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Walailak University (WU) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two renowned universities in Taiwan: National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) and National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU). The agreements aim to advance collaborative efforts in mangrove restoration research and promote academic collaboration across institutions. The signing ceremony took place today at the Chorpradu Chamber of WU Hospital.

The MoU between WU and NCHU focuses on collaborative research into mangrove restoration, particularly emphasizing biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and sustainable ecosystem management. The agreement was signed by Associate Professor Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee, Head of the Center of Excellence for Ecoinformatics at WU, and Professor Dr. Hsing-Juh Lin, Lifetime Distinguished Professor at NCHU.

Meanwhile, the collaboration between WU and NSYSU includes scholar, researcher, and student exchanges, joint research projects, co-organization of lectures and symposia, data and research material sharing, and the development of double-degree programs. This agreement was signed by Associate Professor Dr. Mullica Jaroensuthasinee, Vice President of WU, and Dr. Te-Yu Liao, Dean of the College of Marine Sciences at NSYSU.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of WU, who presided over the signing ceremony, remarked, “This MoU, formed within the framework of the Walailak University International Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink, reflects our mutual recognition of the critical role that blue carbon ecosystems - mangroves and seagrasses - play in mitigating climate change and sustaining biodiversity.”

“Together, our institutions will work to deepen the understanding and management of these ecosystems, creating tangible benefits for our nations and contributing to global sustainability… We will pioneer innovative approaches that not only address the challenges of today but also ensure a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come. This is not just an academic pursuit; it is our responsibility to the communities we serve and to the world at large,” he added.

 

The International Workshop for Mangrove and Seagrass Carbon Sink, held from January 12 to 15, 2025, at WU, is organized by the Research and Innovation Institute of Excellence under the Reinventing University 2024 Project. The event aims to promote research cooperation and knowledge development on blue carbon, conservation of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems, and the establishment of international university networks.

During the workshop, participants engaged in various activities, including fieldwork at Banlaem Homestay in Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat which promotes conservation tourism. The event also featured insightful talks, such as Professor Dr. Pei-Luen Lu from National Taitung University, Taiwan, on the comparison of seagrass species in Thailand and Taiwan, and Professor Dr. Hsing-Juh Lin from NCHU, who highlighted the crucial role of blue carbon systems in combating climate change.

Blue carbon refers to the carbon sequestered and stored in oceanic and coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes, which serve as critical carbon sinks. These ecosystems store carbon for much longer periods than terrestrial plants, providing a natural defense against climate change. Moreover, the thickening of seagrass beds helps mitigate the threat of rising sea levels.

 

 

 

News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication