In culmination of the Month of the Ocean, the Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) Philippines, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) with the support of the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corp. (PAEC), hosted an educational visit to the country's first-ever Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Science Museum: Change Maker 2040 at 88 Square Mall in Parañaque City. The event also marked the beginning of the World Environment Day celebrations.
The Month of the Ocean 2024, themed "Develop a sustainable and equitable blue economy," aligned with the Ocean Decade Challenge 4, highlighted the critical importance of conservation, protection, and sustainable management of the Philippines' coastal and marine resources.
The event brought together children and families from beneficiary communities for an interactive film showing and an engaging museum tour.
Empowering communities through education
Families and children who participated in the event were given a unique opportunity to learn about the SDGs and their role in achieving them.
The Change Maker 2040 SDG Science Museum, established by PAEC, aims to educate Filipinos on their vital role in achieving the 17 SDGs.
The museum's interactive exhibits gave participants a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the significance of sustainable ocean economic development.
"The Month of the Ocean is a crucial time for us to reflect on our actions and their impact on our marine resources. This year, we focused on developing a sustainable and equitable blue economy, a goal that requires collective effort and innovative solutions. Our partnership with CORA Philippines has allowed us to reach out to communities and inspire the younger generation to take an active role in marine conservation," DENR-BMB Director Maria Rosario Garcia said.
CORA Philippines Founder and Executive Director Antoinette Taus, a passionate advocate of the SDGs, was thrilled with the the partnership, emphasizing the power of education and youth engagement to drive change.
"By empowering children and families with knowledge about the importance of conservation, we are fostering a generation of changemakers that will champion environmental protection together. We are all a part of #GenerationRestoration," Taus said.
A blue economy
The event also highlighted the nexus of marine ecosystems and blue economic development, providing participants with knowledge and inspiration to apply the SDGs in their everyday lives.
The organizations highlighted everyone's collective responsibility to protect and restore marine ecosystems. By halting and reversing the degradation of oceans, it is possible to prevent further loss of endangered species and ensure the prosperity and well-being of future generations.
The event is also inspired by the global campaign by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) #GenerationRestoration, which calls to halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems, including marine environments.
By focusing on restoring vital ocean and coastal ecosystems, the campaign directly supports the development of a sustainable blue economy. Healthy marine ecosystems enhance biodiversity, improve fisheries, and protect coastal communities from climate impacts, ultimately contributing to economic growth and social equity.
Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) is a nonprofit organization that addresses global issues such as hunger, poverty, inequality, and climate change. It strives to create sustainable solutions for a better world through community-based initiatives and partnerships.
Learn more about CORA Philippines and how you can be a part of #GenerationRestoration by visiting https://www.wearecora.org/generation-restoration.
###
Comments