DFA and UNACOM Wrap ManaMo 2023 Celebrations, Launch the Ocean Decade
PASAY 09 October 2023 – the Department of Foreign Affairs' Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) and the Philippines' National Commission for UNESCO (UNACOM) jointly hosted a groundbreaking webinar that marked the culmination of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) 2023 celebrations and the launch of the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development in the Philippines. The event garnered participation from over one hundred thirty (130) attendees representing various government agencies, stakeholders, and members of the academic community.
Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce delivered the opening remarks, underscoring the crucial role of ocean science in achieving effective ocean governance. She highlighted that a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem health, made possible through ocean science, enables the monitoring of biodiversity, water quality, and the assessment of challenges such as pollution, habitat degradation, and other threats to the marine environment. Ponce emphasized that accurate data and scientific knowledge derived from ocean science provide the foundation for adaptive and resilient governance frameworks.
The event also featured messages of support from partner agencies.
The Office of Senator Loren Legarda voiced the senator’s support for the event and shared her sponsorship of the Blue Economy Bill, emphasizing the importance of funding efforts to assess and protect oceans and coasts.
In a read message, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga pledged to develop and implement science-informed policies and practices that promote marine conservation, pollution reduction, climate action, and responsible fisheries management, seeking partnerships with like-minded nations and organizations to amplify their impact.
Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. called for collective efforts to safeguard the ocean and highlighted DOST's commitment to harness science, technology, and innovation for the prosperity of the archipelagic maritime nation.
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Drusila Esther E. Bayate highlighted the significance of ocean science in sustainable fisheries management, emphasizing the role of research in ensuring the availability of vital protein sources while preventing overfishing and ecosystem collapse.
The webinar featured enlightening presentations by distinguished experts:
Dr. Gil S. Jacinto, Focal Person for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNACOM discussed the Philippines' journey during the UN Decade of Ocean Science, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all to drive change during this pivotal period. Dr. Jacinto quoted that “The oceans are more than just vast expanses of blue and water; they are the heart and soul of our country. The Ocean Decade is not just a 10-year time frame but a collective movement to work together as we are the agents and the tides of change.”
Dr. Laura David of UP Marine Science Institute presented data on the status and progress of marine science in the Philippines. Dr. David urged younger generations to contribute to ocean science and stressed that the Philippines' diverse marine life and geographic location is an ideal research location and a testing ground for marine technologies and devices.
Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce of DFA's Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office discussed the Philippines' active participation in ITLOS proceedings, underlining the critical role of science in shaping the country's positions and policies on climate change and marine issues. Assistant Secretary Ponce recalled the Philippines’ statement that, “The science behind climate change and greenhouse gas emissions on the marine environment is unassailable.”
She noted that in arguing for the Philippine position during the proceedings for the 2016 Arbitral Award, and even in the recent ITLOS hearings on the request for an advisory opinion on climate change, we relied on science and facts to craft and strengthen our position. For example, in our oral submissions, we heavily relied on the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (AR6) to confirm that “human activities, principally through emissions of greenhouse gases, have unequivocally caused global warming” and to provide scientific evidence that climate change is affecting marine ecosystems through rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise. This is but one example of how science contributes to policy-making and the conduct of diplomacy.
As the program drew to a close, the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office presented a video showcasing the activities and programs organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Philippine Foreign Service Posts abroad and Consular Offices across the archipelago.
In his closing message, Mr. Ivan Henares, Secretary-General of UNACOM, called for the appreciation of transformative ocean science and stressed the need for multi-stakeholder and community-driven initiatives.
This webinar serves as a crucial starting point for the Philippines as it embarks on the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. In this regard, the DFA, UNACOM, and its partner agencies and institutions will collaborate to develop a comprehensive action for the effective implementation of the Ocean Decade in the Philippines. This includes initiatives to advance ocean science research, foster multi-stakeholder partnerships, and engage communities in sustainable ocean management practices. By working together and leveraging the power of science, the Philippines aims to secure a prosperous and resilient maritime future for generations to come.
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