Philippine Sustainability Summit Part 1: On The Right Path To Transforming Food Systems Toward Sustainable Practices

Every year, the movement grows stronger with more stakeholders joining the cause for a sustainable future. In a collaborative effort, this year's edition of the Philippine Sustainability Summit takes on a much wider scope while underscoring the urgency of the movement focused on transforming food systems toward more sustainable practices. And here's how you can do your share for the cause of sustainability...

For nine years and counting, SeaTrace International in partnership with Manila Marriott Hotel along with key industry stakeholders have taken the lead in promoting awareness with a shared advocacy for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. It's a timely and relevant cause that has significant impact on everyone, with the end result benefitting the way we enjoy the fresh ocean harvest and the environment. Now on its ninth year, the challenges remain but with more advocates now on-board in an impressive multi-sectoral coalition the path to transforming food systems toward sustainable practices is clear...

The global campaign on sustainability has grown significantly but there's still so much more to be done. Continued awareness and education remain key in keeping the advocacy at the very top of everyone's agenda. I've been fortunate to witness the steady growth of the sustainability movement spearheaded by Christian Schmidradner of SeaTrace international and Executive Chef Meik Brammer of Manila Marriott Hotel through the years with my blog, and it's been an epic and eye-opening journey (for more on the previous editions of the much anticipated annual event, see my posts Sustainable, Traceable, Fresh and Right at The 2nd Sustainable Seafood Week Launch from 2017, The Freshest Catch for the Third Straight Year at the Sustainable Seafood Week Launch from 2018, Sustainable Seafood And A Sunset At The Seawall Garden from six years ago and Sights and Flavors at the Philippine Sustainability Movement Event by SeaTrace International at Marriott Manila from last year). This year's edition marks a milestone moment for the movement as it nears a decade in leading the way for a sustainable future. 

And that's quite a feat. For Christian Schmidradner (R) of SeaTrace International, the pioneering proponent of the sustainability movement, the latest edition takes stock of the key learnings from the past with a broader approach and long-term goals while drilling down to specifics focusing on immediate transformative changes. "This year, the spotlight was on projects to transform food systems toward sustainability and on responsible sourcing within domestic and global food supply chains. We had more international organizations participating on our platform this time. The exchange of ideas between the participants and the creation of new collaboration projects was the goal, especially between the private sector, NGO's and the government," shared Christian Schmidradner. Multi-sectoral collaboration becomes both the theme and catalyst for change in advancing sustainability goals. 

Redefining the specialty seafood trade with a focus on sustainability, Christian Schmidradner and SeaTrace International remain at the forefront of the sustainability movement. During the summit, the interaction from different sectors sparked the collaborative spirit in pursuit of a common cause. And this is the stated goal of the 9th edition of the Philippine Sustainability Summit bannered by a shared advocacy. 

Sustainability Culinary Leader and Marriott Manila Executive Chef Meik Brammer has long championed the cause mobilizing the hospitality industry along the same direction. His passion for sustainability has reshaped the culinary repertoire at the prestigious property. Leading by example, Executive Chef Meik Brammer encourages more to follow. "This year is the 15th anniversary of Marriott Manila and we are grateful that the Philippine Sustainability Movement Event 2024 has grown unimaginably over the years with more partner hotels and suppliers. Spearheading this event in partnership with SeaTrace International reinforces our commitment to creating exceptional, personalized dining experiences while embracing our responsibility to reduce environmental impact. Through this initiative, we continue to champion sustainable practices and set a new standard for responsible hospitality," explained Executive Chef Meik Brammer. 

The summit presented a broad coalition from the Philippine and international governments, embassies, chambers of commerce, environmental organizations as well as the private sector particularly from the hotel and culinary industries and local communities. Sharing new and unique ideas from different perspectives come together for a refreshed take on local sustainability issues at the summit. 

An exhibit documenting the various sustainability projects of different stakeholders illustrates just how far the movement has grown and evolved with even more joining the cause. The newly released Great Food Puzzle Philippine Country Report by the World Wildlife Fund revealed valuable insights into the country's food system while recognizing areas of progress there are still countless gaps in strategy and implementation to adequately meet climate, biodiversity and health targets by 2030. And the key in piecing together the puzzle is responsible sourcing to protect the environment, the oceans and livelihoods of local communities. And through the spirit of collaboration, thriving ecosystems, resilient businesses and a sustainable future for food, communities and nature can be achieved. 

More issues were addressed at the summit including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing which remain a threat. Over 40% of the country's wild-caught seafood is sourced through illegal fishing due to lack of transparency and traceability in seafood supply chains. If nothing is done, then our oceans are at risk. After all, our oceans hold the key to feeding the world and preserving our planet. 

A recent and quite disturbing report from USAID and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) indicated that illegal fishing accounted for 27-40% of fish caught in 2019 with over 70% of the country's fishing grounds overfished. Christian Schmidradner emphasized the need to address these issues as one of many key priorities. "We have to work strongly together to ensure that sustainability programs cover more of our wild fisheries and that certifications and traceability become standard across supply chains." 

