Philippines Baseline Project – Project Kick-Off Meeting

Quezon City. A project inception meeting was held last February 14, 2023 at the Park Inn Radisson North EDSA Hotel in Quezon City to bring together key partners and discuss and identify actions to strengthen land and sea-based litter management in the Philippines. Research experts from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade – Australian Embassy in the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DENR’s Biodiversity Management and Environmental Management Bureau and from the National Solid Waste Management Commission were in attendance. Identified stakeholders from the Western Philippines University, Davao del Sur State College, United Nations Habitat, University of San Carlos Cebu, University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development were likewise present in the event. More than 45 participants engaged in this initial marine litter summit. The meeting was an opportunity to consult with stakeholders to identify needs, gaps and recommendations for the development of a harmonised monitoring programme across the Philippines. A crucial step to ensure project approaches meet their stated needs. It is also important to establish which parties are interested in becoming implementing partners to undertake training and pilot baseline assessments of litter across the Philippines.

Group photo of attendees at the project kick-off meeting. The group had a fun time at the meeting celebrating Valentine’s Day.

For more information about the project click here.