Topics include: Coral Reefs; Environment/Sustainability; Oceanography; Policy/Governance
Country/Region: Philippines
The Institute for Marine Research (IMR) is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing marine science, conservation, and community education across the Philippines. With a mission to protect marine biodiversity and empower local communities, IMR conducts cutting-edge research, delivers impactful conservation initiatives, and runs inclusive outreach programs that inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Based in Dauin, Negros Oriental, IMR operates in some of the Philippines’ most biodiverse marine environments. The organization collaborates with scientists, divers, students (including masters and PhD students), and community partners to study reef ecosystems, monitor environmental changes, and restore damaged habitats. IMR’s work includes coral reef surveys using the most high tech monitoring possible. We are big proponents of the digitalization of monitoring systems moving away from old school visual monitoring.
At the heart of IMR’s mission is community engagement. Programs like the Reef Rangers Initiative provide marine conservation training and scuba diving certification for underprivileged youth—especially girls—from local orphanages, equipping them with skills and confidence to become future leaders in ocean conservation.
IMR also partners with schools and resorts to offer marine science clubs, educational workshops, and citizen science projects. Its after-school programs for kids combine fun, hands-on activities with marine ecology lessons, culminating in snorkeling trips to local reefs.
By bridging science, education, and community action, IMR fosters a culture of environmental responsibility while producing valuable data that supports sustainable marine management.