UH Mānoa College of Education (COE) Associate Specialist Joanna Philippoff attended the 2025 International Pacific Marine Educator Network (IPMEN) conference in Kaohsiung, Taiwan April 13–17. This biennial conference, which showcases innovative approaches to marine education worldwide and provides a platform to develop and strengthen international partnerships, marked 20 years of the network.
Philippoff was part of a small delegation that met with Minister Kuan of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council to discuss opportunities for collaboration in advancing marine education. There was a ceremonial signing of the Takao Declaration with Minister Kuan and other dignitaries.
“This declaration represents a collective commitment to promoting Ocean Literacy with a special emphasis on traditional ecological knowledge and inclusive and culturally-informed marine education,” Philippoff said. “It will be presented at the upcoming United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference, one of a series of events marking the UN Ocean Decade.”
Philippoff is a board member of IPMEN’s sister organization, the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) and chair of local NMEA chapter Oceania. Her work in marine education includes the Our Project In Hawai‘i’s Intertidal (OPIHI) programs, whose two arms include a monitoring program for K–12 teachers and students, currently supported by National Geographic, and a course-based undergraduate research experience. She also co-facilitates the Hawaiʻi Blue School Hui.
The next IPMEN conference will be held in 2027 in Hawai‘i in conjunction with NMEA’s conference, which Philippoff will co-chair.
