In these times of climate change and sea level rise, our communities are regularly affected by extreme weather events; simultaneously it’s the time when technologies are taking a greater presence in our everyday lives. And it’s the young professionals from different disciplines who can create the much needed convergence of everyday technology and climate change adaptations in Bangladesh. So it makes sense why 1st Marine Conservation and Blue Economy Symposium had much space and options for the young professionals.
Last year I with my colleague Tawhidur Rahman, M. Parvin and S. Khan participated in the symposium as authors. The keynote, special presentations, thematic sessions and the panel discussion were excellent opportunities to learn multi-disciplinary approaches to marine conservation and blue economy. I presented our research titled ‘Advance use of GIS and RS in the Validation of Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) Forecasting along the Bay of Bengal’ and successfully networked with international stakeholders for future research collaborations on relevant fields.
”Young professionals and students need to make themselves familiar with recent concerns about our marine ecosystems and wildlife.”
So, if you want to build your life around research on our marine ecosystems, wildlife and coastal social-ecological systems, the upcoming 2nd MCBES is the single best place for you to learn, to share, and to build network.
Firstly, as a wannabe marine conservationist, young professionals and students need to make themselves familiar with recent concerns about our marine ecosystems due to anthropogenic impacts, particularly climate change. If you take a look at this year’s Call for Abstract or Student Activities prospectus, you can see that major topics to be covered by 2nd MCBES are going to make the journey easy for you. Being directly involved in the process of discovery, along with the feedback from season chairs, moderators and other participants during the symposium will be proved as invaluable experience to prepare for your future works on marine conservation.
Secondly, communicating research through presentations and publications is an important part of the research process. Several options are available to students for showcasing and publishing their works or taking part in Student Activities. The Symposium aims to connect young professionals, students and scholars from across disciplines and cultures to form lasting networks of research and governance. Together with current stakeholders from universities, government and the industry, participants will discuss the problems of today to find the solutions for tomorrow.
Engr. Md. Shahadat Hossain presented their research titled ‘Advance use of GIS and RS in the Validation of Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) Forecasting along the Bay of Bengal’ in 1st MCBES on 8th June, 2015
Thirdly, young professionals will have opportunities to create a network for research collaborations. MCBES is the only forum in Bangladesh where international marine conservationists will keep an eye for conservation research collaborations in the Bay of Bengal region, some of them will attend in person, some of them will take part via online. Respected teachers and experts from Bangladesh who have works related to marine and coastal ecosystem and livelihoods will attend the meetings. Hopefully there will be dedicated ‘social time’ for networking too. Our research group ‘O.Creeds’ also hoping for leading some presentations according to the sessions with students.
So, check the registration page for upcoming MCBES. Do you really want to miss the deadline for early-bird registration? I hope, not.
Engr. Md. Shahadat Hossain is a Junior Specialist at Institute of Water Modeling (IWM).
