Last December 2, 2022, the CCEF together with the Marine Protected Areas Support Network (MSN) hosted the 2023 Para El Mar Visayas Regional Forum. The forum graces with students, academicians, researchers, and other renowned professionals from the field of marine biology. The forum marks the formal start of the “Para El Mar: MPA Awards and Recognition 2023”. A biennial event aimed at showcasing the finest performing MPAs in the country and providing a forum for Philippine MPA champions to exchange experiences and learn from one another.
The forum started with the welcome address from Dr. Porfirio Miel Aliño the Deputy Director of Research at the Marine Science Institute at the University of the Philippines. The forum was divided into two (2) parts. The first part is the sharing of “Best Practices” of their MPAs from various LGUs. LGU Ubay in Bohol, Mr. Jose Cuyno, the PO President of KAGAMMASI and MFARMC Chairman shared their experiences in regenerating their MPA during the calamities. San Francisco, Camotes Island in Cebu, Adrienne Arquillano, Secretary of the Office of the Mayor shared their community partnership for the sustainable of their MPA, and the three (3) municipalities of Negros Occidental, namely Kalanggaman, Himamaylan, and Ilog also known as KAHIL-ICAMC, Armela Waldato, Environmental Specialist at LGU Himamaylan City proud to share their sustaining networks that helps their MPAs.
The second part of the session focused on the various “Management Tools” that might help local partners advocate for their MPAs. Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), FishMApp, MEAT/NEAT, and the MPA Database were among the management tools highlighted. The forum concluded with an invitation to everyone to participate and be nominated for the “Para El Mar: MPA Awards and Recognition” in September 2023. The forum ended with an intuitive closing remark by CCEF’s Executive Director, Auburn Patrick V. Samson.
Thank you very much to Marine Protected Areas Support Network (MSN) for trusting CCEF to host this year’s Visayas Regional Forum for 2023 Para El Mar. If you wish to partner with us, kindly send us an email to info@coast.ph.
