WU THASALA, 18 December 2022 – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarawoot Palipoch, Acting Vice-President at Walailak University, chaired the closing ceremony of the 29th Marine Ecology Online Course, organized between 12 November – 17 December 2022, via Zoom Meeting platform.
During his closing remarks, Mrs. Sumana Kajonwattanakul, Director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute, Ms. Vararin Vongpanich, Biodiversity Research Specialist, and Miss Pornsuree Konanta and Miss Jiraporn Chotchoung, Chevron Thailand Exploration & Production, Ltd., congratulated 41 participants from more than 15 universities, both domestic and international, for having successfully participated in this momentous course and expressed confidence that all knowledge and skills gained from this course would enhance the participants’ future careers.
The 29th Marine Ecology Online Course was co-organized by the Center for Academic Services, Walailak University, and the Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute, with financial support from Chevron Thailand Exploration & Production, Ltd. It was designed with the main focus on strengthening education and research in marine science and other related matters, as well as creating awareness and a philosophy about sustainable marine resource utilization.
The momentous course consisted of five activities in which several marine experts and specialists participated.
The Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarawoot Palipoch, Vice President of Walailak University, followed by a special lecture titled “The Enhancement of Marine Resource Management in Thailand,” given by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thamasak Yeemin, President of the Marine Science Association of Thailand, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, lecturer at Kasetsart University.
Lecturers
More than 15 professionals from Walailak University and other sectors, including Prince of Songkla University, the Department of Fisheries, Chulalongkorn University, and others, took part in the course, providing insights and knowledge on marine science.
Special Talk
This session consisted of 4 topics, such as “The Marine Resource Management of Thailand Based on Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs)” by Prof. Dr. Tuanthong Jutagate, Ubon Ratchathani University, “Coastal Erosion” by Mr. Sakanan Plathonh, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, and “Marine Photographer Skills for Research and Storytelling to Inspire Ocean Protection” by Sirachai Arunrugstichai, Marine Conservation Photography Grant Winner in 2016, and his team.
Practical Science Activities/Science Experiments
– Collecting and managing aquatic animal samples
– Retouching and application of photographs in scientific work
– Design of experiments in marine ecology
– Writing scientific reports
Group Discussion Activity
All students were divided into 10 groups with advisors teaching problem-solving skills, data analysis, and the techniques of science presentation.
The successful organization of the 29th Marine Ecology Online Course reflects Chevron’s commitment to protecting and being responsible for protecting the environment for sustainability. Furthermore, it has demonstrated the importance of all sectors’ efforts and undertakings to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals under SDG 14, “Life Below Water.”