Marine Department Launches 4R Strategy to Restore 940 Rai of Seagrass and 295 Rai of Coral Reefs

On February 6th, Dr. Pin-sak Surasawadee, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), revealed that Thai seas are currently facing multiple threats, particularly from human impacts, water pollution, climate change, and biological factors that are degrading coral reefs and seagrass areas. The department has developed a 4R Approach for Ecosystem Recovery focusing on integrated marine ecosystem restoration, covering critical biodiversity and food security resources. The 4R strategy includes: 1. Restoration: Replanting and rehabilitating degraded seagrass and coral areas 2. Regeneration: Protecting restored areas by establishing protective zones and limiting destructive activities 3. Rehabilitation: Improving environmental conditions to support ecosystem recovery 4. Rewilding: Reintroducing marine life to restore ecological balance The DMCR is also intensifying public awareness campaigns about the importance of seagrass and coral ecosystems as nurseries for marine life, food sources for rare marine species, and natural wave barriers against coastal erosion.