Deterioration of Phl's marine ecosystem alarms Legarda

CEBU, Philippines - Senator Loren Legarda is alarmed over the results of the Ocean Health Index, which ranked the Philippines 105th out of 117 territories, making it among the most deteriorated marine ecosystems in the world.

Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that the Ocean Health Index focuses not only how pristine the ocean is but also on its sustainable delivery of benefits for the people within its territory using 50 distinct indicators such as the sustainability of methods of seafood harvesting and coastal protection.

In statement, Legarda said the Ocean Health Index is a new kind of yardstick because it measures how well our oceans can continue to deliver the needs of our growing population. The Ocean Health Index is an initiative led by Conservation International, launched with the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Oceans’ endorsement.

“The results of the Ocean Health Index on the Philippines standing should merit a deep concern and perhaps reflect on what have we done to protect and conserve our marine resources,” said Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 regional executive director Isabelo R. Montejo.

Montejo said that this is quite alarming as the Philippines has a coastline of 36,000 kilometers, second to Indonesia among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and is host to about 3.4 million Filipino people.

Montejo explained that nearly 70 percent of the more than 80 provinces are situated in the coastal areas and mostly get food from these areas.

He pointed out the importance of improving the management of coastal areas for food security and environmental stability by strengthening cooperation and exchange of information between government authorities, local government units (LGUs), and other civil society organizations.

“Enhancing the protection and enforcement of relevant laws, rules and regulations to prevent illegal activities and increased monitoring by regular patrol should also be considered. Ecotourism development in partnership with LGUs and private sectors may be also explored,” he added.

Montejo further said that pollution, illegal fishing, destructive fishing practices like electro-fishing, dynamite fishing, and cyanide fishing are some of the threats to marine resources.

“Our food supply is also dependent on our marine resources and sustainable practices should be employed,” he said. — (FREEMAN)