Peace and Conservation of Ecology in Disputed Seas

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Denise Margaret Matias
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 569670972

The "Peace and Conservation of Ecology at Disputed Seas" (PaCE) project proposes an interdisciplinary approach to address the biodiversity loss and geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea (SCS) or West Philippine Sea (WPS), a region in Asia rich in marine biodiversity but heavily disputed. PaCE’s novelty lies in integrating natural and social sciences to propose "Conservation through Peace" and "Science Diplomacy." It builds upon frameworks like Ostrom's Social-Ecological Systems and the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, adapted to include equity considerations. It will also use the conceptual framework of Science Diplomacy jointly developed by the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Ultimately, PaCE seeks to advance peacebuilding, transform local livelihoods, and establish pathways for scienceinformed policy that prioritize biodiversity and regional stability in the SCS / WPS.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Netherlands, Taiwan
• Partner Organisation: National Science and Technology Council (NSTC); Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO)
• Cooperation Partners: Professorin Dr. Ting-Chun Kuo; Professorin Dr. Aisa Manlosa