Philippine Premiere Sparks Advocacy for the High Seas Treaty

Quezon City, Philippines – May 26, 2025 – The exclusive Philippine screening of Ocean with David Attenborough ignited a call for stronger marine protections. Hosted by High Seas Alliance, Planet CORA, Oceana, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the event emphasized the swift ratification of the BBNJ Treaty ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June 2025).

Experts and youth advocates discussed Southeast Asia’s marine biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the ocean’s role in climate stability. The film, marking Attenborough’s 99th birthday, highlighted the devastating impact of overfishing, coral bleaching, and habitat destruction, urging global action to protect the high seas.

“Only 1.5% of the high seas is protected. We urge world leaders to ratify the BBNJ Treaty now,” said Rizza Sacra-Dejucos, Asia Regional Coordinator of High Seas Alliance.

While Ocean with David Attenborough will stream on National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu later this year, this one-time screening in the Philippines served as both a celebration and a rallying cry to safeguard the world’s oceans for future generations.