Unesco eyes Tubbataha as ‘particularly sensitive’ area

MANILA, Philippines - An agency of the United Nations is proposing the declaration of Tubbataha Reef as a “particularly sensitive sea area (PSSA)” following two grounding incidents here this year, a report on GMA News Online said yesterday.

Quoting a report on the state-run Philippines News Agency, GMA News Online said that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s recommendation stemmed from the separate grounding of the minesweeper USS Guardian and a Chinese vessel.

“They want to help us resolve the issue and we welcome any help from the UNESCO to ensure the safety of Tubbataha,” Tubbataha Management Office head Angelique Songco said, adding that the marine park is sensitive and should be highly protected.

Songco said a PSSA status will help preserve the Tubbataha Reef from potential accidents.

She said UNESCO experts will conduct a study of Tubbataha Reef to help local environment authorities apply for a PSSA.

The report said that once it has been declared a PSSA, large vessels will not be allowed to pass by the Tubbataha Reef, except those that help secure it from illegal fishing and other banned fishing methods.

The USS Guardian ran aground at the reef last Jan. 17, damaging 2,345.67 square meters of reef. The ship was removed last March.

On April 8, a Chinese vessel also ran aground at the reef. The ship’s 12 occupants were charged and detained. Boxes of frozen pangolins were also found aboard the vessel.