By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) kicked off on Wednesday (Feb. 26) at Novotel Manila.
During the kick-off, Usec. Jonas Leones, DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, said that the event gathers delegates from policy governance, social science and communications.
The partnership underscores the depth and our coherence to sustainable ecosystem.
Today is an opportunity to study what we have achieved.
The DENR has collaborated with the Philippine Space Agency to develop a geo space database for mangroves.
Our engagement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government has been instrumental with the ongoing project.
Department Order No. 2025-98 was issued establishing the Ocean initiative with the establishment of 8 new marine scientific observatorues across the country.
The Blue Carbon Action Partnership is aligned with the National Program for a Sustainable Blue Carbon Network for a sustainable future for generations to come.
Leones amplified the Blue Carbon initiatives.
Dr. Alfredo Giron, Head of Ocean Action Agenda and Friends of Ocean Action World Economic Forum, in a video message said that the Blue Action was an initiative of the World Economic Forum launched in Dubai in 2023.
Dr. Giron thanked DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga for the collaboration with the NBCAP.
He is looking forward for future endeavors with the NBCAP stakeholders.
Germaine J. De Runa, NBCAP OIC and Communications and Engagement Specialist of ZSL (Zoological Society of London) Philippines, presented the initiatives and future undertakings of the NBCAP.
Usec. Annaliza Teh, DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change, said that the Philippine NBCAP is a blue carbon ecosystems in collaboration and support of the World Economic Forum.
We support global efforts whether on a national and global level.
The Blue Carbon Action Partnership supports the NBCAP led by the DENR.
The BCAP was signed between the DENR and the WEF in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2023.
It unites a diverse range of stakeholders from various sectors to support the conservation and restoration of mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses–collectively known as blue carbon ecosystems.
The initiative also integrates these ecosystems into carbon markets and other economic activities.
The NBCAP Philippines is founded on the premise that blue carbon ecosystems are immensely valuable to global society and the communities that directly depend upon them.
