The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with First Gen Corporation and ABS-CBN Foundation of the Lopez Group, has pledged to safeguard the biodiversity and coastal marine resources of the Verde Island Passage (VIP).
During the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Makati City, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized the importance of protecting the VIP, renowned as the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity and a globally recognized “Hope Spot.”
Key provisions of the MOU include the establishment of a Marine Science Research Station in collaboration with higher education institutions such as the University of the Philippines System, De La Salle University, and the California Academy of Sciences.
Additionally, sustainable practices will be integrated into project designs, supporting conservation biology, waste management, safe water supply, sustainable transportation, community resilience, and knowledge management structures.
Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, Managing Director of the ABS-CBN Foundation, underscored the pivotal role of coastal communities in safeguarding the VIP. Recognizing their dependence on the passage for livelihoods, efforts will focus on empowering these communities to become stewards of their marine resources.
Secretary Loyzaga highlighted the positive impact of engaging with local government units, noting shifts from destructive fishing practices to eco-tourism ventures. This transition not only supports economic development but also contributes to environmental protection.
The Verde Island Passage, known as the center of the Coral Triangle, boasts unparalleled marine biodiversity, with over 1,700 fish species and 300 coral species. Spanning 1.4 million hectares, it serves as a vital channel for commercial vessels and ferries and supports fishing and ecotourism industries, benefiting numerous businesses along its shoreline.
