Malampaya Foundation Inc.’s (MFI’s) marine biodiversity conservation program was awarded an Environment Social and Governance (ESG) award by Unicepta in November as “Best ESG Campaign or Case Study to Prevent or Reduce marine pollution.
According to the judges, “this piece of work showcases the need to preserve biodiversity and illustrates the importance of communication in an effective ESG strategy.”
The ESG Awards showcase the best ESG performance in line with the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, one of which is Goal 14: Life Below Water. The entry titled “Protecting the center of the center of the world’s marine biodiversity through community-based marine conservation” bested others in this category which recognizes successful case studies where an organization has either prevented or reduced marine pollution.
MFI’s marine conservation programs in north Palawan and the Verde Island Passage is implemented with various community and local government partners at the grassroots level, with four major components involving social mobilization and advocacy, socio-economic improvement, ecological monitoring and ecological rehabilitation. The conservation sites in Palawan and Oriental Mindoro have received multiple awards for being among the best-managed marine protected areas in the provinces and the Philippines after demonstrating improved management and evident biological recovery.
