SUSANTHA UDAGEDARA - Blue Carbon - Best Researcher Award
Blue Resources Trust - Sri Lanka
AUTHOR PROFILE
🌿 DIRECTOR OF SEAGRASS CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAMME:
SUSANTHA UDAGEDARA is the Director of the Seagrass Climate Change Programme at Blue Resources Trust. He leads initiatives on seagrass conservation and blue carbon mapping, coordinating research projects and developing scientific guidance for policy integration. His work aims to protect and restore vital seagrass ecosystems, crucial for climate change mitigation.
📚 PROLIFIC ACADEMIC AND RESEARCHER:
With over 10 years of research experience, SUSANTHA has published 14 peer-reviewed articles, contributed to 2+ book chapters, and amassed 220 citations, reflecting his impact in the field. He actively reviews for 6+ journals and has reviewed over 15 articles, demonstrating his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
🗺️ EXPERT IN SEAGRASS ECOLOGY AND BLUE CARBON:
SUSANTHA specializes in seagrass ecology, blue carbon, and ecosystem mapping. His proficiency extends to various technical tools like Adobe Photoshop, Agisoft, Primer, SPSS, Minitab, and Arc GIS, enhancing his research and conservation efforts. As a PADI Diver, he also brings practical underwater experience to his work.
🌏 COMMISSION MEMBER AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL:
As a Commission Member of the IUCN SSC Seagrass Specialist Group and a Chartered Environmental Professional (CEnvP), SUSANTHA collaborates with global experts to develop data-driven policies and strategies for seagrass conservation. His role ensures the integration of scientific research into effective environmental management practices.
🗣️ INFLUENTIAL SPEAKER AND LEADER:
SUSANTHA is an engaging speaker, having delivered over 7 guest talks and keynotes at international conferences. His leadership and involvement in seagrass conservation and biodiversity assessment initiatives highlight his dedication to environmental advocacy and community engagement.
📈 GRANT RECIPIENT AND PROJECT COORDINATOR:
With over $250,000 in grants, SUSANTHA effectively manages and coordinates projects aimed at seagrass and blue carbon habitat restoration. His efforts in fostering international relationships and building partnerships have been pivotal in advancing conservation goals and securing funding for critical research initiatives.
🌿 TECHNICAL COORDINATOR FOR CLIMATE CHANGE:
SUSANTHA served as the Technical Coordinator for the Vulnerability and Adaptation Measures Chapter of Sri Lanka’s Third National Communication on Climate Change. He played a key role in monitoring climate change impacts and providing technical inputs, contributing to the national effort under the UNFCCC framework.
NOTABLE PUBLICATION
Past, Present and Future of Sri Lankan Coastal Macrophyte-Dominated Ecosystems: Blue Carbon, Conservation, Restoration and Policy
Authors: Gorman, D., Jayakody, S., Kodikara, S., Gunawardana, J.A.A.L., Vanderklift, M.A.
Year: 2022
Local Ecological Knowledge Reveals Change in Seagrass Social–Ecological Systems
Authors: Jones, B.L.H., Unsworth, R.K.F., Nordlund, L.M., Udagedara, S., Cullen-Unsworth, L.C.
Year: 2022
Journal: Oceans
Dependence on Seagrass Fisheries Governed by Household Income and Adaptive Capacity
Authors: Jones, B.L.H., Unsworth, R.K.F., Nordlund, L.M., Udagedara, S., Cullen-Unsworth, L.C.
Year: 2022
Journal: Ocean and Coastal Management
Quantification of Blue Carbon in Tropical Salt Marshes and Their Role in Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Perera, N., Lokupitiya, E., Halwatura, D., Udagedara, S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Science of the Total Environment
Current Status and Checklist of Seagrass in Sri Lanka
Authors: Udagedara, S., Lakmal Dahanayaka, D.D.G.
Year: 2020
Journal: International Journal of Aquatic Biology