EDITORIAL - Custodians of the planet

Earlier this week scientists and environmental advocates presented at the California Academy of Sciences the results of a 42-day expedition they undertook in the Philippines, where they discovered about 300 new species in Luzon alone. You saw some of the images: an inflatable shark, a wood-eating sea star, a red sea urchin.

The discoveries validate the fact that biodiversity in this country is unusually high. Aquatic experts have classified the Verde Island Passage between Batangas and Oriental Mindoro as “the center of the center” of marine biodiversity in the world. It is a precious treasure not just of the country but of the planet, and the Philippines is its custodian. Is the country up to the job?

There are numerous groups involved in protecting the environment and preserving the country’s biodiversity, but the task is daunting. Pollution, destructive fishing, climate change and indiscriminate collection of marine life for commercial purposes have taken their toll on the country’s aquatic resources, from corals to all types of fish. The Verde Island Passage, whose corals were damaged by an infestation of destructive starfish, also continues to suffer the consequences of lying along a commercial sea route. On land, natural habitats are being destroyed by development and commercial activities.

With its high biodiversity, the Philippines also has one of the biggest numbers of endangered species in the world. Many indigenous species have been deemed extinct. This makes the discovery of those 300 new species all the more heartening. The scientists from California, who are working with their counterparts in the University of the Philippines, are drawing up recommendations to improve protection of various species.

The custodians of these species should do their part, seeing to it that the creatures won’t soon be headed for endangered status or even extinction. The Philippines is blessed with natural riches. It is the country’s responsibility to protect these treasures.