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On September 27-28, the MRØ research group held its annual workshop in Engenes, Ibedstad providing researchers a valuable opportunity to share their work progress, collaborate, and learn from one another. The core focus of the workshop was the presentations of ongoing research by MRØ group members. Researchers within the group showcased their latest findings, methodologies, and challenges. The presentations promoted discussions and constructive feedback, fostering a collaborative research environment. Two esteemed external researchers, Professor Jesper Raakjær from Aalborg University, and Professor Juan Carlos Seijo from Universidad Marista de Mérida, were invited to share their expertise and insights. Their presentations enriched the workshop discussions and added a valuable external perspective to the group's research efforts. A highlight of the workshop was the study trip to the Arctic Aqua Center and an aquaculture site in Engenes. Participants had the opportunity to observe aquaculture practices, gain insights into the challenges of Arctic ecosystems, and learn about sustainable aquaculture techniques. This excursion enriched the participants' understanding of the practical aspects of their research. This event has strengthened the research community within the group and contributed to the advancement of knowledge in various related fields.

Salpage Nesha Dushani is a Senior Lecturer of Ocean University of Sri Lanka. Currently she is serving as the Head of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences in the same University. Nesha was awarded the Philosophiae Doctor in Social Science on 02 June 2022 after successfully completion of her Doctoral defence. The title of her PhD dissertation was "Economic valuation of climate change impacts on ecotourism in Rekawa coastal wetland in Sri Lanka: Application of stated preference techniques". Nesha’s PhD research was financially supported through a grant from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORHED), the Climate Change Project SRV/13/0010. Findings of her research provide empirical evidence suggesting that ecotourism is not only an economically viable industry but also a good ecological policy instrument. It is observed that intended visitation behavior of both foreign and domestic tourists to Rekawa wetland decline under the anticipated climate change scenarios. Also, it highlighted the importance of mangrove protection as an adaptation strategy to minimize the climate change impacts. Tourists’ preferences and willingness to pay for mangrove protection support the formation of an environmental protection fund and use of it in different mangrove protection measures. In conclusion, if increasing impacts of climate change are unattended in a timely fashion with site-specific adaptation measures, future ecotourism in coastal wetlands could be at risk.

You can find a digital annual report on publications, course programes, PhD students, ..., of the MRØ group here.