Initiatives such as the Buyer Engagement Program, Responsible Seafood Sourcing by Better Seafood Philippines and the Marine Stewardship Certification led by WWF and local agencies have already made its impact in local fishing communities. More linkages and collaborations are needed to solve the complex puzzle of sustainability and food security. 

That evening, key stakeholders led by Christian Schmidradner of SeaTrace International and Executive Chef Meik Brammer of Manila Marriott Hotel committed to more long-term programs to promote sustainability and transforming the local food system with accepted standards in place. Ending on a high note, the Ninth Philippine Sustainability Summit brings both hope and optimism to the state of sustainability in the country. 

Spotted at the summit were seafood products from a local fishing community from Mindoro illustrating once more how a committed program inspired by sustainable practices can be a feasible business model that can be rolled out to even more communities around the country. It can be done, and showcasing examples like this present countless opportunities that can be replicated benefitting the environment, the seller and the consumer. 

Proudly homegrown artisan products also highlighted renewed interest in local produce like Tuburan Coffee from Cebu...

...and all-natural Mascobado from Alter Trade as a flavorful and healthier alternative to processed centrifugal sugar. Sometimes we don't have to look far for premium products, you'll find many much closer to home. 

A nostalgic taste of home and home-cooked recipes gets the spotlight at the 9th Philippine Sustainability Summit with the various products from Mama Sita's. One of the iconic brands with a storied history in local culinary tradition, Mama Sita's shares its world class range of products for a memorable meal from your home kitchen. 

How's your dippin' game? Mama Sita's has just the right condiment to complete your comforting meal at home. 

Tsaa Laya is another prime example of a successful herbal livelihood program working closely with local communities reflecting the goals of the sustainability movement. Locally sourced, all-natural and organic, Tsaa Laya takes local tea to the global stage with its exquisite range of premium products. 

The issue of plastic waste reduction was another serious concern discussed in depth at the summit. The Philippines alone contributes approximately 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually with nearly 20% ending up in the ocean. To put in the proper perspective, that's roughly 63 million sachets, 48 million shopping bags and 3 million diapers to name just a few of the plastic-based waste output ranking the Philippines as among the world's largest contributors of ocean plastic waste. This poses a significant and real threat to local marine ecosystems and the fisheries industry. Like they say, what we throw inevitably comes back to our tables. 

With no sufficient recycling process in place, the plastic waste problem continues to grow. Hospitality Innovations by Quorate Inc. (HIQ) has taken the challenge with its unique bottling solutions, replacing disposable plastic bottles with refillable glass bottes. It's a small yet bold step in phasing out millions of plastic bottles per year. Rob Boreham, Managing Director of HIQ expressed his optimism saying "these are great times for those of us emphasizing plastic reduction, as the first Global Plastic Treaty is expected this year. We're thrilled to have supported the 2024 event and to demonstrate our sustainability program." 

In the end, sustainable practices are everyone's responsibility. We are all stakeholders in the health of the ocean, the environment and the planet. "This year's event demonstrated the power of collaboration in achieving sustainability. We are thrilled to see a stronger commitment from diverse sectors every year and to foster conversations that will lead to impactful change, which will grow further in the next years. I am excited to celebrate the movement's 10-year anniversary next year. It will grow again," said Christian Schmidradner who started it all nearly a decade ago. Our own individual actions contribute to the goal of sustainability. How? By making the right seafood choices for our table at home. 

As the afternoon sessions come to a close, Christian Schmidradner and Executive Chef Meik Brammer visit one of Manila Marriott Hotel's ballrooms where the goals of the summit are lavishly showcased with an array of exquisite seafood dishes prepared by the top culinary teams from leading hotels and academies. The epic feast of fresh and sustainable seafood remains one of the highlights of the summit, a tradition that began since its very first edition nine years ago. And this year's edition already looks impressive poised to surpass the scale and wide variety of tasty selections of last year's summit. 

And there's just no better way to share the story of sustainable seafood than an extensive spread of meticulously prepared dishes. That day, the very best sustainable, traceable and responsibly sourced catch of the day became the fitting ending to another successful summit led by SeaTrace International and Manila Marriott Hotel (for more on the sumptuous seafood feast, see my next blog post Philippine Sustainability Summit Part 2: Celebrating The Day's Freshest On The Path To Sustainable Practices). 

Sustainability is no longer just a trendy cause for a select few, it's everyone's concern. And the clock is ticking as environmental threats continue to rise. By transforming food systems in a holistic manner involving as many sectors as possible focusing on sustainable practices, the path to healthier oceans becomes clear. And it all starts by choosing the right seafood for your table at home...

For more on the Philippine Sustainability Summit, visit the FB and IG Feed of SeaTrace International at https://www.facebook.com/seatraceinternational/ and https://www.instagram.com/seatraceinternational/ for more information and updates.

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