The Philippines, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), as a Lead Partnering Country (LPC) of the GEF-UNDP-IMO GloFouling Partnerships Project, spearheaded the Awareness-Raising Event on Biofouling Management for Recreational Vessels as part of the Blue Economy Annual Trade and Conference (BEACON) Exposition 2024, held from 30 September to 02 October 2024.

The event emphasized the importance of biofouling management for recreational boating, providing recommendations to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species.

In collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), MARINA organized a biofouling virtual reality experience for guests and visitors at its booth during BEACON 2024. The virtual reality demonstration visually depicted biofouling on various parts of vessels, including hulls, propellers, and other niche areas.

As part of the awareness-raising efforts, Dr. Won-Tae Shin, Regional Project Manager of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), delivered a presentation on biofouling during the 4th Marine Environment Protection Forum on 01 October 2024, held alongside the conference. Dr. Shin discussed the significance of biofouling management, its environmental impact, and the factors influencing biofouling in the East Asian Seas region. He also presented the regional strategy on biofouling management, offering guidance to East Asian Seas (EAS) countries in developing their national biofouling management strategies. This strategy was likewise adopted by ASEAN member states during the 47th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG) Meeting.

The forum was attended by representatives from relevant government agencies, shipping companies, ship owners, maritime institutions, organizations, and other stakeholders in the maritime sector.

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