The Philippines has been selected anew by Bloomberg Philanthropies as one of the priority countries for its Vibrant Oceans Phase II—making an investment of USD $86 million, it said in a press statement.
The fund is to be shared with Australia, the Bahamas, Chile, Fiji, French Polynesia, Indonesia Tanzania, Peru and the United States.
These countries were chosen because they are home to priority coral geographies, are top fishing nations, and/or are countries where fish is a major food source.
Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vibrant Oceans Initiative works with world-class partners to ensure ocean ecosystems survive and thrive despite the growing threat of climate change.
Launched in 2014 with an initial commitment of $53 million in three countries—Brazil, Chile, and the Philippines—Vibrant Oceans partners with coastal communities, nonprofit organizations, local and national governments, policy makers, and academic groups to advance evidence-based conservation practices and implement data-driven fisheries management policies around the world.
Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice-president of Oceana Philippines, said: “We are extremely elated of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vibrant Oceans Initiative expansion in the Philippines and 9 other countries.
“The continuing support of Bloomberg Philanthropies in our campaigns to stop overfishing and protect marine habitats is testament to the dedication and commitment of Oceana and our partners including Rare, our VOI partner in the Philippines, in our quest to restore the health, richness, and abundance of the Philippine seas and improve the quality of life of our artisanal fisherfolk and their families.”
In the Philippines, Oceana photographed huge boats and nets where they weren’t supposed to be in the Tañon Strait.
A national media campaign led to government crackdown and investment in sea-borne patrol boats. Oceana helped in institutionalizing the designation of special prosecutors who, with the Park Superintendent, filed legal cases against offenders while Rare organized mayors around the Tañon Strait who together convinced the national and local government units to fund enforcement in their municipalities.
Under the VOI, there was an increase in the level of awareness about Tanon Strait Protected Seascape because of Oceana’ partnership with national government agencies, local government units and civil society organizations.
Tanon Strait is a narrow body of marine waters found in between the island of Cebu and Negros.
The continuing advocacy of Oceana Philippines for a more active and meaningful participation of all stakeholders in its Protected Area Management Board led to numerous meetings and public forums where the issue of intrusion of commercial fishing vessels were tackled.
The training and workshops of law enforcers and prosecutors led to increase in the success in field operations and prosecution of cases.
