Editorial: Save the seas

THE Philippines is blessed with a diverse marine ecosystem, which has gained international recognition.

"Being the second largest archipelagic country in the world, we heavilty rely in our marine ecosystems services -- from fishery to tourism, and even food security," Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) director, said during SmartSeas PH Project's Partners' Forum yesterday at the Ritz Hotel At Garden Oases.

However, she pointed out that the country's rich marine ecosystem is under a lot of stress and pressure from external factors -- sedimentation, ocean plastic, pollution, and climate related disturbances, among others.

In a bid to protect the marine ecosystems in the country, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines and DENR is presently implementing the SMARTSeas PH Project. It is a five-year project with an allocation of around US$8 million from 2014 to 2019.

According to its website, SMARTSeas PH Project seeks "to reduce and arrest the rapid degradation of marine and coastal habitats through strengthening of marine protected areas and establishment of MPA networks."

"The project aims to include more marine key biodiversity areas for conservation and sustainable coastal resource management," states the SMARTSeas PH Project brief.

Whether we like it or not, we have to face the reality that our seas and its resources are in danger. Therefore, programs like the SMARTSeas PH Project can somehow help improve the situation of the marine ecosystem in the country.

Through this project, marine protected areas are being properly monitored and protected. Here in the Davao Gulf, there are 19 marine protected areas that are being taken care of under this program.

Through the establishment of these marine protected areas, we can be assured of a better future for our marine ecosystem and our children.

Dr. Vincent Hilomen, SMARTSeas PH Project manager, said based on a study by National Scientist Angel C. Alcala, reefs that are in good condition will be able to produce 20 metric tons of marine resources per square meter per year.

With this in mind, we, the public, must also do our part in securing the future of our marine ecosystem through whatever way we can -- stopping or reducing the use of single-use plastics, supporting the establishment of marine protected areas, and being responsible for the environment in general.

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