PH NatCom holds Philippine Ocean Decade Initiatives Expo

 

The Philippine National Commission for UNESCO (PH NatCom or PH NatCom) successfully hosted the Philippine Ocean Decade Initiatives Expo, a landmark event reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade) 2021-2030). Held in alignment with Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo), the Expo convened key government agencies, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and ocean advocates to promote marine conservation and science-driven solutions for a sustainable ocean future.

The event featured thematic discussions anchored on the seven outcomes of the UN Ocean Decade, highlighting initiatives addressing marine pollution, biodiversity protection, sustainable fisheries, disaster risk reduction, and cutting-edge ocean research. Experts from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and international organizations presented actionable strategies and policy directions aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ role in global ocean governance.

In his keynote address, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, who also serves as Chairperson of PH NatCom, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to ocean sustainability, stating: “Our oceans are vital, not only for livelihoods but for sustaining life on our planet. The Philippine government is committed to championing ocean sustainability at the national and international levels.”

To reinforce PH NatCom’s commitment to ocean sustainability, the Expo welcomed key partners from academia, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and UNESCO-designated and inscribed sites, providing a platform to showcase their contributions to ocean conservation. These partners set up exhibition booths featuring innovative efforts, community-driven projects, cutting-edge research, and sustainability efforts aimed at protecting marine ecosystems.

A significant highlight of the Expo was the launch of the Philippine Ocean Decade Repository, a user-friendly digital platform designed to document and disseminate ocean-related projects, studies, and best practices. This initiative fosters collaboration, facilitates knowledge exchange, and serves as a comprehensive resource for stakeholders engaged in ocean sustainability efforts.

PH NatCom also introduced a vision board puzzle, illustrating the transformation of a polluted ocean into a thriving marine ecosystem. Each received a puzzle piece, symbolizing their role in shaping a sustainable ocean future. When completed, the puzzle revealed an inspiring image reflecting the Ocean Decade’s seven outcomes, reinforcing the power of collective action.

Further promoting sustainable practices, PH NatCom distributed eco-friendly and vegan Sukbit bags to reduce single-use plastics and encourage participants to adopt environmentally conscious habits in their daily lives.

PH NatCom Secretary-General Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares emphasized that the Expo serves as a call to action, urging all sectors to work together in safeguarding the country’s marine ecosystems:

“Through this Expo, we are forging stronger partnerships and catalyzing initiatives that will ensure a thriving, productive, and resilient ocean for generations to come.”