On April 15, Quantitative Aquatics (Q-quatics), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UPCIDS), will host an online Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the “Context and Perspectives for the Blue and Green Economy,” scheduled from 1:00–4:00 PM.
This upcoming dialogue will bring together scientists, policy experts, practitioners, and community leaders to advance a shared understanding of a sustainable and equitable blue-green economy. An economy grounded in sound science, nature-based solutions, and inclusive governance. It will serve as a platform to explore how science, policy, and local and Indigenous knowledge systems can make a difference in the impact of decision-making and proactive actions addressing biodiversity loss and climate challenges, ensuring communities and Indigenous peoples meaningful roles in shaped solutions.
Featured Speakers and Key Themes
 |
“Bioresource Roadmap of the Philippines” Dr. Neil Aldrin ‘Doc A’ Mallari President and Chief Scientist, Center for Conservation Innovations PH He will highlight the early adoption of natural capital accounting in the Philippines and initiatives such as Sukat ng Kalikasan, including key challenges and opportunities in implementation. |
 |
“Anchoring the Blue-Green Economy in Local and Indigenous Knowledge” Dir. Naderev ‘Yeb’ Saño Executive Director, Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya He will emphasize re-centering coastal communities and Indigenous peoples as primary stewards, caution against potential risks of conventional “blue growth,” and highlight the importance of local ecological knowledge, inclusive governance, and “scaling deep” approaches for a just transition. |
 |
“Beyond Buzzwords: Transdisciplinary Science Must Inform the Greening of the Blue Economy.” Dr. Cornelia ‘Conny’ Nauen President, Mundus maris and Chair, Q-quatics Board of Trustees She will discuss the evolving concept of the blue economy and highlight the need to integrate scientific, practical, and experiential knowledge to better understand and manage marine and coastal ecosystems, while underscoring Q-quatics’ role in providing global biodiversity data and analytical tools to support science-based decision-making. |
The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Benjamin Vallejo Jr., Corporate Secretary of the Q-quatics Board of Trustees and Convenor of the Conservation and Biodiversity Program of UPCIDS.
Participation and Engagement
The FGD is expected to gather a diverse group of participants from regional organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector, including representatives from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, ocean-focused initiatives, community-based organizations, and local government units. Q-quatics and UPCIDS staff and partners will also take part in the exchange.
This multi-stakeholder setting aims to create a safe and collaborative space for dialogue, encouraging the sharing of perspectives, experiences, and emerging ideas. [Full program]
Expected Outputs
The FGD is designed to generate actionable insights and potential collaborative pathways, including:
- A shared understanding of key issues and opportunities in advancing the blue-green economy
- Identification of opportunities for collaboration and project development
- Insights on incentivizing nature-positive approaches in business and society
- Reflections on integrating gender-transformative approaches into governance and public health
- Strategies to strengthen the uptake of science in planning and decision-making
- Lessons and experiences from participants involved in blue and green economy initiatives
Strengthening Collaboration for Science and Policy
This initiative highlights the need for ongoing collaboration among environmental NGOs and other organizations. Initiated by UPCIDS and Q-quatics to advance science-policy dialogues that are inclusive, interdisciplinary, and solutions-oriented, diverse knowledge holders are brought together to foster mutual learning and co-creation of pathways toward sustainable and equitable blue and green economy.
More updates in the coming days.
