CORA featured in 'Marine Litter News': Showcasing the Power of Citizen Science and Local Data in Tackling Marine Pollution in the Philippines

May 2025 – CORA Nonprofit Philippines is proud to be featured in the latest edition of Marine Litter News, the official publication of the Asia Pacific Civil Forum on Marine Litter (APML). Published biannually, the journal serves as a key platform for sharing insights and innovations in addressing marine litter challenges across the Asia-Pacific region.

In Volume 17, Issue 1 (May 2025), CORA’s article titled “Citizen Science and Local Data Driving Marine Litter Solutions and Social Change in the Philippines” highlights key findings from our 2024 My OSEAN Mission Pilot Cleanup Program and its corresponding Social Behavioral Change (SBC) Survey.

Bridging Science and Community Action for Cleaner Seas

The My OSEAN Mission program is CORA’s flagship initiative under the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)’s Enhancement of Marine Litter Management in Manila Bay (EMLM) project together with Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN) andKorea Marine Environment Management Corporation (KOEM). Anchored at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), the program combines citizen science, frequent marine litter monitoring, and coastal cleanups to build data-driven, community-led solutions to ocean plastic pollution.

Key highlights featured in the article include:

• Over 4,000 kg of marine litter and 58,000+ debris items collected in 2024

• Correlation of waste influxes with typhoons, tides, and seasonal rainfall

• The role of Citizen Scientists and Waste Warriors in conducting regular data collection using the Rapid Assessment of Standing Stock (RASS) method

• New SBC insights showing that active participation leads to lasting behavior change, especially among youth and mothers

• Localization of global litter tracking tools to include context-specific items like diapers, slippers, and e-waste

Local Data, Global Impact

What sets My OSEAN Mission apart is its emphasis on regionally tailored data and the belief that every citizen can be a scientist. The article stresses how consistent data collection, even on a monthly basis, provides crucial insights for shaping policies, designing better waste systems, and fostering environmental responsibility at the household level.

A striking insight revealed that the top 10 marine litter types—mostly single-use plastics—make up over 75% of all collected waste, calling attention to the need for upstream interventions and reduction at the source.

Gratitude for Collective Action

This milestone publication is a shared achievement. The success of My OSEAN Mission would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, partners, school groups, youth leaders, and government allies who participated in every step of the mission.

CORA extends its deepest thanks to the APML and OSEAN for recognizing the importance of our work and providing this global platform to showcase the collective efforts of Filipino communities toward cleaner seas.

📥 Read the Full Article

Download the full Marine Litter News Vol. 17, Issue 1 (May 2025):👉 bit.ly/cora-marinelitternews

Contributors

Cat Triviño

Author and Communications Director

My OSEAN Mission Program

Morrie Reyes

Jacob Taguinod

Joseph Lansang

Program Managers

My OSEAN Mission Program

Rod Charlie Delos Reyes

Social Behavior Change Consultant

Carina Perez

Communications Manager

My OSEAN Mission Program

Antoinette Taus

Executive Director and Founder

CORA Nonprofit Philippines