By Kenneth Marcos 
Along the country’s coastlines, thousands of Filipino families depend on the sea for food and livelihood. From small fishing boats leaving before dawn to communities protecting coral reefs, the health of marine resources remains closely tied to the future of many coastal towns.
Recognizing this connection, the Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) joined an international writeshop aimed at documenting practical solutions for marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.
Through its Training Division, DA-NFRDI participated in the SOMACORE PANORAMA Writeshop held on March 3 and 5, 2026. During the event, the institute presented a case study on its AquaBiz Schools – Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) program, which supports innovation and entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.
The writeshop aimed to help Philippine partners document successful initiatives related to marine and coastal conservation. These case studies will be submitted to the PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet platform, a global knowledge-sharing initiative managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The PANORAMA platform collects and shares proven environmental solutions from around the world. By documenting these experiences, organizations and governments can learn from one another and apply similar approaches to address environmental challenges.
For the Philippines, a country with more than 36,000 kilometers of coastline, protecting marine ecosystems is essential. Millions of Filipinos rely on fisheries and coastal resources for their daily income and food supply. However, these ecosystems face increasing pressure from overfishing, climate change, and pollution.
The ABS-TBI program of DA-NFRDI aims to address some of these challenges by supporting new technologies and business ideas related to aquaculture and fisheries. Through training, mentorship, and incubation support, the program helps researchers, entrepreneurs, and local communities develop sustainable fisheries-based enterprises.
Officials said the program promotes innovation while strengthening economic opportunities for people working in the fisheries sector. By encouraging science-based solutions and business development, the initiative also supports the government’s broader goal of improving food security and coastal livelihoods.
The writeshop was organized by GIZ Philippines under the Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Resources (SOMACORE) program within the Coral Triangle Programme. The Coral Triangle is known as one of the world’s most important marine biodiversity regions, covering waters across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Participants in the event included representatives from various Philippine government agencies and partner organizations working on marine conservation and fisheries development. The gathering provided a platform for experts to exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration on environmental protection efforts.
By documenting the ABS-TBI program through the PANORAMA platform, DA-NFRDI hopes that the model can inspire similar initiatives in other coastal regions facing similar challenges.
Environmental experts emphasize that protecting marine ecosystems requires both scientific research and community participation. Programs that combine innovation, training, and local engagement can help ensure that fisheries remain productive while marine habitats are preserved.
As the Philippines continues to strengthen its fisheries sector, partnerships between government agencies, international organizations, and local communities remain key to achieving sustainable development in coastal areas.
Efforts like the recent writeshop show how knowledge-sharing and collaboration can help protect marine resources while supporting the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal families across the country.
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