NYC Calls on our Youth to Assemble for our Oceans, come together for our Reefs

Manila  -  “As among the most diverse ecosystems in the planet, the oceans and reefs are critical to our survival, and it is incumbent upon us that we protect and conserve them,” shares Asec. Paul Pangilinan, National Youth Commission (NYC) Environment Committee Chair.

The month of May has been declared as the “Month of the Ocean” through Proclamation No. 57, s. 1999 which recognizes that “coastal and marine resources provide both economic and ecological benefits, such as food, livelihood, recreation and other services, as well as biodiversity, aesthetic value, and shoreline protection”. 

To celebrate the 2018 Month of the Ocean, NYC encourages the public, especially young people, to include in their plans this season ways to protect our oceans and reefs.  This year’s theme is “Together for our Reefs”.

“Our oceans and reefs are at risks from a large coastal population, and fishing overcapacity.  A combination of warmer water temperature and increasing acidity are also endangering our dependence on our oceans for food, transportation, energy sources, and recreation,” laments Pangilinan 

According to the Bureau of Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Philippine coral reef areas, the second largest in Southeast Asia, are estimated at 26,000 square kilometers and hold an extraordinary diversity of species. 

Scientists have identified 915 reef fish species and more than 400 scleractinian coral species, 12 of which are endemic. 

“Like our #NowPH (Not on Our Watch) 15 ways to a climate-smart lifestyle, there are a ton of doable actions out there to help protect our oceans and reefs. Among them is to conserve water – the less water we use, the less wastewater that pollute our oceans; we can also cut back or totally eliminate the use of single-use plastics,” adds Pangilinan.

The DENR, through the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), in collaboration with relevant government agencies, all local governments, state colleges and universities, government-owned or controlled corporations whose operations are directly or indirectly relevant to the development and management of our ocean resources, NGOs, people’s organizations, and the private sector, to  spearhead the observance of  “The Month of the Ocean” through the conduct of activities that highlight the conservation, protection and sustainable management of Philippine coastal and ocean resources. (Posted by Becky D. de Asis - The Redline News)