As the world races to protect 30 percent of its oceans by 2030, conservationists are exploring bold strategies to meet this ambitious target. One way is establishing large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPA). The Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area (PROCA) stands out among the LSMPA that can put Asia in the lead towards achieving the Global 30x30 campaign. Spanning approximately 150,000 square kilometers, PROCA is part of the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) underwater plateau east of Luzon that is potentially Asia’s largest LSMPA.

Philippine Rise: Bold step to LSMPA conservation. (2026, January 12). Daily Tribune, p. G39.