Saving Verde Island

Saving the world’s coral reef hotspots may be a herculean task given the deterioration of our surroundings, but environmental advocates are not leaving any stone unturned to preserve one of the world’s richest marines resources right here in the Philippines – Verde Island in Batangas.

In 2002, Conservation International’s Center for Applied Biodiversiy Science (CABS) identified the Philippines as one the world’s hottest of all the coral reef hotspots. Hotspots are coral reefs exceptionally rich in marine species found nowhere else in the world but are facing extreme threats to its survival. Other hotspots are Gulf of Guinea Islands, Sundra Islands, Southern Mascarene Islands, Eastern South Africa, Northern Indian Ocean, Southern Japan, Taiwan and Southern China, Cape Verde Islands, Western Caribbean and the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In the Philippines, one of the very vital marine corridors is the Verde Passage which includes Verde Island. This corridor is composed of the coasts, islands and waters of four provinces in Southern Luzon: Batangas, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental and Marinduque.

The Verde Passage is considered vital as it serves as a transition area between marine bio-geographic regions. It is a gateway for the exchange of propagules and energy needed to sustain marine life as well as for the migration of marine species.

Realizing the importance of this marine corridor, Lopez-owned First Gen Holdings Corp., whose main businesses are located in Batangas, decided to support a sustained program for the conservation and development of the Verde Passage starting off with Verde Island.

Tapping the expertise of First Philippine Conservation Inc. and Conservation International Philippines, both known as leaders in the conservation of biodiversity here and abroad, the Verde Passage Marine Corridor Integrated Conservation and Development Program was launched at Hotel Pontefino in Batangas last May 18.

Coinciding with the launch was a signing of a declaration of support from the stakeholders of the Verde Passage Project – from barangay leaders, local and provincial government officials, academe, environmentalist groups, church, and other NGOs.

First Gen vice chairman Peter Garrucho Jr. said this partnership between First Gen, FPCI, CI and the stakeholders shows a committed multi-sectoral involvement in the protection of the country’s marine resources.

Romeo Trono, country director of Conservation International, presented a study on the biodiversity significance of the Verde Passage Marine Corridor. He emphasized that the passage is a high priority in marine conservation because this corridor facilitates the exchange and migration of species and nutrients across seas.

According to Trono, more than 300 species of corals have been identified in the Verde Passage, a number comparable to the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The passage harbors sea turtles, giant clams, humphead wrasses and whalesharks.

"This is a long-term project. We have worked for a long time for this project and we hope this will be sustained with the help of local and international partners," said First Gen and FPCI president Federico Lopez.

Lopez, who is also a diver and an advocate of preserving marine biodiversity, said the Verde passage project can take its cue from the success of the cleanup project done by concerned groups in Anilao about 10 years ago.

According to Garrucho, the program will involve the province of Batangas where most of the power plants of First Gen are located. "Our biggest assets are in Batangas and that is why we have a significant interest in preserving the rich natural resources of the province." Garrucho added that they are committed to assist in the economic and social development of host communities, as well as to protect the communities affected by its operations.

The three-year program, which will be funded mostly by an international foundation, will amount to about $5.7 million.

The initial phase of the program, which is expected to be completed by mid-July this year, involves the development and implementation of a coastal resource management plan in Verde Island, which serves as an anchor site for the corridor-wide program.

With these efforts, Verde Island will hopefully be a living legacy to our future generations.