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Best Practices
– Information, education and communication
(IEC) strategies which worked in development programs
and projects. |
Protecting
the environment: Tubbataha Reef
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Importance
of the Reefs:
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The
Tubbataha reef system is located at the
center of Sulu Sea, about halfway between
Palawan and Panay islands. It covers 32,200
hectares full of diverse coral reefs,
fish and other marine life, and various
birds and invertebrates. Such diversity
is provided by the presence of over 300
coral species, 46 coral genera, 71 species
of algae, seven species of seagrass. It
is one of the world's largest grouping
of varieties of marine life. It is part
of the Sulu-Celebes Global 2000 Marine
Ecosystem. Large marine life are present,
such as sharks, manta rays, dolphins,
marine turtles. Several species of seabirds
breed in the area. Significantly, important
fish and invertebrate larvae originate
from the reef system. The continuous destruction
of these larvae seriously threatens the
marine food supply of the entire Sulu
Sea area. |
Present Problems:
Marine resources in the area are fast being
depleted, as indicated by various surveys
made in 1988, 1989, 1992 and 1995. The quantity
of fish and coral are decreasing alarmingly.
Destructive fishing methods - dynamite and
cyanide fishing, in particular - continue.
The situation is worsened by widespread opportunism
and carelessness of the people. These are
shown by practice of killing marine turtles,
the illegal gathering of turtle eggs, bird
eggs and shells, and by irresponsible tourists
and businessmen.
People do not live permanently in Tubbataha.
However, many fishermen camp among the reefs
and tiny islands between January and July
to fish and exploit the marine resources.
Reef Management Efforts:
Several significant measures and efforts
have been made in recent years to save and
control the environment of Tubbataha Reef.
Among these are:
UNESCO Role:
This UN agency has played a very vital role in
efforts to save the reef. Through the World Heritage
Fund, the UNESCO provided funds in 1996 for monitoring
activities and to conduct an information and education
campaign. These activities were supervised by
a team composed of representatives from the Presidential
Task Force for Tubbataha Reef, the DENR, National
Committee on Marine Science, and the Palawan Council
for Sustainable Development.
Other Efforst:
Meanwhile, other efforts by
the government are being made, together with foreign
and private organizations. Highlights of these
efforts to save the reefs are:
- More sea patrols on the
area, with support from the Dutch government,
the Foundation for Philippine Environment,
and the Tubbataha Foundation. These are coordinated
by the DENR.
- The Foundation for Philippine
Environment, EarthWatch, Inc., Silliman University
and other individual researchers and scientists
also undertake research and monitoring of
the reef
- Preparation of the Tubbataha
Reef National Marine Park Management Plan.
This is assisted by the Japanese government.
Japan also helped in the construction and
installation anchorages for diving boats in
the reef
- Research and monitoring
project started in 1995 by the Kabang Balikasan
ng Pilipinas and World Wildlife Fund. The
objective is to get data and other information
needed to develop management plan for the
reef. This is funded by WWF-United States,
the Ayala Foundation, the A. Soriano Jr. Foundation
and other private individuals.
The
Future of Tubbataha:
After many years of neglect, there are now greater
and more widespread efforts to save Tubbataha
reef. And yet, it seems that all these efforts
are not well-coordinated. In fact, some of the
efforts quickly die out. Many are handicapped
by lack of funds, and even government support
is not enough.
The public is now more aware of the reef and its
importance to the environment and the economy.
Somehow, it is also possible that greater public
awareness can do some harm, because more people
might over-use the reef. Without sufficient safeguards
and supervision, the reef system would be damaged
by the bad effects of too much recreation, tourism
and economic activities.
There is therefore a very great need for an effective
organization and planning to save the reef. Such
should also take care of the people and communities
that depend on the reef. The management of the
reef need to be funded adequately, with support
of the government, the private sector and the
people. |
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