MPA AWARDS & RECOGNITION
A national awards and learning forum recognizing outstanding marine protected areas and partners in the Philippines
Latest Awardees
Meet the 2025 Para el MAR champions — recognized for excellence in governance, conservation, and community engagement.
2025
★ 1st Place
Ranzo Fish Sanctuary
Outstanding Locally-managed MPA
Pinalamayan, Oriental Mindoro
2025
★ 1st Place
Southern Negros Coastal Development Management Council (SNCDMC)
Outstanding Network
Negros Occidental
2025
★ Champion
Balisungan Marine Protected Area-Women-managed Area
Best Mangrove Award
Coron, Palawan
2025
★ 1st Place
Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape
Outstanding NIPAS MPA
Sarangani & South Cotabato
Award Categories
Para el MAR recognizes MPAs and networks through categories that evolved over the years to reflect emerging conservation priorities.
Outstanding Locally-managed MPA
Recognizing excellence in local MPA initiatives.
Outstanding NIPAS MPA
Honoring exemplary performance in nationally-legislated MPAs.
Outstanding Network
Commemorating alliances that demonstrate how synergy can overcome challenges and lead to collective impact.
Best Mangrove Award
Celebrating outstanding mangrove conservation and restoration efforts.
Special Citations
Rewarding best practices in specific management areas.
Stories from the Sea
Narratives of marine protected areas, communities, and partners — how they began, evolved, and continue to protect our oceans.
[Sample] The Turtles Return to Turtle Islands
The Turtle Islands, straddling the border between the Philippines and
[Sample] The Mangroves of Panay
Along the northern coast of Panay Island, the mangrove forests
ABOUT
A Nationwide Awards & Learning Forum
Para El MAR (MPA Awards & Recognition) is MSN’s biennial nationwide awards program and learning forum that highlights outstanding MPAs, networks, and marine conservation initiatives across the Philippines. First held in 2007, it was established to promote best practices in MPA management, strengthen governance through standards and processes, and encourage continuous improvement towards effectiveness.
Recognition Backed by Learning
Para el MAR recognizes excellence not only through awards—but also through knowledge-sharing and benchmarking using standardized tools, such as the MPA Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT) and the Network Effectiveness Assessment Tool (NEAT), supported by field validation and means of verification (MOV).
Inspiring Protection for Future Generations
By celebrating excellence in marine protection, Para el MAR helps sustain management, strengthen accountability, raise national awareness, and inspire communities and institutions to protect the country’s rich marine biodiversity for future generations.
How Awardees are Evaluated
Awardees are assessed using established criteria and tools such as MEAT and NEAT, supported by field validation and means of verification (MOV).
1
Management Effectiveness
Assessment of governance structures, management plans, enforcement capacity, and operational sustainability of the MPA or network.
2
Biophysical & Ecological Impacts
Assessment of productivity and quality of marine habitats, ecosystems and associated organisms as an outcome of effective protection
3
Social & Economic Benefits
Assessment of income, environment-friendly and sustainable livelihood opportunities, community stewardship, awareness, and equitable benefit-sharing.
Support Our Mission
Your contribution enables MSN's work in MPA management, coastal community support, and marine conservation research across the Philippines.