UNDP, DENR launch marine biodiversity project in PH

An $8-million (roughly project has been launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) for the expedited establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Marine Protected Area Networks (MPANs) in key marine biodiversity areas.

The Marine Key Biodiversity Areas (MKBA) Project was launched through funding from the Global Environment Facility.

It will be implemented in five sites: The Verde Island Passage, Lanuza Bay, Davao Gulf, Southern Palawan and Tanon Strait.

The project will also help improve management effectiveness and financial sustainability of MPAs and MPANs and establish an enabling policy framework for marine biodiversity conservation.

According to UNDP Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra, the Philippines ranks third in terms of marine biodiversity in the world, and hosts a total of 464 reef-building coral species or nearly half of all known coral species.

Likewise, Mitra said Philippine waters are estimated to harbor an estimated 10,000 species or approximately one fifth of all known species.

The country’s waters are also widely regarded by marine biologists as the epicenter of marine biodiversity, hosting 123 key marine biodiversity areas.

He, however, noted out that these are all at significant risk threatened by over exploitation and unsustainable practices.

“The argument for conservation is not just about preserving natural beauty and diversity — the country’s biodiverse species also have significant income — generating potential,” Mitra said.

“If biodiversity management becomes effective, it produces revenue, which in turn provides the financing for biodiversity management and then provides further impetus for enabling policies and practices for marine biodiversity. It can also provide for sustainable livelihoods for the coastal poor — encouraging them to conserve biodiversity.”