MERF participates in the 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium on August 13, 2025

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Representatives from the DENR-BMB, MERF, BCSP, Haribon and WCS during the ceremonial turnover of the updated Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Map at the 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium

Unveiling of the updated KBA Map and the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) 2024–2040, including its 23 national biodiversity targets, during the 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium 

Group photo of the conservationists and stakeholders who conducted the initial review and drafting of the National Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) Standard

The Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines (BCSP), Haribon, and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) participated in the formal turnover of the updated Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) map of the Philippines and the launching of the updated Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) 2024–2040 during the 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium at Central Philippine University in Iloilo City on August 13, 2025. 

Since 2024, MERF through its two projects, “Partnerships for the National Marine 30x30 Target”, that is being implemented through a consortium of MSN partners (MERF, CI, Rare, Oceana and WWF Philippines) and “Revisiting the Marine Key Biodiversity Areas in the Philippines,” has conducted national and regional workshops and extensive data reviews to reassess and update previously identified KBAs. The focus was on KBAs with marine components for the expansion and/or identification of new sites. Recognizing the value of identifying biodiversity-important sites at both global and national scales, MERF, as the marine lead, also participated in drafting and reviewing the National KBA Standard, which aims to identify sites that contribute significantly to the national persistence of biodiversity, and complements the Global KBA Standard. Together, the two KBA Frameworks help identify the country’s most ecologically significant ecosystems, support the operationalization of the PBSAP, and strengthen evidence-based conservation planning at the national scale.

The series of national and regional KBA workshops was funded by two MERF projects: 

(1) “Partnerships for the National Marine 30x30 Target” implemented by the five MSN consortium members, MERF, CI, Rare, Oceana and WWF Philippines, made possible through the support of Oceans 5 and its Bloomberg Ocean Fund and Bloomberg Arcadia Funding Initiative. Oceans 5 is a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

(2) “Revisiting the Marine Key Biodiversity Areas in the Philippines” funded by the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE).

Acknowledgement:

This work is made possible through the support of Oceans 5 and its Bloomberg Ocean Fund and Bloomberg Arcadia Funding Initiative. Oceans 5 is a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.