SUN, SEA, AND SANCTUARIES

Our waters and marine life are also impacted by the climate crisis. What can we do to save them?

- By KATHERINE MAGSANOG

MANILA, Philippines — “Sustainability” or sustainable development was defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission) as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (1987)

This definition has become a cornerstone of international sustainability discussions and has been widely adopted by governments, organizations, and individuals, including the United Nations.

We have been seeing the word used everywhere, because — at this point — it needs to be applied everywhere, including our oceans. The Philippines, with our vast coastline and diverse marine ecosystems, stands to benefit immensely from a thriving and wellpreserved marine biodiversity.

According to Statista.​com, in 2022, approximately 1.1 million municipal fishermen were engaging in capture fishing in the Philippines. This was followed by gleaning, aquaculture, and fish vending. In total , local fisherfolk amounted to around 2.3 million.

This is why healthy oceans and marine life stand to benefit everyone, especially future generations.

WHAT IS BEING DONE?

Marine sanctuaries abound in the Philippines with Cebu as their hotspot. The most prominent ones are:

Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary

Popular diving spot, known for its diverse coral formations and abundant reef fish

HiluTungan Island

Oldest protected marine area in Cebu which off ers excellent diving, snorkeling, and fish feeding opportunities

Caohagan Island Less popular due to its lack of a port but is a great spot for snorkeling, especially during high tides

Talima Marine Sanctuary Scuba and free divers fl ock to Talima for its colorful coral slopes and a shipwreck that has become a haven for marine life

Capitancilo Marine Sanctuary