New Attenborough Movie Inspires Urgent Call for Ocean Protection

Quezon City, Philippines - May 26, 2025 - The only Philippine cinema screening of “Ocean with David Attenborough” drew ocean conservation leaders, policymakers, youth advocates, and media to the University of the Philippines GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium on May 26, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s Month of the Ocean celebrations.

The High Seas Alliance, Planet CORA, Oceana, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources organized an event highlighting the urgent need for better ocean governance and protection. This aligns with the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025 in Nice, France.

The program opened with messages from representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the French Embassy setting the tone for a gathering focused on ocean-based solutions and the swift ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement  (BBNJ) Treaty. A panel of experts and youth leaders discussed the Philippines’ marine biodiversity, Southeast Asia conservatioujn efforts, and the ocean's vital role as a climate ally.

Attendees were then treated to the exclusive big-screen showing of “Ocean with David Attenborough,” (official trailer) a film hailed as one of the most important of the renowned scientist and broadcaster’s career. The documentary, which coincided with Attenborough’s 99th birthday and a global cinema event, takes viewers on a breathtaking journey beneath the waves, showcasing the ocean’s wonders and exposing the stark realities of overfishing, coral bleaching, and habitat destruction.

Through immersive cinematography and compelling storytelling, Attenborough illustrates that the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything alive today if decisive action is taken now. He emphasizes that ocean recovery is possible and essential for stabilizing the climate and securing a healthier future for all.

“Only 1.5 percent of the high seas is protected. Half of the planet does not have a governance framework that would protect the marine environment from threats such as the ones we’ve seen on the film like bottom trawling. We know it’s happening, and we can’t just look away. We urge countries and world leaders to ratify the BBNJ Treaty now to ensure the conservation of the common heritage of humankind,” said Rizza Sacra-Dejucos, Asia Regional Coordinator of High Seas Alliance.

Speakers during the event were united in calling for the immediate implementation of marine protected areas. Support for the High Seas Treaty resonated strongly, with participants expressing renewed commitment to advocating for ocean protection at the local and international levels.

“Ocean with David Attenborough” will be available globally on National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu later this year. Still, for Philippine viewers, this one-time screening served as both a celebration and a rallying cry: to turn the tide for the world’s oceans, future generations, and the planet’s life-support system.