The sea is the universal sewer. Literally, it is now. Human deposits, plastic cups, bottles, sachets, is what flooding the ocean. Most of it are plastic, and plastic takes up 20 years to decompose. It’s funny how some human beings nag about the ocean being polluted but do not take actions to solve it.
The STEP Philippines, or Sea and Terrestrial Environment Protectors, is a member organization of the UN Sustainable Network Youth (UN-SDSN) and was officially established on May 30, 2018. Their goal isto raise and transform young people to be ocean ambassadors through awareness, action programs, immersion series, and mentorship sessions. They want to build a strong network of advocates who will act as active stewards of the environment. They have a role to play, and the youth has the potential to make a difference if given the right training, right opportunities, right support, and right values.
These goals will benefit them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Throughout the camp, they are not limited to raising awareness, in fact, they are open to countless possibilities that after the camp, they can work together on different projects as a team. The family of changemakers that they are gaining is just a bonus, imagine having a strong support system, a team who have the same mindset and interest as you, that’s the kind of fulfillment you dreamed as an advocate for change. Caring for the Earth is not a lonely journey if you are with like-minded people.
The Maharlika Marine Camp: Raising Young Ocean Ambassadors, according to Kisha Erah Muana, founder of STEP Philippines, was made by answering the call and demand for action, they were waiting to have this kind of activity where we can transform mindsets. She decided to lead and be innovative because no one is stepping up, that’s why she took few steps ahead. She is an advocate for the environment because it is our life support system, and she want to link people back to nature, and want us to appreciate, value, recognize, and realize how reliant we are to the environment.
The camp is a collaborative effort of STEP Philippines, Oceana Philippines, Greenpeace Philippines, Island Buzz Philippines, and Isla Paraiso Organization. The partners for change of this camp are Dive Funatics, Mactan Freediving, Ecogeek Philippines, Cebu Eco Fix, Phil Yeve, Allson’s, and Gourmet Secrets.
Resource speakers are invited in the camp namely; Sir Ephraim Batungbacal (Regional Oceans Research Coordinator of Greenpeace), Yusep Abduhasad (I am Hampaslupa Campaigner), Sir Mar Guidote and Sir Mario Gasalatan of Oceana Philippines, Sir Buzzy Budlong of Island Buzz Philippines, and Miss Rikka Estampador of Dive Funatics. The core team were also there to share their thoughts namely; Helanie Fischer, Carina Bernardino, Christian Casio, Kisha Muana, and Steffi Blance Bascar. (Source: STEP Philippines facebook page)
The camp discussion were all about SDG 14: Life Below Water, The Current Status of the Philippine Marine Ecosystem, The Importance of Diving in promoting Awareness for Marine Conservation, Less Meat-More Veggies, Challenges of Life Below Water in Relation to Plastic Pollution and Climate Crisis, Sustainable Tourism through SUPs and Canoe Paddling-Culture x Conservation, Self-Assessment and Evaluation: Advocacy, Lifestyle, and Practices, Innovation & Conscious Living, and Healing through Regeneration, Reconnection and Revision of our Relationship with Nature.
A word from the founder of STEP Philippines, Kisha Erah Muana, “Don’t be afraid to take a step forward, when people seems to be against you, the earth will always be with you. We can be heroes in our own ways, and I believe the hero inside of you. Be the voice, be the action, be the future and together let’s make waves and change tides.”
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