ISME News

events of 2022 events of 2020 events of 2019 events of 2018 events of 2017 events of 2016 events of 2015 events of 2014 events of 2013

　　　　

Some major events of 2022
July 2022
On the International Mangrove Day in 2022, the commemorative stamp and first day cover of the ISME Executive Director was issued in Sri Lanka!

The International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) has been conducting mangrove forest rehabilitation and conservation activities in many countries in Africa and Latin America as well as Asia since its inauguration in 1990.

SUDEESA, a NGO in Sri Lanka, asked us for scientific and technical support of mangrove forest rehabilitation and conservation since 2016. The Postal Ministry of Sri Lanka issued a commemorative postage stamp and first day cover of Prof. Dr. Shigeyuki Baba, the ISME Executive Director, in conjunction with the International Mangrove Day on 26 July 2022. The stamp has been franked with the ISME logo and the envelope carries the national flags of Sri Lanka and Japan, reflecting the close friendship between the two countries. ISME is truly honored and extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Postal Ministry of Sri Lanka and SUDEESA.

Some major events of 2020
January 2020
Publication of 'Rehabilitation of Mangroves in Sabah: The SFD-ISME Project (2014-2019)'

The year 2020 marks a decade of collaboration on mangrove rehabilitation in Sabah between Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and ISME, with funding from Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (TMNF) and collaboration from the Tropical Biosphere Research Centre (TBRC) of University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan.

A book entitled ‘Rehabilitation of Mangroves in Sabah: The SFD-ISME Project (2014-2019)’ was published in January 2020. The publication features planting activities, research and achievements of Phase Two of the project.

For more information, please click here.

Some major events of 2019
August 2019
Visit of Volunteer from Tokio Marine group to Sabah (Sabah, Malaysia)

From 27−29 August 2019, staff of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (TMNF) visited Kota Kinabalu and nearby areas of Sabah, accompanied by officials from Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and ISME. Headed by Mr Makoto Okada (Vice-President), the delegation of 41 staff members from TMNF planted mangroves in Sulaman Wetlands in Tuaran on 27 August and in Pulau ISME in Beaufort on 28 August.

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August 2019
The 18th SFD/ISME PSC Meeting and Signing of MoU for the Third Phase（2019‐2014）（Sabah, Malaysia）

On 23 August 2019, a MoU was signed between Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and ISME, representing the official launching of Phase Three of the project on Mangrove Rehabilitation of Mangrove in Sabah (2019−2024). ISME handed over of a mock cheque to SFD as first payment of the project for 2019 during the event which also included an award ceremony of certificates of appreciation to project staff in Sabah. The MoU was held in conjunction with the 18th PSC Meeting held in the SFD Headquarters in Sandakan.

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Some major events of 2018
2018
Prof. Sanit Aksornkoae (President of ISME) has been appointed as Chairman of the National Economics and Social Development Council of Thailand

We are most delighted and very proud to announce that Prof. Sanit Aksornkoae, our beloved President, has been appointed to serve as Chairman of the National Economics and Social Development Council (NESDC) by His Majesty the King of Thailand. Formed in 2018 under the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand, NESDC is the central planning agency responsible for formulating strategies for balanced and sustainable development in Thailand. Among the duties and responsibilities of the Council are finalizing the five-year National Economic and Social Development Plan, which addresses issues such as poverty, income distribution, competition, social capital development, and sustainable development. Let us pray and bless Prof. Sanit with best wishes he much deserves when serving his country. ISME is very proud of you.

Prof. Dr. Sanit Aksornkoae earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Forestry from Kasetsart University, Ph.D. in Plant Ecology from Michigan State University, USA.

Before becoming the Chairman of the National Economics and Social Development Council of Thailand, Prof. Dr. Sanit Aksornkoae held many important positions, such as:

  • Chairman of the Executive Board of the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park;
  • Chairperson of Executive Board of the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology;
  • Chairman of Thailand Environment Institute (TEI);
  • Chairman of the National Economic and Social Member of the National Environment Committee;
  • Member of the Council of Kasetsart University, Songkla Nakarin University, Payao University, Silpakorn University;
  • Vice President (Academic Affair) of Kasetsart University;
  • Secretary of the Minister, Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry.

Aside from receiving a number of outstanding awards and honors over the years, he was also bestowed the Royal Decorations of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, on 5 December 2000.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute, Academy of Science, and a member of the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand.

For publications of Prof. Sanit, please visit Google Scholar and ResearchGate @ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ELehi90AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/11695684-Sanit-Aksornkoae

October 2018
Thailand begins construction of International Mangrove Botanical Garden Rama IX
(Chanthaburi, Thailand)

On 22 October 2018, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony in Chanthaburi. The ceremony officially launched the International Mangrove Botanical Garden Rama IX, established in honor of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The first in Thailand and probably in the world, the garden covers an area of 83 ha and construction will take three years to complete. One of the objectives of the garden is to serve as a network center for mangrove forest conservation, working in partnership with ISME which has members from 93 countries around the world. The ceremony in Chanthaburi was jointly organized by the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Present at the event was Prof. Sanit Aksornkoae (Member of the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand and President of ISME), Prof. Shigeyuki Baba (Executive Director of ISME) and Dr. H.T. Chan (Executive Treasurer of ISME). Ambassadors and officials from various embassies in Bangkok were also invited.

