Seagrass-Watch: two decades of capacity building in participatory seagrass assessment and awareness raising provides insight into dugong habitat knowledge

Enhancing the conservation of the dugong (Dugong dugon) and the seagrass ecosystems on which it depends, requires improved scientific literacy and understanding of seagrass importance, filling critical knowledge gaps and... [ view full abstract ]

Enhancing the conservation of the dugong (Dugong dugon) and the seagrass ecosystems on which it depends, requires improved scientific literacy and understanding of seagrass importance, filling critical knowledge gaps and strengthening evidence-based policy and regulatory frameworks. The participatory science program Seagrass-Watch, established in 1998, is globally recognised as an example of successfully engaging and building the scientific literacy and capacity of local stakeholders (citizen and indigenous) to contribute to environmental science. Seagrass-Watch investigates and documents the status of seagrass resources and the threats to this important and imperilled marine ecosystem. We will demonstrate/ present how Seagrass-Watch has brought together scientists and local coastal communities to protect seagrass ecosystems; how Seagrass-Watch has integrated the scientific approach with the traditional knowledge; and how the adoption of the program has contributed to protecting cultural values of seagrasses and dependent biodiversity, including the dugong.