- Shengle Yin & Wenxi Zhu
- Posted on
- Bangkok, Thailand
On 25th April, during the Closing Ceremony of the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference, the much-anticipated winners of the 2024 WESTPAC Photo Competition on Coral Reef Restoration were unveiled. It was held against the backdrop of the unparalleled but declining marine biodiversity in the region and an urgent call for restoration.
Coral reef, among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, face significant threats from both human activities and climate change. The Western Pacific is home to more than 75 percent of all known coral species, 50 percent of the world’s coral reefs. Coral reef restoration and conservation stand as a key area of actions of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC). The Sub-Commission strives to develop and promote international cooperation in coral reef research, monitoring, restoration techniques and demonstrations. It works to build knowledgebase, raise public awareness, and develop ocean literacy to support Member States in coral reef management, conservation and restoration.
The 2024 Photo Competition of Coral Reef Restoration, a cornerstone of public engagement, aims to inspire coral reef restoration actions, promote citizen science and ocean literacy. By showcasing captivating images of coral spawning, cultivation, coral research and monitoring, the competition seeks to galvanize commitments and eventually motivate positive behavioral changes towards achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the vision of the UN Ocean Decade for Sustainable Development — ‘The science we need for the ocean we want!’
In total, more than 80 entries were submitted from not only the region but also from across the globe. With meticulous selection and evaluation, the winners in each category were chosen, and unveiled. These stunning photographs will serve as potent reminders of the collective responsibility to protect our oceans for generations to come.
Congratulations to all winners!
The winners are:
I. Open competition:
- Winner: Febrianne Sukiato (Indonesia)
- 1st Runner Up: Watchara Samsuvan (Thailand)
- 2nd Runner Up: Chun Hong Tan (Malaysia)
II. Youth competition:
- Winner: Kan Sukarakan (Thailand)
- 1st Runner Up: Pattarawadee Kraipa (Thailand)
- 2nd Runner Up: Patthira Karnpakob (Thailand)
III. Special prize for the participants in the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference
- Winner: Izzat Irfan, Woo Sau Pinn (Malaysia)
- 1st Runner Up: Sittiporn Pengsakun (Thailand)
- 2nd Runner Up: Kiu Yee Tong (Malaysia)