On 29 April 2026, the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), in collaboration with the National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS), convened the First Working Group Meeting of the Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration (MER) Living Lab, officially launching a regional platform to advance science-based and collaborative mangrove restoration across Asia. Held virtually, the meeting brought together representatives, experts, and focal points from AFoCO Member Parties, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet-Nam, marking an important milestone in strengthening regional cooperation.
The initiative responds to growing concerns over the declining condition of mangrove ecosystems in the region, which continue to face pressures from coastal development, climate change, and unsustainable practices. Despite ongoing restoration efforts, many countries still experience low success rates due to limited application of ecological approaches and insufficient baseline data. In this context, the MER Living Lab Working Group was established to promote a more integrated, ecosystem-based, and science-driven approach that connects policy, research, and field implementation.
During the meeting, participants discussed the overall framework and research direction of the MER Living Lab, which emphasizes site-specific diagnosis, ecological suitability, and adaptive restoration strategies. The initiative will be implemented through a structured approach that includes knowledge sharing and technical exchange, the development of a regional monitoring and data framework, and site-based research to test restoration methods under real-world conditions. As a key next step, Member Parties are expected to submit their Country Information Submission Forms by 31 May 2026, which will serve as a foundation for regional analysis, identification of potential Living Lab sites, and the development of future activities.
Looking ahead, the collaboration will continue through an in-person Working Group meeting planned for July 2026 in Myanmar, where discussions are expected to move further toward practical implementation. The launch of the MER Living Lab Working Group thus represents a significant step toward a more coordinated, effective, and sustainable approach to mangrove restoration in Asia.
Contributed by Teis Nurani, Fellow Official from Indonesia, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team.