GEF/CEO. The main achievement of establishing 15 prioritized Fisheries Refugia Sites in six countries, in addition, to the effective management of critical threats to 15 fisheries refugia sites of about 1.36 million hectares (ha), is expected to be adopted. The RSCT6 analyzed the stakeholder engagement in the project activities. As of December 2021, 6,028 persons are engaged in 225 activities conducted at six country levels. The project considers gender mainstreaming in sustainable management of the fisheries refugia as one of the vital target outcomes.