As an organization committed to the establishment, management, and monitoring of at least 200 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Philippines, the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) has been at the forefront of advocating for coastal resource management and sustainable use of marine resources among involved communities.
On that note, in a Zoom webinar organized by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Zugbuana last July 1, 2022, Ms. Alyza Tan, representing CCEF as its Communications and Development Officer, participated as a guest speaker during the Project 30×30 initiative — a science-driven global campaign that aims to protect at least 30% of the Earth’s lands and waters by the year 2030.
With the webinar centering on the theme, “Oceans: Blue Heart of the Earth,” Ms. Tan, along with two other professionals from the field of environmental science, delivered a presentation on climate change and its impact on the world’s oceans. Among the impacts mentioned were coral bleaching, warm temperatures, rising sea levels, and stronger typhoons.
Having said that, one of the topics discussed by Ms. Tan was coastal ecosystems and the important role that they play in disaster resiliency.
According to Ms. Tan, while the Philippines is known to be the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity, climate change has resulted in more frequent and powerful typhoons in the country, with an increased intensity rate of 50% over the past 40 years.
In spite of this, the country is fortunate to be surrounded by three types of coastal resources that serve as mitigators of typhoons and other impacts of climate change. These coastal resources include mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs.
As stated by Ms. Tan, when preserved and nurtured altogether, mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs supply more protection than any individual habitat or any combination of two habitats, making it the Philippines’ main line of defense against strong typhoons.
Taking all this into consideration, CCEF is working hand in hand with partners and funders to facilitate the restoration of damaged coastal ecosystems and to assure that the affected communities are involved in managing these resources.
At present, CCEF is accepting interns, volunteers, and donations under its Project DEEPER and Lend a Blue Hand Campaign. Interested and aspiring coastal warriors are encouraged to contact info@coast.ph for any further inquiries.
“Just like our heart, the ocean provides us with oxygen and delivers nutrients to support marine ecosystems and fisheries that provide food, jobs, and cultural sustenance to billions around the world.”
