The National Symposium on Marine Science is a biennial conference in the Philippines that provides a regular platform to share marine science research and related efforts, in view of supporting conservation and management goals in the country. For its 17th occasion, the Symposium takes up the urgent cause to restore the planet with its theme “Saving Our Seas: Restoring marine systems for people and nature.”
Never has it been more pressing to accelerate and harmonize efforts to restore our marine ecosystems. This is especially felt in the Philippines where local stressors compounded by climate and global environmental change grievously undermine coastal and marine ecosystems, thus endangering the human communities that directly rely on them for services and benefits essential for healthy and prosperous lives. Restoring healthy ecosystem function would translate to, among others, stronger protection against climate hazards, sustainable and dignified livelihoods for all, food security, resilience to disturbance and change, and a better tomorrow for future generations. PAMS 17 aims to be the resounding affirmation of Filipino marine science researchers and practitioners in doing our part for the shared responsibility of saving our seas.