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August 2018
The 16th Project Steering Committee Meeting and Visit of delegates from Tokio Marine Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. to Sabah (Sabah, Malaysia)

The 16th PSC Meeting was held in the Belian Room, SFD Headquarters in Sandakan on 20 August 2018 and chaired by Mahsor Hj. Mohd, the newly appointed Acting Chief Conservator of Forests. ISME was represented by Prof Shigeyuki Baba, Prof J.E. Ong, Dr H.T. Chan, Dr Mami Kainuma and Mr Katsuhiko Sato. Among the agenda discussed were the publication of the coffee-table book on the phase two project (2015−2019) and the visit of staff members from the Tokio Marine Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. to Sabah in 2019 to plant mangroves.

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March 2018
The 15th Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting on the SFD-ISME Collaboration Project on Mangrove Rehabilitation in Sabah (Sabah, Malaysia)
The 15th PSC Meeting on the SFD-ISME Collaboration Project on Mangrove Rehabilitation in Sabah was held on 29 March 2018 at the District Forestry Office at Lokawi in Kota Kinabalu. Mr F.E. Bajau, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Development), chaired the meeting. ISME was represented by Prof S. Baba, Prof J.E. Ong, Dr H.T. Chan, Dr M. Kainuma and Ms N. Kimura.

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Some major events of 2017
September 2017
The 14th Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting on the SFD-ISME Collaboration Project on Mangrove Rehabilitation in Sabah (Sabah, Malaysia)
The 14th Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting on the SFD-ISME Collaboration Project on Mangrove Rehabilitation in Sabah was held on 27 September 2017 at the Sabah Forestry Department in Sandakan. Datuk Sam Mannan, the Chief Conservator of Forests, chaired the meeting. ISME was represented by Prof S. Baba and Prof J.E. Ong.

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April 2017
The International Conference on Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystems: Managing a Vital Resource for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement (Bali, Indonesia)
The International Conference on Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystems: Managing a Vital Resource for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement was held in Bali, Indonesia, 18−21 April 2017. Jointly organized by ITTO, MoEF and ISME, the conference with participants from 25 countries adapted the Bali Call to Action for Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystems. Prof S. Baba, Prof J.E. Ong, Dr H.T. Chan, Dr M. Kainuma, Dr T. Inoue, Ms K. Baba and Ms N. Kimura from ISME attended the conference.

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Some major events of 2016
June 2016
The International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals: Policy and Practice (Phetchaburi, Thailand)
The International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals: Policy and Practice was held from 27−29 June 2016 at the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP) in Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand. The Conference was held in celebration of 5th cycle birthday anniversary of Her Royal Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the Conference. Present at the Conference was Prof Sanit Aksornkoae (President of ISME and Chairman of the Executive Board Member of SIEP). ISME was represented by Prof S. Baba, Dr H.T. Chan, Dr T. Inoue and Ms N. Oshiro.

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You can download Proceedings(PDF) http://siep.e-bookstudio.com/issue/read-issue/6989 (ebook Library of The Sirindhorn International Environmental Park)



Some major events of 2015
November 2015
International Conference on the Heart of Borneo and Sabah's Ramsar Conference (Sabah, Malaysia)
International Conference on the Heart of Borneo and Sabah's Ramsar Conference were held on November 2015 in Kotakinabaru, Sabah. Prof Baba delivering his keynote address at the HoB Conference.

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November 2015
Courtesy call on the Chief Minister of Sabah (Sabah, Malaysia)
In the afternoon of 12 November 2015, delegates from ISME, TBRC and SFD paid a courtesy call on the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sabah in his residence.

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October 2015
Executive Director of ISME honored by Kiribati
Prof Baba (Executive Director of ISME) was bestowed the Kiribati Order of Merit (Boutokan Toronibwain Kiribati) by His Excellency the President of Kiribati Mr Anote Tong on 19 October 2015. The national honor certificate was signed by the President on 13 July 2015 (Independence Day) in recognition of his tireless contribution to encourage and support mangrove planting in Kiribati for protection of coastline from rising seas and preserving biodiversity of the islands.

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August 2015
Visit of students from Chiba University to Sabah (Sabah, Malaysia)
Accompanied by Prof Baba and Ms Mio Kezuka of ISME, five students from Chiba University of Japan, visited SFD from 25-29 August 2015. The entourage visited mangrove rehabilitation sites at Desa Arca in Kunak, and Sg Mattangar in Beluran. The Japanese students, together with several university students from Sabah, planted mangroves at Sg ISME and Sg Lalasun. The students also visited some natural attraction sites, such as the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Rainforest Discovery Centre, Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok, and Sepagaya Waterfall and Tower of Heaven in Silam, Lahad Datu.

