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Building bridges for the SEA

Romy Trono: A life dedicated to the seas

By IW:LEARN

May 20^th, 2025

The large marine ecosystems (LMEs) of the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand are valuable ecosystems, rich in biodiversity and essential to the economies of Southeast Asia. LMEs are extensive areas of ocean, approximately 200,000 km2 or greater, located near the continents. They encompass coastal waters, extending to the edge of the continental shelf or the seaward reach of a major current system. Globally, there are 66 recognized LMEs. These regions are crucial because they are highly productive, supporting a large portion of the world's marine biodiversity and fisheries.

However, like other LMEs in the world, they face threats like pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing, made more complex by the various conflicting interests in the region. Addressing these issues requires countries to work together, and Romy Trono has dedicated his career to making that happen.

Romy Trono's work with the ocean began early. After graduating with a degree in Marine Fisheries from the University of the Philippines, he studied the effects of development on marine life through Environmental Impact Assessment projects. This gave him a close look at how human actions affect the sea.

He then spent over ten years with the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (now the Biodiversity Management Bureau) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, leading conservation efforts for sea turtles and dugongs. He spent significant time on Baguan Island in the Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi, where he faced challenges like limited resources and the danger of poachers. This experience shaped his commitment to conservation.

Later, Romy worked for WWF-Philippines and Conservation International-Philippines, directing marine programs and advocating for marine protected areas and sustainable practices. He emphasizes:

"Scientific solutions alone are insufficient; effective management and collaboration are also vital for protecting our seas."

Romy speaking recently at a Citizen Science program organized by ABS-CBN Foundation on 29 April 2025 in Mabini, Batangas.

A key part of Romy's work involves Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs). LMEs are large ocean areas near continents, known for their productivity and biodiversity. Because they cross national boundaries, they require countries to cooperate on sustainable management.

The GEF/UNEP/UNOPS SCS SAP Project, where Romy is currently involved as the Philippines’ National Coordinator, is an example of this cooperation. The project brings together six countries and several partners representing diverse stakeholder groups to address problems in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand LMEs. Prior to this, he was the Regional Project Manager of the GEF/UNDP/UNOPS CTI Sulu-Celebes Sea Sustainable Fisheries Management Project, another LME project which addresses fisheries management in the region.

This work requires navigating different national priorities and ensuring that all countries are working towards common goals.

Romy emphasizes that "political will" is a major factor in the success of these projects. Changes in government and priorities as well as challenges related to funding management and sustainability affect support for conservation. But Romy believes that protecting the ocean requires long-term commitment from everyone involved and is keen to continue his advocacy for as long as he can.

He also recognizes the importance of empowering local communities, the people whose lives are most directly affected by the health of the ocean. He champions initiatives that provide them with the knowledge, skills, and resources to become active participants in conservation, ensuring that they are not merely beneficiaries but also stewards of their marine heritage.

Romy's story is not just one of scientific expertise or political navigation. It is also a story of hope. Romy shares,

"What gives me hope is that we're finally recognizing how critical ocean health is, and we're beginning to incorporate that into how we plan our economies. And perhaps most importantly, we have a new generation of conservationists who are ready to take action."

Romy Trono and colleagues assess seagrass and dugong feeding areas in Palawan, Philippines, three decades ago, during his tenure as Executive Director of WWF-Philippines. Subsequently, he became Country Executive Director for Conservation International.

The work of protecting Large Marine Ecosystems is a marathon, not a sprint.

It requires the dedication of individuals like Romy Trono and other LME champions in the GEF International Waters community, who are willing to devote their lives to a cause that transcends national boundaries and political cycles. They are the unseen architects of a healthier ocean, building bridges of cooperation and orchestrating a symphony of action that will resonate for generations to come.

Romy Trono (second row, in orange shirt) joins the GEF/UNEP/UNOPS SCS SAP Project Steering Committee Country Members and Representatives on 7-9 May 2025 in Manila to strengthen regional collaboration to protect the Seas of East Asia (SEA).

About the Project

Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) are productive ocean areas near continents, crucial for both the environment and coastal economies. Because LMEs face threats like pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing, they require transboundary cooperation. The "Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand" (GEF/UNEP/UNOPS SCS SAP Project) addresses these challenges in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand LMEs. Funded by the GEF and implemented by UNEP, the project unites six countries to promote sustainable management. With UNOPS support, the SCS SAP Project helps these countries achieve the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) goals through regional and national actions. This aims to maintain healthy, productive, and resilient LMEs.

For more information, contact the Senior Project Manager, Anders Poulsen (andersp@unops.org), and visit the project website (www.scssap.org).

Footnotes

Words by Khristine Gudczinski. Cover photo: Near their home in the Verde Island Passage, known as the ‘center of the center’ of global marine biodiversity, Romy (right) instills his passion for environmental conservation in his 5-year-old granddaughter. ©Jorge M. Ida.