Philippines Overview
Philippines - Coral Reef Rescue Project - Team
Focal National Government Ministry: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
National Technical Facilitator: Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD)
• Chief, Environmentally Critical Areas Network / Policy Research and Planning Division: John Francisco Pontillas
• Project Development Officer: Riva Quindara
Philippines - Key Focal Areas
The Philippines Coral Reefs
The Philippines is a global marine biodiversity treasure, boasting an extraordinary variety of corals, fish, and marine plants. Despite facing environmental challenges, its marine corridors like the Verde Island Passage and Tawi-Tawi remain vibrant hubs of reef-associated fish biodiversity, playing a critical role in maintaining coral population connectivity. These ecosystems are not just ecological marvels but also economic pillars, contributing an impressive $3.5 billion annually. The country’s coral reefs and mangroves are vital for coastal protection, food security, and sustainable livelihoods, showcasing the resilience and value of these natural resources.
Central and Southern Palawan, within the Sulu Sea and South Philippine Sea marine bioregions, are key focus areas celebrated for their rich biodiversity and well-managed marine sites. Municipalities like Aborlan, Narra, and El Nido are recognized for their thriving reefs and successful conservation efforts. The El Nido-Taytay Protected Area, covering 54,000 hectares, exemplifies how effective management can sustain vibrant marine ecosystems, supporting both ecotourism and local communities. The resilient reefs of Taytay and the Dumaran Channel further highlight the potential for continued growth and sustainability in these treasured waters.
New Resources
The GEF -7 Coral Reef Rescue Project has released free online courses and resources on coral reef conservation. These include;
- Coral Reefs: Introduction to Challenges and Solutions
- Coral Reefs: Data and Monitoring
- Coral Reefs: Sustainable Blue Economy
- Coral Reefs: Climate Resilient Communities
Alongside these courses, a new online decision support tool was created Coral Reef Rescue Portal. This brings together over 70 existing coral reef datasets and resources in one easy-to-use, searchable platform.
Relevant documents:
- Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia Implementation Plan (SDS-SEA IP) 2017-2022 Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA, Published: 17 Oct 2019)
- Strategic Action Program for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand, Published for implementation between 2008- 2020.
- Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 or Republic Act No. 8550 and Amendment for the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 or Republic Act No. 10654
- Establishment of Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) for the Conservation and Management of Fisheries in Philippine Waters or Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 263
- Ecosystem-Based Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) framework
- Executive Order No. 533 or adopting Integrated Coastal Management as a national strategy
- Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF)
- Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas (ENIPAS) Act RA No. 11038 amending RA No.7586 or the Establishment and Management of National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)
- Local Government Code or RA No. 7160
- Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN)
*Note: To learn more about Philippines's invovlement in the Coal Ref Rescue Project and their reefs, please read through the Project Document.
.jpg)