Oceana, allies call for urgent protection of Panaon Island in Our Ocean Conference
Philippine delegates urge President Marcos to seal its protection in line with 30×30 targets
Press Release Date: April 28, 2025
Busan, South Korea — At the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Busan, civil society leaders from the Philippines are joining efforts to strengthen marine protected areas (MPAs) and restore mangrove forests in local coastal towns as greenbelt zones to meet the country’s commitments in the global 30×30 targets.
Oceana and Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) are calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to act swiftly and sign the law declaring Panaon Island a Protected Seascape. They also urge the president to include the National Coastal Greenbelt Act that will move for the establishment of local coastal greenbelt zones, in the administration’s priority bills for legislation. These two landmark measures are seen as key steps in safeguarding the country’s marine biodiversity, improving climate resilience, and securing local livelihoods
Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, joins a high-level side event this week organized by Bloomberg Philanthropies to spotlight the Asia and the Pacific’s Ocean conservation leadership, including the Philippines 30×30 commitment. The designation and effective management of marine protected areas (MPAs) in climate-vulnerable regions, such as Panaon Island in Southern Leyte, Philippines is one of the highlights. The event brings global and local voices together to echo a resounding call: protecting the ocean is a responsibility we owe to future generations.
“Panaon Island is a treasure—not just for the Philippines but for the world,” said Atty. Liza Osorio, acting Vice President of Oceana in the Philippines. “It’s part of the world’s 50 priority reefs—identified for their resilience and ability to likely withstand the devastating impacts of climate change. Now, all that stands between this globally significant site and meaningful, sustained protection is the President’s signature. We urge President Marcos to prioritize this and turn legislative promise into lasting protection.”
Panaon Island is also known for whale shark interactions which showcase an ecotourism model that is community-led and sustainable. It reflects how stewardship and local regulation can coexist with marine biodiversity protection. It is also recognized as part of an Important Shark and Rays Area (ISRA) and an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA), being a critical habitat for threatened and migratory species and further underscoring the urgency of its protection for global marine biodiversity.
“As a young advocate, it’s painful to say this, but I fear that the ocean—once the lifeblood of our islands—may become just a story we tell our children,” said Jake Tabara, national youth coordinator of ATM Youth Network that also works with grassroots communities and other civil society groups.
“Our generation stands to inherit polluted waters, dying reefs, and collapsed fisheries. But we are not giving up. The youth are working hard to course-correct and do more. We want to build deeper, stronger bridges with older generations to ensure that we save our ocean. With the passing of laws like the Panaon Island Protected Seascape Act law and the National Coastal Greenbelt Act, we can make the future bright again,” he added.
Alongside the Panaon Island Protected Seascape Act, the passage of the National Coastal Greenbelt Act is another piece of legislation that will contribute to the 30×30 commitment for a healthier, more resilient ocean.
The establishment and management of coastal greenbelt zones of mangroves and beach forests will sustain protection and ecosystem services to coastal communities, such as shoreline stabilization, carbon storage, and habitats for marine life.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recognized these zones as among the country’s Other Environmental Conservation Measures (OECM) that would mark a significant contribution to the Philippines’ commitment to the global 30×30 goal—protecting at least 30% of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030, under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
“We believe that these are policy measures that will transform an ocean in crisis into an ocean of hope through concrete action, reflecting on the spirit of “Our Ocean, Our Action” theme of this conference,” said Osorio.
The Our Ocean Conference 2025 is a global gathering of government leaders, civil society, scientists, and businesses working to forge commitments toward ocean protection and climate resilience. (END)
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.