NON-PROFIT organization CORA (Communities Organized for Resource Allocation), led by its founder and executive director Antoinette Taus, called on young leaders to take on an active role in ocean conservation.
The call was made during the 10th Anniversary of the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change and the launch of the “100 Days for the Ocean” campaign led by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia last week ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, this June.
Taus particularly emphasized the importance of empowering the next generation of young leaders as environmental advocates by tackling plastic and marine pollution, one of the Philippines’ most pressing ecological challenges.
“At CORA, we believe that the new generation of leaders, especially the youth, hold the key to creating a future where no one is left behind, and that includes our oceans,” Antoinette Taus said.
“This initiative that we are implementing with support from the French Embassy is more than just cleaning up our shores. More importantly, it’s about equipping our young leaders with the knowledge and tools to advocate for sustainable and lasting change that will address the climate crisis,” she added.
CORA is currently implementing the “Youth for Oceans” Project with support from the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia under the Youth and Oceans Fund of the Blue Nations Initiative.
The project aims to engage Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation members, youth organizations, and schools in Parañaque City in monthly marine litter monitoring at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. Beyond the cleanups, these youth will also gather data and develop policy and program recommendations for improved waste management that will ensure long-term and sustainable solutions to marine pollution.
The campaign, “100 Days for the Ocean,” aims to mobilize stakeholders, including CORA, to create a giant climate artwork composed of 1,600 solar-powered lamps made from recycled bottles and solar recharging systems. This illuminated installation will serve as a symbol of collective action for ocean conservation.
Learn more and join CORA’s mission for people and the planet at www.WeAreCORA.org.
