ASEAN publication lists challenges in marine biodiversity conservation

MANILA, Philippines - Now more than ever, it is time for government and conservation organizations to work with business, civil society groups and communities to conserve and protect our limited natural resources.  This is particularly true for marine biodiversity, as the oceans provide primary sources of food and livelihood for millions of residents of the ASEAN region.

“Despite providing sustenance and employment, the seas are unfortunately constantly ravaged by human activities, through pollution, overharvesting of marine resources, sedimentation, and reclamation of coastlines.  After years of neglect and abuse, people are now suffering from the consequences of the degradation of the marine environment,” said Demetrio Ignacio Jr., undersecretary of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and acting executive director of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB).

He added that the loss of marine species and deterioration of corals, seagrasses and mangroves have led to less food for people, loss of sources of medicine and jobs, and the deterioration of ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration.  Climate change has also made an enemy of the sea as communities now have to contend with rising sea levels, wave surges from extreme weather events, and increased incidences of  flooding. 

These and many other challenges are highlighted in the latest issue of the ASEAN Biodiversity, the newsmagazine of the ACB. With the theme Marine Biodiversity: Challenges and Success Stories, the magazine provides information on the status of marine biodiversity in the ASEAN and presents successful initiatives in marine conservation.

Initiatives can be found throughout the region, through actions by businesses such as Nissan Motor Philippines, non-profit organizations such as Save the Philippine Seas, and educational programs such as Adopt-A-Stream (Malaysia), Sahabat Alam or Friends of Nature and Green Community, both from Indonesia, and the project to revive the walking catfish by the Asuncion National High School in the Philippines. These and other projects show that actions from a broad spectrum of stakeholders have a high impact on marine conservation and will hopefully inspire others to replicate or conduct similar environmental programs.

The loss of food and employment, and the immense damage incurred from the effects of increasing natural disasters such as typhoons and tsunamis highlight the impact of the deterioration of the marine environment on many of the world’s poorest communities. Improving the state of marine resources rejuvenates food and medical sources and increases people’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Increasing efforts from various government and private organizations will hopefully multiply and improve the state of the world’s marine resources.

Download the ASEAN Biodiversity newsmagazine at http://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=2&Itemid=115¤t=110.