SEAFDEC Convenes the 1st Seaweed Technical Working Group Meeting
Published on December 10, 2025
The regional meeting brought together SEAFDEC Secretariat officials, seaweed experts from ASEAN Member States, governemnt agencies SEAFDEC/AQD, and invited observers.
The Project Management Unit (PMU) dedicated to the "Blue Horizon: Ocean Relief through Seaweed Aquaculture Project" convened on 25–26 November 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, the First Meeting of the Seaweed Technical Working Group (S-TWG). The regional meeting brought together SEAFDEC Secretariat officials, seaweed experts from ASEAN Member States, representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Philippines, the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance (DFiS) of Viet Nam, SEAFDEC/AQD, and invited observers. The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to advancing sustainable seaweed development across Southeast Asia.
Dr. Worawit Wanchana, Policy and Program Coordinator of SEAFDEC Secretariat, emphasized ethe strategic importance of promoting a sustainable seaweed industry that strengthens value chains, protects marine ecosystems, and supports the livelihood of coastal communitites.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Worawit Wanchana, Policy and Program Coordinator of the SEAFDEC Secretariat, emphasized the strategic importance of promoting a sustainable seaweed industry that strengthens value chains, protects marine ecosystems, and supports the livelihoods of coastal communities. Ms. Ida Capacio of the Philippines was elected as Chairperson of the meeting, with Ms. Nguyen Vu Mai Anh of Viet Nam serving as Vice-Chair. Both were supported by the Project Manager and Technical Advisor, Mr. Muhamad Nour.
During the first day, discussions focused on the project overview and the S-TWG mandate to foster regional cooperation. Representatives from Cambodia (online), Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, and Viet Nam shared national updates on seaweed aquaculture, highlighting challenges and emerging regional priorities. Discussion emphasized building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable seaweed industry that contributes to green growth, food security, and climate-positive solutions.
The Second day centered on the development of the Work Program under Component 1, outlining key topics for the Regional Guide, Regional Principles, and Toolkits for responsible seaweed aquaculture. Participants further discussed capacity-building needs and long-term strategies to ensure the sustainability and regional adoption of these outputs. The meeting also finalized the scope, outline, and timeline for drafting the Guide to Promoting a Sustainable Seaweed Industry in Southeast Asia, and discussed the Terms of Reference for engaging a consultant to support the drafting process. Breakout sessions gathered technical inputs, followed by plenary consolidation. Gender integration was also emphasized, including a review of gender roles in seaweed farming and updates to the Gender Action Plan. The meeting concluded with agreements on the next steps and official closure.
The First S-TWG Meeting successfully set the foundation for harmonized regional guidance and strengthened collaborative efforts toward a sustainable seaweed industry. Its outcomes will guide the next steps of project implementation and strengthen Southeast Asia's role as a global leader in responsible and climate-friendly seaweed aquaculture.
The project "Blue Horizon: Ocean Relief through Seaweed Aquaculture" is funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). The WWF-US serves as the GEF Implementing Agency for the Project together with three executing agencies SEAFDEC Secretariat, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Philippines, and the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance of Viet Nam. The Project duration covers from April 2024 to December 2028.
Text and Photos from SEAFDEC.
