On March 19, 2025, Guimaras State University (GSU) hosted the “Save the Marine Ecosystem: Save ME Research Conference” at the Agri-Eco Convention Hall, Salvador Campus. The conference served as a conduit for the dissemination of empirical research findings and the advancement of sustainable marine conservation paradigms.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Rhea Joy D. Flora, Project Manager of Save ME, accentuated the indispensable role of academic institutions in cultivating environmental sustainability. She asserted that faculty, staff, and students are already engaged in sustainable initiatives, and incremental behavioral modifications can yield substantial impacts on marine conservation.

Likewise, Dr. Julius T. Vergara, Vice President for Research, Extension, Training, and Innovation, elaborated on the necessity of sustainable marine resource management. He articulated the importance of addressing contemporary environmental needs while concurrently empowering local communities to assume proactive stewardship roles in marine preservation efforts.

The conference featured a plenary lecture delivered by Dr. Johannes, Project Manager of 3RproMar, who expounded on the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Protect Marine Environments and Coral Reefs” framework. His discourse detailed the methodologies employed within the 3RproMar initiative, featuring its role in mitigating land-based waste proliferation and its implications for marine ecosystems.

Subsequent to the plenary session, faculty and student researchers from various colleges presented studies aligning with the thematic objectives of the event. These research endeavors encapsulated innovative methodologies and analytical frameworks pertinent to marine conservation and resource management.

The event was attended by a representative on behalf of Guimaras Governor Hon. JC Rahman A. Nava, as well as faculty members, staff, student researchers, and delegates from different municipalities across the island. The SaveME Research Conference epitomized an integrative approach to environmental preservation, inspiring synergetic collaboration between academia and local stakeholders to formulate evidence-based strategies for the sustainable custodianship of marine ecosystems.