Conference kicks off to save Tubbataha

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — A national conference that aims to draw attention to the protection and conservation of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) and the Greater Sulu Sea will open here today.

Various stakeholders and government agencies will take part in the Conservation Through Collaboration conference that seeks to address concerns in the management of these rich marine biodiversity sites and issues that affect their survival.

TRNP manager Angelique Songco pointed out that marine environmentalists are seriously concerned about the risks posed by the possible energy exploration in the Sulu Sea, incidents of oil spills, and international and local ocean navigation.

Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes, chairman of the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB), warned that all of the man-made activities on the TRNP and Greater Sulu Sea might have potential negative impacts on these sites, including initiatives to protect and conserve the areas.

"We have invited (to the conference) several key officials, representatives from concerned government agencies and community stakeholders who we hope would join us in our quest to address serious issues like the enforcement of more stringent fishery laws, guidelines on energy exploration, and sea navigation and similar activities," Reyes said.

The two-day national conference is in line with the 13th World Heritage Anniversary of Tubbataha Reefs and the 60th anniversary of the Philippine Membership to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The TRNP was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List on Dec. 11, 1993.

Songco also noted that a more effective law enforcement remains a problem in ensuring the protection and conservation of the country’s first national marine protected area (MPA), which has been famous for divers and researchers worldwide.

"Although we have plans revised almost constantly just to improve our monitoring of the site, it’s just not that easy... because of the location of the TRNP. That’s why we always have to find ways to really enforce the law effectively," she said.

The Tubbataha Reefs are found at the very center of the Sulu Sea. It lies along the Cagayan Ridge, which traverses the Sulu Sea from the northeast, from the Sultana Shoal in Cagayancillo, to the southwest, to San Miguel Islands of Tawi-Tawi, according to the case study made by the WWF-Philippines on the Tubbataha Reefs.

The nearest islands to the area are 130 kilometers northeast, which is Cagayancillo, the municipality where Tubbataha belongs.

The nearest landmass of considerable size to the site is mainland Palawan whose capital Puerto Princesa City lies 150 kilometers northwest of Tubbataha, the case study noted.

Songco said they expect participants from government and non-government organizations to sign the Tubbataha Declaration of Support, which emphasizes that contributions of the various local, national and international institutions are significant for the long-term conservation of the Tubbataha Reefs.

She also said that they expect to garner more support to a proposed measure in Congress, which would further advance Tubbataha Reefs’ protection and conservation.

"We hope to renew congressional zeal in the passage of the TRNP Bill," Songco said.