Maritime Security & Territorial Integrity

In September 2023, Gulf Coast Diplomacy welcomed five visitors from the Philippines for an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project on maritime security and territorial integrity. Their national program was prepared by Meridian International.

Over five days, participants explored how Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast region safeguard critical waterways, protect marine resources, and foster partnerships that advance prosperity, peace, and security. Their schedule combined professional briefings, site visits, hands-on experiences, and cultural activities. A University of West Florida honors student accompanied the group as a facilitator for two full days of appointments, gaining valuable first-hand insights into international collaboration and security efforts and helping introduce the group to her hometown. This program also featured a joint day of appointments in Mobile, Alabama, coordinated with our counterpart at Global Ties Alabama, demonstrating the potential of regional programming for future IVLP projects.

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Program Highlights

• Exchange Cafe at Seville Quarter
  Networking over coffee with local leaders, including representatives from the U.S. Navy Reserves, Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, CO:LAB Pensacola, and Gulf Coast Diplomacy members

• Pensacola City Hall
  Orientation to the city’s governance and regional context with former City Council Member Maren DeWeese

• Port of Pensacola
  Site visit and discussion with Port Commercial Development & Seaport Security Manager Thomas Coggin on security measures and inspection processes to combat smuggling and trafficking

• Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce
  Maritime technology, innovation, and applied environmental science briefing with David Fries hosted by the Chamber of Commerce

• Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
  Learning how local nonprofits engage the public in marine education and conservation

• Ocean Hour Florida
  Participating alongside locals in a shoreline cleanup, experiencing volunteerism in action

• Mobile, Alabama Appointments (coordinated with Global Ties Alabama):

  • Osprey Initiative, LLC – Litter abatement and sustainable waterway management with founder Don Bates

  • Dauphin Island Sea Lab – Marine research and conservation briefing with Scott Bannon, Director of Alabama’s Marine Resources Division

  • Alabama Department of Environmental Management – State-level environmental enforcement and regulatory framework

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“Visitors saw how our region’s commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and secure trade routes directly supports prosperity, peace, and national security.”

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Why It Matters

For Our Community
Every IVLP visit strengthens our economy through the use of hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and attractions. Local residents and organizations also gain the opportunity to share expertise, build professional relationships, and contribute to a program that reflects our values and bolsters security.

For Our Nation
By fostering direct dialogue with counterparts from other countries, IVLP projects help strengthen global partnerships that protect trade, secure borders, and promote sustainable development. The collaboration between Gulf Coast Diplomacy and Global Ties Alabama in this project underscores the value of regional programming in enhancing the professional impact of these exchanges.

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Thank You to Our Partners

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who made this project possible:
Karen Kellams, Mark Nicholas, Logan and Tim McDonald, Ted Howard, Becky Kirsch, Dee Reilly, David Fries, Patrick Rooney, Diane Kratochvil, John Mankelwicz, Maren DeWeese, Thomas Coggin, Don Bates, Scott Bannon, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center volunteers, Sharon Gincauskas and Amy Boudreaux of Ocean Hour Florida, and Captain Joe of Wave Cutter Charters all contributed as either professional experts or cultural hosts

Your generosity, expertise, and hospitality demonstrate why Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast are outstanding destinations for professional exchange.