Von Hernandez Takes Helm at Oceana Philippines
MANILA, Philippines—Renowned environmental advocate and Goldman Environmental Prize recipient Von Hernandez has been appointed to lead Oceana Philippines’ campaigns. This move marks a significant step in the group’s efforts to protect the nation’s rich marine biodiversity. The four-word keyphrase, “Oceana Philippines campaigns,” plays a central role in this new chapter of conservation.
With over 30 years of experience, Hernandez is celebrated for his relentless work defending communities and pushing for strong environmental policies in the country. His leadership promises to intensify efforts against destructive fishing and pollution, vital to sustaining the livelihoods that depend on the ocean.
Urgent Protection for Marine Biodiversity
Oceana’s CEO highlighted the Philippines’ critical position as the heart of the world’s richest marine biodiversity. “The Philippines sits at the heart of the world’s richest marine biodiversity, which feeds and sustains the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.” However, artisanal fishers face mounting threats such as illegal commercial fishing, climate change, pollution, and difficulties in preserving their catch’s freshness, local leaders noted.
James Simon added, “Von’s lifelong commitment to people and the environment makes him the perfect choice to help us deliver real, lasting change for local communities and oceans alike.”
Oceana’s Ongoing Fight for Fisherfolk
Since 2014, Oceana Philippines campaigns have focused on supporting small-scale fishers combating illegal commercial fishing in municipal waters. This fight has intensified after a recent Supreme Court decision jeopardized zones reserved for artisanal fishing by permitting commercial vessels. More than two million small-scale fishers remain vulnerable to food insecurity, sources said.
New Initiatives Under Hernandez’s Leadership
As the new head of Oceana Philippines campaigns, Hernandez will oversee efforts to secure municipal waters, protect coral-rich areas like Panaon Island, halt mangrove destruction, and reduce plastic pollution. He will also spearhead a fresh initiative aimed at minimizing fish loss and improving local livelihoods.
Hernandez expressed, “Our nation holds some of the world’s most beautiful and bountiful seas—a vital lifeline for millions of Filipinos. Yet, it’s a profound injustice that the artisanal fishers who provide food for our tables often struggle to sustain their families, while our oceans are suffocated by plastic polluters and plundered by unmitigated commercial and destructive fishing interests.”
He added, “Accepting this role is an honor and a commitment: to fight relentlessly for the protection of our oceans, defend the livelihoods of artisanal fishers, hold polluters and abusers accountable, and ensure that our oceans remain a source of life, not a casualty of greed.”
Proven Leadership in Environmental Movements
Hernandez’s extensive background includes global environmental leadership. Before this role, he coordinated the Break Free from Plastic movement, uniting over 3,500 organizations worldwide to combat plastic pollution and phase out unnecessary single-use plastics. He also served as global development director for Greenpeace International and executive director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
His groundbreaking campaigns helped pass vital Philippine environmental laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and the Clean Air Act, earning him the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2003. Additionally, Hernandez co-founded the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, now a coalition of over 1,000 groups in 90 countries.
Oceana’s Impact and Future Goals
Since its Philippine launch, Oceana has achieved significant victories in stopping illegal fishing, expanding marine protected areas, and reducing plastic waste. The group remains committed to promoting sustainable fisheries and healthy oceans for all Filipinos.
For more news and updates on Oceana Philippines campaigns, visit Filipinokami.com.
