Phl supports sustainable ocean economy
Mendiola-Rau said in her speech that the Philippines, being a maritime and archipelagic nation, is deeply aware of the importance of the ocean and its significant role as a source of daily needs of Filipinos.
In the 53rd session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), Deputy Permanent Delegate of the Philippine Permanent Delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Aileen Mendiola-Rau affirmed the country’s support of the Ocean Decade Implementation Plan, a framework that provides data and solutions towards a sustainable ocean economy.
Mendiola-Rau said in her speech that the Philippines, being a maritime and archipelagic nation, is deeply aware of the importance of the ocean and its significant role as a source of daily needs of Filipinos.
She said, “It is not enough to possess the desire to protect our oceans and implement plans and projects to this effect. Our actions and understanding of the oceans and how they are negatively affected by man-made stressors need to be backed up by scientific knowledge and processes.”
The Philippine Delegation also elevated to the IOC Executive Council the importance of assessing the value of ocean science, development of national ocean economy accounts, oceanclimate risk assessments, value of investments in nature-based climate adaptation solutions and mainstreaming of ocean considerations in sustainable economic development plans.
With Mendiola-Rau at the virtual meeting held from 1 to 9 February was Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs director John Francis Herrera.
The Philippines is a member of the IOC Executive Council for 2019-2021. This is the country’s third consecutive term as one of 40 members.