PH calls for creation of network of marine protected areas in ASEAN
The Philippines is starting a call to create a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) with the other member countries of the ASEAN to safeguard migratory species and habitats critical to their survival.
The proposed establishment of the ASEAN MPA network is contained in a draft resolution submitted to the secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) according to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.
The resolution was up for consideration by more than 120 nations during the 12th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) to CMS held in Manila from October 23 to 28.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary and chief of staff Rodolfo Garcia receives an award from CMS Executive Secretary Bradnee Chambers recognizing the efforts of the Philippine government in conserving the whale shark./IMAGE DENR
“While there has been a notable increase in the number of MPAs in the region, the need to build up a regional connectivity of these areas among ASEAN member nations remains a challenge,” Cimatu pointed out.
The Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia that is party to the convention.
MPAs are defined as portions of bodies of water such as seas, oceans, or lakes where human activity is restricted to conserve natural resources found within them.
The latest information from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) suggest that there close to 400 MPAs in the country alone.
Biodiversity Management Bureau Director Theresa Mundita Lim said the MPAs provide safe havens and food for migratory aquatic and bird species.
She added that they also contribute to food security, promotion of sustainable livelihood and economic growth, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“Effective management of MPAs means we also defend species and habitats from actual and perceived threats so that they can continue to deliver important ecosystem services,” Lim said.
The CMS, also known as the Bonn Convention, is an international environmental treaty that provides an expert legal framework in coordinating worldwide conservation measures for a wide range of endangered migratory animals.
The COP is its main decision-making body that meets every three years to adopt policies and laws, and propose new species under the framework.
Source: DENR, Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Star, mpatlas.org
Image source: DENR
