The 4th International Conference on the West Philippine Sea, a highly anticipated biennial event organized by Western Philippines University (WPU) in collaboration with its distinguished partners, opened to enthusiastic participation from researchers and practitioners around the globe from August 24-25, 2023 held at Puerto Princessa, Palawan. This year’s theme, “Nurturing People and Environment, Strengthening Governance for a Better West Philippine Sea,” underscores the urgent need for sustainable management and inclusive growth of this ecologically and economically vital region.
The conference opened with a warm welcome from prominent figures, including Atty. Joselito C. Alisuag, Regional Director of CHEDRO MIMAROPA and OIC-President of WPU, along with Hon. Matthew K. Mendoza, representing Puerto Princesa City Mayor Hon. Lucilo R. Bayron. Both speakers stressed the significance of fostering international cooperation and governance to protect the West Philippine Sea.
Among the notable attendees was Mr. Ryan Washburn, USAID Mission Director to the Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia, who reaffirmed USAID’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable marine and coastal management in the Philippines. His message emphasized the importance of international collaboration in creating effective, long-lasting solutions for marine conservation and resilience.
The highlight of the conference’s opening day was a keynote lecture by Professor Melanie Austen of the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. Her session, which explored the application of systems thinking to marine spatial planning in Southeast Asia, set a profound academic tone and demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary research in tackling complex marine issues.
The plenary speakers then contributed their unique global perspectives, each presenting crucial research insights relevant to the West Philippine Sea and beyond:
– Mr. Wickrama Arachchige Anura Upasanta Kumara from Ocean University of Sri Lanka addressed the alarming presence of hazardous pollutants such as HPAHs and microplastics in marine ecosystems.
– Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, Professor Emeritus and former President of Silliman University, presented on the West Philippine Sea’s significant ecological and geopolitical value.
– Dr. Uthairat Na-nakorn from Thailand’s Kasetsart University explored carangid biodiversity and its potential to support a blue economy.
– Hon. Yoshimi Nagahama, Mayor of Onna Village in Okinawa, Japan, shared insights into his village’s transformation into a model SDGs Future City, offering an inspiring example of local government commitment to sustainable development.
Following these plenary talks, participants engaged in focused parallel sessions, which were organized into three core themes: Environment, People, and Governance. Each session invited participants to explore pressing issues, innovative solutions, and collaborative strategies aimed at protecting both the ecosystems and communities that depend on the West Philippine Sea. A poster viewing session offered further insights into emerging research and ongoing projects.
With its rich program and a diverse assembly of international speakers, the 4th International Conference on the West Philippine Sea has successfully created an inclusive platform for knowledge exchange, reinforcing WPU’s dedication to advancing sustainable practices and governance in this significant region.
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[This article is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16 & 17]