Upcoming events
12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference
“From Knowledge to Action: Connecting Science, Policy, and Society for a Resilient Western Pacific”
Manila, the Philippines, 20–23 April 2027
First Announcement
Call for Proposals for Scientific Sessions,
Decade Action Incubators & Decade Action Workshops
The Government of the Philippines and the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), together with a wide range of international and national partners, are pleased to announce that the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference will be held in Manila, the Philippines, on 20–23 April 2027.
We cordially invite interested Member States, government agencies, institutions, and stakeholders to develop and submit proposals for Scientific Sessions, Decade Action Incubators, and Decade Action Workshops. Please refer to the detailed guidelines below.
Background
Covering 70% of our planet, the ocean is central to human well-being, as it sustains life, connects communities, and supports global development.
The ocean, seas, and coasts of the Western Pacific hold exceptional ecological, social, and economic value. As one of the Earth’s major heat engines, the region influences global climate and ocean circulation. It also harbors the world’s highest abundance and diversity of marine life, sustaining livelihoods, food security, and economic growth across the region and far beyond.
For the hundreds of millions who rely on the ocean for food, jobs, safety, and prosperity, a healthy and resilient Western Pacific is not optional – it is essential. Safeguarding our ocean health and securing a sustainable future requires lasting, collaborative, science-based, and innovative actions.
Since its inception, the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) has convened a triennial International Scientific Symposium[2] to advance ocean science, foster multi- and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and generate ocean knowledge for informed policy and management. Since 1986, a total of eleven International Scientific Symposia (now known as the International Marine Science Conference) have been organized, hosted on a rotational basis by Member States in the region.
To support the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the Sub-Commission convened the UN Ocean Decade Regional Kick-off Conference for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas (online, 25–26 November 2021) and the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference, held in conjunction with the 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (22–25 April 2024, Bangkok, Thailand), generously hosted by the Government of Thailand through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and its Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Conference Objectives
The Conference seeks to bring together a wide range of ocean stakeholders, including governments, research communities and academia, the private and business sector, philanthropic foundations, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society to:
- Present the latest developments in ocean science, knowledge, and innovations;
- Showcase and track achievements of UN Ocean Decade Actions in the region;
- Catalyze partnerships and concrete actions for transformative science-based solutions to sustainability challenges in the Western Pacific.
For more details and to register, please visit the information page
https://ioc-westpac.org/event/imsc12/
(IOC WESTPAC)
The Photo Competition 2026: Guardians of the Coral Reef
Call for Entries!
Deadline: 18 April 2026
The IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), together with Chulalongkorn University, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) of Thailand, Valeura Energy, the Coral and Coastal Conservation Foundation, invites you to participate in its 2nd Photo Competition: Guardians of the Coral Reef!
This year’s theme celebrates the many ways people and nature work together to protect and restore coral reefs for future generations.
Through compelling images, we aim to enhance ocean literacy, inspire ocean stewardship, and support actions towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and contribute to the mission of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030): to catalyse transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean.
Categories and Prize
The competition this year features the following three categories and one special award. Each entrant may submit only one photograph to one category.
Community Guardians
Images featuring local communities, fishers, or volunteers protecting and restoring reefs.
Focus: Community action, teamwork, local and traditional knowledge in practice.
Science & Innovation Guardians
Images highlighting scientific research, innovative technologies, coral nurseries, restoration activities, and field studies.
Focus: Scientists and practitioners in action, restoration efforts, and technological innovation.
Nature’s Guardians
Images capturing coral reefs’ natural defenders—species interactions, biodiversity, and life on the reef that supports its health.
Focus: Marine life that sustains reef health (e.g. parrotfish, sea cucumbers, coralline algae).
Youth Photographer Special Award
Youth entrants (under 25 years of age as of 8 June 2026) are eligible to apply for the Youth Photographer Special Award. Each youth entrant can submit only one photograph to one of the competition’s main themes: Community Guardians, Science & Innovation Guardians, or Nature’s Guardians.
The winners will be awarded cash prizes and certificates. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in each of the three main categories and the Youth Photographer Special Award. For each category/award, the first-place winner will receive USD 500, and the second- and third-place winners will each receive USD 200.
Digital Image Requirements
The photo must be taken in the Western Pacific, regardless of the participant’s nationality or place of residence.
Each entrant should submit only one image to one category.
Images must comply with the specific requirements of the selected category.
Submissions must be in JPEG format, with a minimum dimension of 1,200 pixels on the longest side and a maximum file size of 10 MB. Higher-resolution files may be requested for exhibition or other official purposes.
Each image must be accompanied by an English caption of no more than 200 words, describing the story behind the photo and its relevance to coral reef protection and restoration, indicating where and when it was taken, and crediting the photographer.
Please rename your image file(s) before submission using the following format:
Country_PhotographerName_Category_PhotoTitle.jpg
Example: Thailand_Thanakorn_NaturesGuardians_CoralAndTurtle.jpg
Submission
Submit the image in required format via the Google Form by 11:59 pm (Bangkok time, GMT+7) on 18 April 2026.
