Incentives would improve marine environment protection efforts – experts

The safeguarding of Philippine marine protected areas (MPAs) would improve if local communities were given incentives to protect these areas, several marine experts said on Monday.

Human activities such as fishing were strictly regulated in MPAs, which also serves as sanctuaries for endangered species.

There were 1,500 MPAs in the country but only less than one percent was being actively protected, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The BFAR added that the percentage of country's marine areas being protected was far short of the 15 percent target set under the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 and the 10 percent target under the Aichi Convention on Biological Diversity.

There was thus a need for more programs that would jumpstart sustainable fisheries and marine-environment conservation efforts.

Incentive schemes such as BFAR’s Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) and UP-Marine Science Institute’s Para El MAR were established in the past years for this purpose.

"The strength of the fisheries sector relies upon the strong partnership and collaborations among the national government, LGUs, the private sector and other stakeholders. We in the DA-BFAR harness this interface by recognizing best practices on sustainable fisheries development through our banner programs such as the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan or MMK," explained Agriculture Undersecretary and BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona at a forum.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Fish Right Program, also expressed support for promoting sustainable fisheries in the Philippines.

"I would like to reiterate the US government’s commitment as your friend, partner, and ally in your journey to sustainable fisheries. Through the USAID Fish Right Program, we stand ready to help combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing through science-based approaches", said USAID Office of Environment Director John Edgar.

During the forum, local government leaders from Gloria, Oriental Mindoro and Cortes, Surigao del Sur likewise shared their best practices in MPA management.

Raising the need for the introduction of other forms of incentives aside from recognition and awards, as well as determining other key actors were also part of the discussion. —  Dona Magsino/DVM, GMA News