UP offers ‘landmark’ marine protection course

MANILA, Philippines - The University of the Philippines (UP) has officially launched a landmark joint graduate degree program on the effective management and good governance of tropical marine ecosystems and natural resources.

University officials, led by President Alfredo Pascual, led the launch last week of the Professional Masters in Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management (PM-TMEM), a program developed by the university in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to the university, the PM-TMEM will be jointly delivered by three UP campuses: Diliman, Los Baños, and Visayas.

 “The program initially offers specialization in marine protected area,” UP said in a statement. “The course is trimestral and multidisciplinary, consists of one and a half years of mostly field exposure and engagement with experts and practitioners, and utilizes the integrated ecosystem approach.”

In a separate statement, the USAID said there is a need to integrate science and experience to address important biodiversity and marine conservation concerns, particularly linked with the sustainable development of the region. 

“The Coral Triangle is a geographical area that represents the global epicenter of marine life and biodiversity, with the Philippines located at the ‘center of the center’ of world marine biodiversity,” said USAID.

 “However, the marine resources of the Philippines and the region have been faced with threats of unsustainable fishing practices, land-based pollution and coastal development, including the growing threat of climate change,” it added.

Six students have enrolled in the joint program.