#MANAMo. The Philippines joins the Ocean Governance Global Conference in Tarragona, Spain from 22 to 25 September 2023, sharing and holding dialogues with the EU, South East Asia, and Atlantic States on protecting and restoring marine ecosystems as catalysts for building peace and security and fostering sustainable economies. The Philippines is represented by Palawan Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Romeo Cabungcal (leftmost),  WWF Philippine representative Kymry Delijero (rightmost), and Indigenous People of Balabac representative Mr. Habiron Bacar (2nd from right). They presented the case of the ongoing mangrove restoration and protection project in southern Palawan-- an EU-supported initiative.   They were likewise joined by ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity-Programme Development & Implementation Director Ms. Clarissa Arida (2nd from left) who shared insights from the Biodiversity Conservation and Management of Protected Areas in ASEAN.

The Philippines is considered one of the world's epicenters of marine life and is renowned for its incredible marine diversity and rich marine ecosystems. Due to its importance, the Philippines has taken steps to protect its marine biodiversity through marine protected areas (MPAs) and conservation initiatives, including Mangrove restoration and protection, among others. Mangroves are of immense importance in the Philippines, providing ecological, economic, and social benefits. Mangrove restoration and protection programs play a vital role in preserving these invaluable ecosystems and enhancing the well-being of both the environment and local communities".

The Philippines' successful participation in the Ocean Governance Conference in Tarragona, Spain makes a timely event  in the celebration of the Philippines' Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) every month of September by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 316, series of 2017.

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