Philippine TDA-SAP Coordinator, Dr. Michael Angelo B. Promentilla, advocates for placing ecosystem health at the heart of the updated Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA 2.0). By recognizing natural habitats as essential infrastructure and leveraging successful local models like Bogtong's mangrove restoration, the Philippines aims to integrate ecosystem preservation as a cornerstone for regional resilience and sustainable development.

In the quiet coastal village of Barangay Bogtong, located on the island of Busuanga in Palawan — the Philippines last ecological frontier — the rhythm of life is intertwined with the tide.

For the over 1,200 residents of Bogtong, the green belt of mangrove forests is more than just scenery; it is their "bioshield," their nursery, and their supermarket.

Following the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which left a trail of damaged ecosystems, the community realized that their survival depended on the health of these salt-tolerant trees.

Today, with the support of the GEF/UNEP/UNOPS Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS SAP), Bogtong has emerged as a modest beacon of community-led restoration.

Vice Mayor Dr. Mikee Alvarez of the Municipality of Tingloy is leading the development of an Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Code to formalize marine conservation and resource management. The code establishes an ICM Trust Fund to ensure financial transparency and consistency in conservation funding.

Watch expert and representative from Thailand, Wilawan Thanatemaneerat, as they share their insights on how the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) has evolved since 2000. Protecting our coastal home is no longer just about fixing local problems — it’s about understanding the complex web of stressors that connect us across borders. 

The Third Meeting of the Regional Scientific and Technical Committee (RSTC-3) for the SCS SAP Project was successfully convened in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, from 26–28 January 2026. This pivotal gathering, opened by representatives from UNEP and UNOPS, focused on the critical task of reviewing draft Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) reports and documenting over a decade of environmental achievements. The meeting served as a primary platform for the presentation and review of six national and one regional draft TDA reports, which provide the scientific foundation for updating the Strategic Action Programme (SAP). 

Kathy Nguyen, Project Lead for the Women4Mangrove initiative in Cù Lao Dung, Vietnam, participated in the RSTC-3 meeting to discuss the alignment of local conservation efforts with the South China Sea Strategic Action Programme (SCS SAP) and the regional Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA). The discussion emphasized the necessity of regional cooperation and the role of inclusive governance in environmental protection. 

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we feature Dr. Liana Talaue McManus, a leading figure in marine ecology and global change science.

With over 30 years of experience, Liana has managed major global projects, including the Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme (TWAP) and the GEF Marine Plastics Project of the Global Environment Facility and UN Environment Programme. Currently, she is leading the regional update of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA 2.0) for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand LMEs.

On 19 January 2026,  attendees representing national ministries, consultants, technical focal points, and provincial departments from Cambodia’s coastal provinces participated in the SCS SAP critical workshop in Kampot Province, Cambodia. The workshop conducted included presenting Cambodia’s contribution to the regional Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) findings emphasizing on the country’s land-based pollution (LbP) sources such as nutrients, solid waste, wastewater, and plastics.

Dear SCS SAP Colleagues and Friends,

As 2025 concludes, on behalf of the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), I want to reflect on a truly pivotal and impactful year for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS-GOT) Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs). This year was defined by critical decisions, invaluable in-person collaboration, and the meaningful expansion of our growing SCS SAP family.