Southeast Asian Limnological Network

The idea of organizing an association of limnologists and other experts involved in the study of inland waters in Southeast Asia came about in 2013 during the meeting of Dr. Luki Subehi (Indonesia) and Ms. Adelina (Lennie) Santos-Borja (Philippines) at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia, or LIPI, now, LIPI has changed to BRIN). This was inspired by the need to promote tropical limnological research and studies in Southeast Asia and establish a mechanism for the exchange of information on lakes and other inland waters, collaboration on common research needs, cross-visits of experts and students, and to strengthen policies on conservation and management through evidence-based research involving various disciplines.

The Indonesian Society of Limnology supported the idea during the Seminar on Tropical Limnology, held in 2019 wherein Ms. Santos-Borja was inducted as an honorary member of the Society. SEE HISTORY TAB FOR FURTHER READING.

Since SEALNet has been formed, I am happy to express my gratitude and appreciation to those who have involved directly and indirectly in materializing our dream in order to bind all researchers in ten ASEAN nations. The nations are not only extremely rich in biodiversity, but also contain several unique species particularly in the lakes and riverine ecosystems. To date, Research Center for Limnology-LIPI (Indonesian Institute of Sciences) has played a main role in supporting and encouraging aquatic researches focusing their research works, notably in Indonesian lakes. Since Indonesia officially recorded ~804 lakes, therefore they lead the group in lake studies. The ASEAN ecoregion is known to harbor several endemic species such as Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas), Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) and saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). It should be noted that Mekong giant catfish wild populations are endemic to Mekong river, while Irrawaddy dolphin populations are widely observed along the coastal water of Bay of Bengal and river mouths, and estuaries of Southeast Asia. In this message, I would be very happy if all the researchers in ASEAN work closely and show the spirit of friendship in order to achieve our target. Hopefully, SEALNet will progress well in the future.

Vision

Southeast Asian lakes and other inland waters are sustainably managed and conserved through science-based policies brought about by the participation of limnologists and experts in related disciplines, together with various stakeholder groups.

Mission

To promote research collaboration, training and knowledge exchange.
To establish a data base system on lakes in Southeast Asia.
To create a solid bond among scientists, resource managers and other stakeholders in promoting science-based policies on integrated management and conservation of inland waters.