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July 2015
Tenth PSC Meeting of the SFD-ISME Mangrove Rehabilitation Project (University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan)
Chaired by Prof Baba, the Tenth PSC Meeting of the SFD-ISME Mangrove Rehabilitation Project was held in the 50th Anniversary Hall, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan on 21 July 2015. The SFD delegation to Japan was led by Tuan Fidelis Edwin Bajau and Mr Frederick Kugan.

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Some major events of 2014
November 2014
The Perak Conference on a Century of Matang Mangrove Forest Management (Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia)

Prof. Shigeyuki Baba making his presentation at the Ipoh Conference. His paper was entitled 'Community participation: What we have learned from our mangrove projects'.
ISME Newsletter（No.40 PDF) is here

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November 2014
The Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Mangroves (Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan)
The Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Mangroves was held on November 2014 in Tokyo University of Agriculture. Dr. Joseph Tangah from Sabah Forestry Department giving his keynote address.
ISME Newsletter（No.40 PDF) is here

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August 2014
The Eighth SFD/ISME PSC Meeting, signing of MoU for the Second Phase, and visit by high school teachers and university students from Tokyo (Sabah, Malaysia)
The Eighth SFD/ISME PSC Meeting and The MoU signing ceremony for second phase of the SFD/ISME project were held on August 2014 in Sabah, Malaysia.
ISME Newsletter（No.40 PDF) is here

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March 2014
The Seventh SFD/ISME PSC Meeting and Second SFD/TBRC PSC Meeting (Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia)
The Seventh SFD/ISME PSC Meeting and the Second SFD/TBRC PSC Meeting, chaired by Datuk Sam Mannan, were jointly held on 3 March 2014 in SFD Headquarters, Sandakan, Sabah. ISME was represented by Prof. Shigeyuki Baba, Dr. Chan Hung Tuck and Dr. Tomomi Inoue, and TBRC by Prof. Hideyuki Yamashiro, Assoc. Prof. Shin Watanabe and Asst. Prof. Tohru Naruse.

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March 2014
Publication of Studies in Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. ISME Technical Reports No. 6. Tohoku Gakuin University, Can Gio Mangrove Protection Forest Management Board & International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems.
More detail of the publication is here

Some major events of 2013
December 2013
Monitoring of mangrove rehabilitation project (Sabah, Malaysia)
Prof. Baba and ISME staff visited plantation site on December 2013, in Sabah, Malaysia. Planting at Sungai Lalasun near Sandakan was a great success. Planted Rhizophora mucronata and some plants have started flowering after three years

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November 2013
Workshop on Can Gio Mangroves (Tohoku-Gakuin University, Sendai, Japan)
The Can Gio Mangrove Workshop held at Tohoku-Gakuin University, Sendai, Japan in November 2013.
ISME Newsletter（No.39 PDF) is here

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November 2013
Signing of Research Cooperation Agreements with MOU with the National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES) (Tsukuba, Japan)
Signing ceremony of Research Cooperation Agreements with MOU with the National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES) was held on November in NIES, Tsukuba, Japan.
ISME Newsletter（No.39 PDF) is here

↑Please click the image for more photos.

　　
October 2013
Survey of mangroves and monitoring of project in Kiribati
Prof. Baba, ISME staff and five Japanese volunteers visited Kiribati in October 2013.
ISME Newsletter（No.39 PDF) is here

↑Please click the image for more photos.

　　
September 2013
Visit of officials from the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) (University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan）
Sixth PSC Meeting of the SFD/ISME Collaborative Project on Rehabilitation in Sabah Chaired by Prof. Shigeyuki Baba, the meeting was held at University of the Ryukyus on 3 Sepetember 2013. The SFD, ISME & TBRC Joint Seminar on Mangrove Management in Sabah and Biodiversity in the Ryukyu Islands held in University of the Ryukyus on 5 September.
ISME Newsletter（No.39 PDF) is here

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July 2013
International Workshop on Mangrove Conservation and ISME Executive Committee Meeting, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India (Gujarat, India)
Visit to the mangrove plantation site at Sabarmati near Vadgam in Gujarat on 25 July 2013 by ISME members attending the International Workshop and Executive Committee Meeting
ISME Newsletter（No.38 PDF) is here

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March 2013
Launching Ceremony and Seminar of ISME Mangrove Educational Books, Rainforest Discovery Centre (Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia)
Three Mangrove Educational Books published by ISME and ITTO were launched on 12 March, 2013 Continuing the Journey Amongst Mangroves by Barry Clough, Structure, Function and Management of Mangrove Ecosystems by J.E. Ong & W.K. Gong, and Useful Products from Mangrove and other Coastal Plants by Shigeyuki Baba, H.T. Chan & Sanit Aksornkoae.
ISME Newsletter（No.38 PDF) is here

↑Please click the image for more photos.

March 2013
Publication of ISME Mangrove Ecosystems Occasional Papers No.4
More detail of the publication is here
ISME Newsletter（No.38 PDF) is here