The Marine Protected Areas Support Network (MSN), in cooperation with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) holds the Para el MAR (Marine Protected Areas Awards and Recognition) on October 22-23, 2019 at SEAMEO Innotech, Diliman, Quezon City.
The Para el MAR (“for the sea”) started in 20017, showcasing the country’s best performing Marine Protected Areas. It is part of a performance-based incentive mechanism to promote effective management and science-based governance.
“Para el MAR shows those who share their good practices in marine conservation and protection, from practicing more responsible fishing and mangrove ecosystem management to ecotourism and mainstreaming social enterprises for livelihood, industries and the maritime sector, to inspire MPAs in the Philippines,” said Dr. Perry Alino, MSN Coordinator.
“It is an event for the sea, which is our life and our hope. It (the sea) helps provide us the air we breathe, the food we eat and the place we live in, our home.”
There are 11 finalists under the Outstanding Locally Managed MPA, three finalists for Outstanding Network, four finalists for Outstanding NIPAS MPAs, and for this year, we will be launching the Best Mangrove Award with five finalists.
The two-day program includes presentations of the finalists coming from different local government units (LGUs) all over the country.
The event will culminate in The Linking of Champions (TLC) Night on October 23, 2019 at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman, Quezon City where the winning sites from the four categories will be announced.
Oceana will present the Best in Enforcement Award to the most outstanding local Marine Protected Area that demonstrated sustained and programmatic approach in enforcement, and upheld transparency and accountability of stakeholders to restore marine biodiversity in the area.
Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), other non-government organizations, and development partners are expected to attend the event.
 started in 20017, showcasing the country’s best performing Marine Protected Areas. It is part of a performance-based incentive mechanism to promote effective management and science-based governance.){kind=link}