On 12 March 2026, at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) Secretariat, Mr. Adirake Markphol from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) met with representatives from SEAFDEC/TD, led by Mr. Isara Chanrachakig and Ms. Suwanee Sayan from the Project Planning and Management Division, to discuss the implementation of the BOBLME II Project and strengthen alignment between the components implemented by SEAFDEC and IUCN. A total of three (3) participants (1 female and 2 males) attended the discussion.
Under the BOBLME II Project, five (5) components are implemented by the executing agencies. SEAFDEC is responsible for Components 1, 3, and 5, which focus on promoting the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and reducing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, improving port management and the marking of fishing gear, as well as supporting project monitoring and coordination. Meanwhile, IUCN is responsible for Components 2, 4, and 5, which cover the establishment of marine management areas, strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of coastal communities, and contributing to project monitoring and coordination as the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU).
During the discussion, both organizations presented their planned activities and work plans for 2026 to identify opportunities for collaboration and strengthen linkages among the project components. In particular, potential cooperation between Components 1 and 2 was discussed, including possible participation by relevant agencies such as the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and IUCN in the development of EAFM plans. SEAFDEC also welcomed IUCN to participate in relevant SEAFDEC events and activities. In addition, the meeting discussed the arrangement for establishing the National Project Steering Committee under the BOBLME II Project to support effective project coordination and implementation.
