About the Speaker

Dr Suchana Apple Chavanich has a broad base of ecological research interests that involve the study of nearshore species from tropical to polar regions. In addition, her research focuses on the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems and the impact of climate change and marine debris on marine ecosystems. Currently, she is also the Project Leader of Coral Reef Conservation in the Western Pacific under the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific. She serves as a Thailand Reef Check Coordinator, teaching and stimulating local communities to protect and monitor coral reef health using ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions. She is also considered to be Thailand’s first female scientist to go diving in Antarctica and the Arctic. Her research work on the Arctic, Antarctica, and coral reefs has inspired young Thai people on the value of marine ecosystems. Because of her work, she has received several awards and recognitions both nationally and internationally, such as the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes Award (2022), the Sustainable Ocean Ambassador appointed by UN-AFMA-FAO Annex (2019), and the Explorer Award by National Geographic Magazine, Thailand (2018).