For those who cannot access the Google Form, please submit the image in required format with a complete Entry
Form (Annex III) to email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
by 11:59 pm (Bangkok time, GMT+7) on 18 April 2026.
Image Rights
Entrant shall guarantee that he/she owns the copyright of the submitted image. By entering the Competition, each
Entrant grants the Photo Competition organizers a non-exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free license to reproduce, publish, and display the submitted photograph, with credit to the photographer, for media coverage and promotional materials of the event and future competitions, as well as for science communication and educational activities across social media.
Additional Information
The Competition will be judged by a panel of experienced experts including photographers, scientists, and marine resource managers. The panel reserves the right not to award prizes should there be insufficient entries. The panel’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
Important Links
Entry Form (Annex III) at link: https://ioc-westpac.org/2026-photo-competition/
(Source IOC WESTPAC)
Read more: 18/04/2026: The Photo Competition 2026: Guardians of the Coral Reef
In collaboration with the Blue Partnership Action Fund (BPAF), the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) invites project proposals to support efforts in marine biodiversity conservation and coastal ecosystem restoration (e.g., mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs) in Southeast Asia.
Focus Areas
The Fund supports research, conservation, and public awareness-raising initiatives with a focus on:
• Coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration (e.g., mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs), as well as sustainable livelihoods;
• Marine biodiversity research, monitoring, and conservation;
• Relevant citizen science, public outreach, and education activities.
Eligibility
Open to legally registered NGOs, universities, research institutes, think tanks, and volunteer groups in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Application
• Grant size: Up to USD 50,000 per project
• Project duration: Up to 24 months
• Application deadline: 15 March 2026
Application guidelines at link: https://ioc-westpac.org/call-for-project-proposals-on-coastal-ecosystem-conservation-and-restoration/
• Contacts: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Source IOC WESTPAC)
Read more: 15/03/2026: Call for Project Proposals on Coastal Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration
The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), together with the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, China, and the SEE Foundation are pleased to invite you to participate in this workshop to be held from 6 to 8 November 2025 in Xiamen, China.
The workshop will bring together leading experts, policy-makers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and strengthen international cooperation for the restoration of mangrove and other blue carbon ecosystems in the Western Pacific.
Background
Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows provide vital benefits and services, including carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity support. The Western Pacific is a global hotspot for blue carbon ecosystem, yet these ecosystems face severe threats, resulting in significant habitat loss and reduced ecological functions.
Over the past decade, multiple initiatives have been launched to protect and restore blue carbon ecosystems. However, in the Western Pacific, several challenges remain. For instance, tailored approaches that consider local ecological, economic and social context are still needed, and critical knowledge gaps persist, particularly in practical restoration methodologies and long term monitoring techniques.
Therefore, fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening cooperation are essential for advancing both scientific understanding and practical developments in the protection and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems.
To address this challenge, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) has decided to establish a Working Group on Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration, with an initial focus on mangrove ecosystems. The Working Group aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, promote effective restoration techniques and practices, and support collaborative actions across the region.
As a first step, this kickoff workshop, hosted by the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, China, and SEE Foundation, will convene leading experts in mangrove ecology and ecosystem management to foster collaboration and drive impactful actions.
Workshop Objectives
The workshop aims to:
To facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices in ecological restoration focusing on mangrove, and identify shared priorities for regional cooperation.
To launch the Working Group for Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration with an initial focus on mangroves, and initiate its major activities.
To develop a workplan for the next two years and beyond, including developing a regional guidebook on mangrove restoration.
Workshop Outline
The 2.5-day workshop will combine expert presentations, interactive discussions, and collaborative planning sessions, including:
Session 1: Global Overview-Blue carbon science, policy development, and international initiatives
Session 2: Regional and National Perspectives- Current status, science, methodologies, and best practices in mangrove restoration across the Western Pacific
Session 3: Identify Gaps and Challenges- Barriers, knowledge gaps in mangrove ecological restoration, and opportunities for cooperation in the Western Pacific
Session 4: Brainstorm the way forward-Collaborative planning to outline priorities, actions, and next steps.
Participants
The workshop will gather scientists, decision-makers, public and private sector from Member States in the Western Pacific, with expertise in mangrove ecological restoration and strong willingness to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Participants are expected to present the current mangrove restoration science, methods, and practices in their country or region, and existing challenges, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for cooperation.
Other stakeholders including government agencies and private sectors, will also be invited to contribute knowledge, share experience, and explore partnerships.
Registration
Interested individuals, either nominated or self-nominated, who are committed to contributing to the collective effort and shared goals are encouraged to complete the Online Registration/Application Form as early as possible, preferably before 31 August 2025.
If you are unable to access the online form, please complete the offline registration form (Annex 1) and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line: Registration Form – Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration Workshop
Funding for international travel is limited and will be prioritized for participants from developing countries. Selection will be based primarily on the applicant’s CV, relevant work experience, and prior engagement with WESTPAC or related international programmes.
Updated information about the workshop will be made available in due course at this event page.
Important Links for Registration
https://ioc-westpac.org/event/kickoff-workshop-on-blue-carbon-ecosystem-restoration/
(Source IOC WESTPAC)
