On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is my great privilege to present this report on the 2026 APPA Regional Forum on Seaweed Blue Carbon for Climate Mitigation, held 6–11 July 2026 at the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand, co-hosted with the Asian Pacific Phycological Association (APPA).
The forum attracted remarkable participation from the global seaweed and blue carbon research community, featuring:
Leading Keynote Speakers and Invited Lecturers in seaweed biology, blue carbon science, coastal ecology, climate policy, and marine finance
A scientific program across five main symposium topics, spanning fundamental biology through to policy and finance
From 20 oral and 5 poster presentations by researchers and early-career scientists from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The event brought together over 76 participants from 13 countries in total across all categories. A field trip to Thale Noi — Thailand’s first Ramsar wetland site — offering a unique perspective on coastal ecosystem conservation
Workshops on blue finance, kelp forest conservation, underwater drone technology, and community engagement
Sincere gratitude is expressed to:
I encourage all participants to engage actively, ask bold questions, challenge assumptions, and forge new collaborations. The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet, and seaweeds are among its most powerful and underappreciated allies in the fight against climate change. It is my sincere hope that the work presented at this forum will inspire new research, new policies, and new commitments to protecting our blue planet.
Prof. Dr. Anchana Prathep
Dean Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University
Chairman of 2026 APPA Regional Forum on Seaweed Blue Carbon for Climate Mitigation
