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ASEAN member states adopted the Regional Strategy on Biofouling Management at the 47th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group in Brunei on Sept 17-18
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The strategy aims to maintain healthy marine ecosystems and enhance the energy-efficient operation of ships
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The Philippine delegation, led by Maritime Industry Authority deputy administrator for Operations Nannette Dinopol presented the draft Regional Strategy during the meeting
ASEAN member states have adopted the Regional Strategy on Biofouling Management at the 47th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group in Brunei on Sept 17 to 18.
The Philippine delegation, led by Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Deputy Administrator for Operations Nannette Dinopol, presented the draft Regional Strategy during the meeting.
This strategy, a collaborative effort between the Philippines, Indonesia, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and PEMSEA (Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia), aims to develop best practices and standards for improved biofouling management across the ASEAN region. It is a testament to the collective commitment to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and enhancing the energy-efficient operation of ships, Marina said in a statement.
The adoption of the Regional Strategy paves the way for further capacity-building efforts to support the implementation plan by other ASEAN Member States. With the assistance of the IMO and PEMSEA, the Philippines and Indonesia aim to promote south-to-south cooperation among ASEAN member states, facilitating capacity building and coordinated action on biofouling management at the regional level.
The Philippines also expressed its appreciation to the ASEAN dialogue partners for their support and the provision of capacity-building opportunities to the member states, as well as to the European Union for its technical assistance, instrumental in helping the Philippines comply with the STCW Convention and the Maritime Labor Convention.
These initiatives align with the recently adopted United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Seafarers. The Philippine-led resolution acknowledges the challenging conditions seafarers face at sea pose risks to their enjoyment of human rights, safety, and well-being.
The Philippine delegation consisted of representatives from the Department of Transportation, MARINA, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Ports Authority.
