Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pimchanok Buapet from the Life Science Program, Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, PSU, received a grant in the field of Biology for the research "Integrating Seagrass Ecophysiological Characteristics to Promote Ecosystem Restoration and Carbon Storage Capacity," according to a press release of L'Oreal Thailand Research Grant Program "For Women in Science" 2022. The event was chaired by Ms. Onanong Pratakphiriya, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications, L'Oreal (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and held at the Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, on 21 November 2022.
L'Oreal Thailand Project for Women in Science is one of the projects that L'Oréal continues to focus on in its global operations. Science plays an important role and it is a hope of mankind. Scientific advancement requires a lot of effort in invention and research. A broader scientific perspective is also needed, and women can give new perspectives. The world needs science and science needs women.
Dr. Pimchanok's research plays a prominent role in mitigating the effects of climate change. Seagrass in Southeast Asia can store high amounts of carbon, which is considered to be of immense economic value. But now natural seagrass areas are steadily decreasing. Although Thailand has been implementing a seagrass restoration project for a considerable time, further studies and a systematic long-term follow-up are needed.
This is the first research project in Thailand and Southeast Asia to integrate ecological expertise to enhance the success of seagrass ecosystem recovery. The research team selected a comparative study of fertile seagrass and seagrass restored via projects, and focused on high carbon storage potential of the species to be rehabilitated in Thailand. The results of this research will provide important information for planning the restoration of seagrass ecosystems, to identify the right environment, and to assess threat factors in order to provide the most ideal opportunities for the successful restoration of seagrass ecosystems, leading to a reduction in economic losses, and acting as a guideline for seagrass resource management to further promote the potential for carbon sequestration.
The restoration of seagrass ecosystems is one of the strategies that has received national and international attention, because it will not only increase the carbon storage potential of the area, but also lead to an increase in marine habitats, maintaining nutrient levels in water and reducing coastal erosion. The process is also beneficial to the international academic community, and it can be used to further restore the ecosystem at other locations as well.
