Healthy seas begin on land.

When we started People and the Sea nearly a decade ago, we had a simple but powerful belief: real conservation happens when communities lead. 2024 proved that belief wasn’t just idealistic—it’s working.

This year, LogFA (Logon Fishers Association) took full ownership of monthly Crown-of-Thorns removals and organised their first event for Malapascua’s International Coastal Cleanup. They’re now advocating for Dakit-Lapus—the island’s first fisher-managed marine sanctuary.

Our Conservation Education programme reached a new high when we handed our summer camps to youth volunteers from Malapascua. They didn’t just teach 119 children—they formed “Isla Kabatan- on,” the island’s first Youth Environmental Club.

2024 reminded us this work takes resilience. Our income was lower than previous years, yet 89% of our budget went directly to the Philippines—39% in salaries for our incredible Filipino team, because empowering communities requires great people on the ground.

Our Sustainable Fisheries programme is now our flagship initiative, accounting for 45% of expenses. It’s an investment we believe in because we’ve seen what happens when fishers have the data and voice to lead: they become the most effective stewards of their own seas.