Asia Pacific Coral Reef Symposium to be held in Cebu this week

The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will host the 4th Asia Pacific Coral Reef Symposium (APCRS) on June 4-8, 2018 at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Cebu City.

First organized by the Asia Pacific Coral Reef Society in 2006, the Asia Pacific Coral Reef Symposium seeks to provide a platform for scientists, educators, managers, and environmentalists to share their knowledge and experience in the fields of coral reef biology, ecology, management and conservation.

Over 500 participants from more than 30 countries are expected to attend the symposium. The APCRS is held every four years: the first was held in Hong Kong, the second in Thailand, and the third in Taiwan.

With the theme “Coral Reefs of the Asia-Pacific: Working Together Amidst Contemporary Challenges,” this year's APRCS hopes to forge greater cooperation and concrete programs for collaboration to preserve and sustainably manage our common natural marine heritage. It will gather and bring together the champions of coral reef research and conservation in the Asia-Pacific with the hope of inspiring the younger generation to continue the work of understanding and using wisely these resources.

The five-day program will feature presentations on the latest research techniques and emerging trends in marine biodiversity, coral reef ecology, geology, and restoration, ocean processes, and citizen science efforts.

Parallel sessions and workshops are organized by leading marine science institutions in the Philippines and abroad, as well as national and international conservation projects and programs. Speakers include conservation experts from Australia, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and the US.

“Considering that we are the center of the center of marine biodiversity, and one of the leading scientific bastions in the coral triangle, our hosting will highlight the importance of science and technology in conservation and good governance,” said Dr. Porfirio Aliño of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI).

DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu emphasized that the hosting is very timely in the celebration of the International Year of the Reef this 2018. He added that events like this can greatly contribute to better understand and appreciate science behind coral reef conservation.

More importantly, it can help the DENR develop scientifically-grounded policies and programs that can address the challenges the country is currently facing in terms of sustainably managing its coastal and marine resources.

Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the academe, NGOs and development partners are expected to attend the event.

Press release from the Asia Pacific Coral Reef Symposium