Asia Sets Its Sights on the Next Frontier of Ocean Protection

by Bene Agulto, Asia Regional Lead

Leaders from across Asia gathered in Iloilo City, Philippines, for the Asia Regional Large-Scale Marine Protected Area (LSMPA) Workshop last fall, a milestone moment for advancing ocean protection at scale. Co-hosted by the Zoological Society of London Philippines, the Blue Nature Alliance, and Big Ocean, the workshop brought together government officials, scientists, and NGO partners from seven countries to exchange lessons, confront shared challenges, and chart a path toward science-based, community-driven marine protection.

Participants from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands explored the policy, governance, financing, and climate realities shaping the region’s oceans. As Asia looks beyond nearshore conservation toward the promise of large-scale protection offshore, discussions focused on how countries can safeguard biodiversity while supporting food security, livelihoods, and resilient coastal communities.

“For large-scale protection, you’re really looking to that horizon, managing today with the future in mind,” said Naiʻa Lewis, Director of Big Ocean.

The workshop also highlighted emerging opportunities – from advancing the proposed Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area, which could become one of the largest marine protected areas in Asia, to laying the groundwork for a regional LSMPA Community of Practice that would strengthen collaboration across countries.

“We are entirely committed to making the change happen,” said Dr. Edwina D. Garchitorena, Country Director of ZSL Philippines. “With the guidance of Big Ocean and the support of the Blue Nature Alliance, we are confidently stepping into the future of large-scale MPAs in Asia.”

Participants emphasized that Asia has a unique opportunity to lead globally in demonstrating how conservation can work alongside economic and community priorities.

“There’s a lot of potential for Asia to show the world that you can combine uses – fishing, food security, and conservation,” Lewis added. “It might not be easy, but I think there’s a lot of potential for Asia to do that.”

The workshop underscored a growing regional momentum: large-scale marine protection is not only possible in Asia, but increasingly essential to safeguarding the ecosystems and ocean resources that millions of people depend on.

Watch the video below for highlights from this pivotal gathering and the growing movement for ocean protection across the region.