Bringing National Conservation Partners Together
BOHOL - Bohol hosted the National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Cetaceans (NPOA-CC) Development Workshop from September 22 to 24, 2026, at the Ceremonial Hall of the Bohol Provincial Capitol Building. The three-day gathering brought together government agencies, scientists, conservation organizations, academe, tourism stakeholders, and other partners to work toward a national framework for protecting whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Philippine waters. Vice Gov. Nick Besas, representing Gov. Aris Aumentado, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of establishing a strong foundation for cetacean conservation.
Creating a Shared Plan for Cetacean Protection
The workshop covered the current status of cetaceans, major threats facing these marine animals, relevant legal and policy frameworks, priority conservation actions, and strategies for implementation. Participants worked toward developing a common vision and actionable national plan that can guide future conservation efforts. The activity also provided an opportunity for different sectors to contribute scientific knowledge, field experience, policy perspectives, and tourism considerations to the planning process.
Connecting Marine Conservation With Bohol’s Environmental Goals
The workshop was conducted in partnership with Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, BALYENA.ORG, Earth Island Institute Asia Pacific, and the Province of Bohol through the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO). It was supported by the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and Rumah Foundation. The activity complements the Provincial Government of Bohol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap by promoting biodiversity conservation and responsible natural resource management, reinforcing the province’s environmental priorities as the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark.
