The Swiss Embassy in the Philippines held an impactful film screening of “Deep Rising”, a documentary film by Matthieu Rytz and narrated by Jason Momoa, followed by a panel discussion on the harmful environmental consequences of deep-sea mining. The event, held at the Power Plant Cinemas in Rockwell, Makati, on September 25, 2024, gathered environmental advocates, students, and professionals eager to engage in a discourse about marine conservation.

“Deep Rising” exposes the dangers posed by deep-sea mining activities to the ocean's rich biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and action to safeguard our marine ecosystems. The film highlights how industrial exploitation of deep-sea resources threatens not only marine life but also the future health of our planet.

The panel discussion was led by Dr. Mario Aurelio, a member of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and a professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences, UP Diliman, who spoke about the legal and regulatory challenges in managing deep-sea mining activities; Anna Oposa, co-founder of Save Philippine Seas, shared grassroots strategies and the vital role of community empowerment in fighting for marine conservation;  and Amy Ponce, representing reefs and Davao Oriental State University, who discussed innovative approaches to coral reef restoration and the potential to reverse environmental damage caused by human activities.

The lively discussion explored solutions for mitigating the effects of deep-sea mining and highlighted the importance of continued public engagement in marine conservation. Panelists called for stronger environmental policies, global collaboration, and the adoption of innovative technologies to protect and restore ocean ecosystems.

The Swiss Embassy expressed its gratitude to all attendees, noting the importance of such discussions in fostering collective action and maintaining momentum in the fight against unsustainable ocean exploitation.