The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) said, during the kick-off ceremony for the 2025 Month of the Ocean on Monday, that the oceans are key to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Under the theme, “Unlock Ocean-Based Solutions to Climate Change,†the BFAR and the BMB seek to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of Filipinos about the immense potential of the oceans in alleviating the impacts of climate change and sustaining lives and communities despite bearing the brunt of global warming’s adverse effects such as ocean acidification and sea-level rise for many years now.
BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig urged the public to take part in the month-long activities and underscored the importance of ocean-based solutions to fisheries and the thousands of livelihoods they support.
“Our oceans also have a key role in offering solutions in the face of the climate crisis. For instance, blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses capture vast amounts of harmful carbon emissions. The establishment of marine protected areas builds ecosystem resilience. Additionally, sustainable fisheries can support both biodiversity and livelihoods,†Dir. Salilig said.
Meanwhile, DENR Assistant Secretary for Biodiversity and BMB Concurrent Director Marcial C. Amaro Jr. stressed the significance of strong, equitable, and effective management to fully realize the ocean’s potential as a solution to climate change.
“Ang Month of the Ocean ngayong taon ay hindi lamang pagdiriwang. Ito ay ating panawagan para protektahan ang ating marine biodiversity, pangalagaan ang ating likas na pamana, at paunlarin ang mga ocean-based solution para maseguro ang ligtas at matatag na karagatan para sa kasalukuyan at para sa susunod na mga henerasyon,†Asec. Amaro said. [The Month of the Ocean this year is not just a celebration; it is a call to protect our marine biodiversity, ensure that our natural resources thrive, and enhance ocean-based solutions to secure a present and a future where Filipinos can depend on healthy and abundant seas.]
One of the highlights of the kick-off ceremony is the launch of the BFAR’s Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation–Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Strategic Plan 2024–2030 and Operation Manual. The manual contains technical guidance on climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management for fisheries and aquatic resources following the Department of Agriculture’s disaster risk reduction and management operational framework manual.
Embracing the Ocean Decade Challenge 5
Aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the BFAR-BMB Convergence has set various initiatives in the entire month of May to engage more people, especially the youth in ocean-climate action, strengthen ties with academic and scientific communities, and raise awareness among vulnerable sectors about the ocean’s vital role.
This year’s MOO activities are the BFAR-BMB Convergence logo-making contest, BFAR FishCoRe Art Exhibit, an ocean youth camp, and the Ocean and Climate Forum.
Organized by the BMB Coastal and Marine Division, the forum will bring together representatives from various sectors to explore climate-related challenges and create deeper discussions on ocean-based solutions, including ocean literacy, blue carbon, and strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation.