IBMS Management Board Meeting: Strengthening Governance for Sustainable Marine Conservation

The Igang Bay Marine Sanctuary (IBMS), a joint initiative of JBLFMU CES and the Municipal Government of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, was launched in June 2010 to protect, rehabilitate, and conserve the marine environment of Igang Bay. On November 11, 2022, the IBMS Management Board convened to review updates on milestones, impacts, and awards, assess the management plan and organizational structure, and discuss proposed plans and programs. Key priorities identified included updating the Management Plan and restructuring the board, with a dedicated workshop scheduled for the first quarter of 2023. These initiatives aim to strengthen governance, enhance science-based management, and improve community engagement. Through collaborative efforts, JBLFMU CES and its partners continue to promote sustainable marine conservation, resilient coastal ecosystems, and effective stakeholder partnerships, contributing to the achievement of global Sustainable Development Goals 14, 11, and 17.