Asia workshop boosts collaboration on ocean protection

By Mariela Angella P. Oladive

Asia’s commitment to ocean protection advanced this week as regional leaders, scientists, and conservation practitioners gathered in Iloilo City for the Asia Regional Large-Scale Marine Protected Area Workshop held Nov. 19–21, 2025.

The workshop was co-hosted by the Blue Nature Alliance, the Zoological Society of London–Philippines, and Big Ocean to strengthen regional collaboration in support of the global “30×30” target to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Large-scale marine protected areas, defined as marine zones exceeding 100,000 square kilometers, are considered essential for preserving biodiversity, sustaining fisheries, building climate resilience, and protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities across Asia.

By hosting the event, the Philippines reaffirmed its leadership in marine conservation and its commitment to science-based, community-driven stewardship of ocean resources.

Government officials, marine scientists, and conservation experts from across ASEAN and the Pacific participated in the three-day gathering.

The workshop opened with a Welcome Dinner and Cultural Night on Nov. 19 at the historic Casa Real in Iloilo City, showcasing Filipino heritage and hospitality.

In her welcome message, ZSL–Philippines Country Director Edwina D. Garchitorena stressed the importance of collaboration, calling the event “a shared commitment to shaping the future of ocean protection across Asia.”

“Conservation is not just about safeguarding resources,” she said. “It’s about fostering meaningful connections among people, places, and communities.”

ZSL Director of Conservation and Policy Andrew Terry echoed this message, urging broader and more integrated conservation approaches.

“The challenges facing marine ecosystems are deeply interconnected and require solutions that go beyond traditional, small-scale interventions,” Terry said.

The workshop is expected to produce concrete outcomes such as strengthened cross-border collaboration, improved governance strategies for large marine areas, and the development of sustainable financing models to support long-term ocean protection.

Organizers said the event marked a critical step in translating global marine commitments into coordinated, on-the-ground action across Asia.

The Blue Nature Alliance is a global partnership working to catalyze the conservation of 18 million square kilometers of ocean by supporting the creation, expansion, and effective management of large-scale marine protected areas.

ZSL is an international conservation organization dedicated to restoring ecosystems and protecting wildlife worldwide, and ZSL–Philippines focuses on science-driven conservation, habitat rehabilitation, and community empowerment in protecting marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Big Ocean is a global network of managers and partners of the world’s large-scale marine protected areas, facilitating knowledge exchange and promoting best practices in managing extensive marine conservation zones.