Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Delivers Keynote at Prestigious Danube Delta Symposium in Romania

Highlighting the power of marine science to drive actionable solutions for delta and wetland conservation

Tulcea, Romania | 15 May 2025 - Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, FASc, Director of the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, was invited as a Keynote Speaker at the 32^nd International Symposium “Deltas and Wetlands” 2025, held in Tulcea, Romania, from 12^th to 17^th May 2025. Organized by the Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development (DDNI), this long-standing European symposium is a major platform dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of river deltas and wetland ecosystems. The event brought together leading scientists, policymakers, and environmental practitioners from across the globe, with an agenda shaped by pressing global challenges related to biodiversity, climate change, and ecological resilience.

In her keynote address titled “Translating Marine Science Findings to Actionable Solutions,” Prof. Aileen drew on more than two decades of experience working with marine and coastal communities in Southeast Asia. She emphasized the importance of connecting scientific research with ground realities and demonstrated how localized, participatory marine science can influence policy, enhance biodiversity conservation, and support climate adaptation efforts - especially in vulnerable coastal and deltaic regions. Her message underscored the role of inclusive, science-based strategies in tackling the complexities of environmental degradation and building community resilience.

The symposium explored themes closely aligned with international priorities such as the UN Mega Deltas Programme, the Oceans Pact, and the European Green Deal’s Mission Ocean objectives. Key discussions addressed the decarbonisation of the Danube Delta, smarter mobility systems, and integrated wetland restoration strategies through cross-basin cooperation. The event also featured expert panels, research presentations, and site visits to the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve - widely recognized as one of Europe’s most ecologically significant and biodiverse landscapes.

Prof. Aileen’s participation not only strengthened Malaysia’s visibility in global wetland science but also opened doors for future collaboration with European research institutions and environmental networks. Her engagement in the event reaffirmed CEMACS’ ongoing commitment to bridging science and policy, and to contributing meaningfully to the global conversation on delta and wetland sustainability.

Source: Mr. Sim Yee Kwang / Senior Science Officer