We’re kicking off the year with our first monthly update, fresh from behind the scenes where a lot has been happening. We’ve funded new projects, expanded support for existing partners, increased investment in Australian initiatives, and launched our largest multi year commitment in the Philippines, alongside new collaborations with tertiary institutions to grow ocean literacy and conservation impact. There is real momentum building across the marine space right now, and at a time when our blue planet faces increasing pressure, that momentum matters. Thanks for being part of it. Let’s dive in.
Projects Update
NMCLAP – Philippines
The Networking of MPAs through Coastal LGU Alliance Project (NMCLAP) is a three year marine conservation and governance initiative of the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation. It is now moving into its second year, strengthening the long term sustainability and climate resilience of marine protected area networks across South Cebu. Working closely with eight local government units, the project has delivered joint planning sessions, stakeholder consultations, and biophysical assessments across 16 MPAs, gathering critical data on coral condition, fish diversity, and climate pressures to guide more adaptive, science based management. The program has also renewed coordination with the Southeast Cebu Coastal Resource Management Council and established the foundation for expanded enforcement training and MPA monitoring teams, building stronger, better connected protection from reef to governance level.
Ocean Literacy Portal – Australia
The Ocean Literacy Portal continues to grow in both reach and impact. The Victorian section is now fully built out and work is underway on New South Wales content, with resources designed to be useful nationally and internationally. The education resources area is being refreshed to better align with leading learning portals, making it faster and easier for educators to find and use high quality materials. Engagement is rising, with users spending more time on the platform and exploring more of the available resources through ongoing collaboration, new content, and community participation.
ProComTour – Phillipines
The ProComTour Project is a three year, long term conservation and community ecotourism initiative delivered with our project partners, the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation. Now progressing through its second year. The program links marine and mangrove conservation with community led ecotourism across Southeast and Southwest Cebu, and has built strong momentum through partnerships with seven local government units, detailed site and community assessments, and baseline socio economic surveys across eight coastal communities. Priority ecotourism sites have been identified in Argao, Alcoy, and Samboan, with two local organisations selected to pilot conservation based tourism enterprises, while training in culinary and ecotourism operations and a learning exchange at the award winning Bojo River site are helping create practical, sustainable livelihood pathways tied directly to habitat protection.
New Projects
National baseline for ocean literacy in Australia
Despite living on the world’s largest island, Australia has never measured how its people understand, value, or engage with the ocean, until now. This groundbreaking new project, in partnership with Deakin University, will deliver the nation’s first ocean literacy survey using a globally recognised framework to establish critical baseline data. The findings will help shape future education, outreach, and policy efforts in line with Australia’s Sustainable Ocean Plan and the upcoming Ocean Literacy White Paper—and importantly, they will directly inform and support the continued development of the UCF-funded Ocean Literacy Portal, helping to build a more ocean-literate Australia from the ground up.
NEWS
Shark Nets – Facts V Fear
One of our board members and resident “mermaid” has a new feature article published in Australian, now on shelves nationwide, exploring shark nets and the bigger question of how we safely and responsibly live with sharks. The piece brings together insights from leading scientists, conservationists, shark bite survivors, and photographers to present a balanced, evidence based look at a complex and often polarising issue, and helps spotlight the need for safer, more effective alternatives that protect both people and marine life. It is a timely, science led contribution to an important national conversation.
Over 60,000 ha Protected: Philippines Declare Panaon Island a Seascape
Big cheers for a major conservation win: the Philippines has designated the waters around Panaon Island a biodiversity hotspot as a protected seascape covering more than 60,000 hectares. This move not only shelters one of the most vibrant reef systems on Earth but also supports local livelihoods and strengthens the nation’s push to safeguard 30% of its land and waters by 2030. Now that’s how you turn policy into protection in meaningful, community‑empowering ways.
Sea Smarts
Beyond the Surface: Why a Healthy Ocean Matters
Think the ocean is just about fish and coral reefs? Think again. This beautifully illustrated infographic from The Economist dives deep into the ocean’s role in regulating our climate, feeding billions, driving global economies, and producing over half the oxygen we breathe. It’s a powerful reminder that when we protect the ocean, we’re really protecting ourselves. Dive into the full visual story here:
https://impact.economist.com/ocean/beyond-the-surface/infographic
Make a splash
Want to help power real world conservation outcomes? You can now directly support our projects and impact work through our dedicated support page here:
https://unicoconservationfoundation.org.au/ucf/support
