Law protecting Tubbataha Reefs cited

MANILA, Philippines - The law protecting the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park has garnered the Silver Award in the Future Policy Award 2012 for being a model of coral reef conservation.

The Republic of Palau was named the winner in recognition of its two outstanding marine policies, the Palau’s Protected Areas Network Act initiated in 2003, and the Shark Haven Act crafted in 2009.

Namibia also received a Silver Award for its Marine Resources Act (2000).

According to the international jury, the three winning policies contribute effectively to the sustainable management of the world’s oceans and coasts for the benefit of current and future generations.

The winners were announced in a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York last Wednesday.

Alexandra Wandel, director of the World Future Council, said, “With the Future Policy Award, we want to cast a spotlight on policies that lead by example. The aim of the World Future Council is to raise awareness for exemplary policies and speed up policy action toward just, sustainable and peaceful societies.”

The World Future Council is an international policy research organization that provides decision-makers with effective policy solutions.

The Future Policy Award 2012 highlights the challenges faced by the world’s oceans and the exemplary solutions to protect them.

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act (2010) ensures the effective management of the Tubbataha Reefs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hotspot of coral reef biodiversity, by strengthening the legislative mandate of its managing bodies.

The management of the natural park by the municipal authorities and non-government organizations has been lauded because of the excellent condition of the reefs, particularly when compared with neighboring sites.

In addition, Tubbataha has demonstrated that with carefully planned management, local communities need not bear the burden of closed protected areas, but can be their primary beneficiaries.