Green Fins Take Over “The Nest” Diving Philippines

In November Seacology Society organization devoted to the conservation and management of island and marine environments around the world checked on its progress made in “The Nest” –El Nido the largest Marine Sanctuary of Philippines. In the past decade tourism and diving tourism in the region has tripled. While the economy thrives environmentalist are looking closer to make sure the waters remain as clear and bright as always.

Blue Ocean Networks reported that sustainable dive Tourism is thriving in Philippines largest Marine Sanctuary El Nido is a protected area of 45 islands and islets covering a total of 903 square kilometers. International divers flock to the region in search of promises to be fulfilled by the unique ecosystems of the waters. In the past 10 years tourists tripled. In 2013 the sanctuary was home for over 60 thousand tourists.

While the economic importance of eco-tourism is undeniable regional and international authorities have expressed concern over the impacts of growing visitors. The Nest Sanctuary grabbed the attention of the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP which through the supported Reef-World Foundation coordinates Green Fins. Green Fins is ensuring that diving companies, and tour services are controlled through the application of the Environmental Code of Conduct. Local operators and workers also receive support and training.

The Program Manager of the Nest of Seacology Peterson reported on the projects of the organization in The Nest. Seacology has been working in the area for the past 11 years and has seen the region grow. Teaming up with local NGO El Nido Foundation Seacology has successfully executed and continues to operate and expand diverse programs which include mangrove conservation, sustainable fishing programs, coral reef restoration programs: The organization has also deployed mooring buoys to protect coral reefs from the impact of vessels which anchor in the waters.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Geographic Explorer in Residence says that Seacology plays "a critically needed role in preserving the vitally important yet very threatened terrestrial and marine ecosystems of islands throughout the World.”

"We protect island habitats and assist local communities by offering villages a unique deal: if they agree to create a forest or marine reserve, we'll provide funds for something the village needs, like a schoolhouse or health clinic," Seacology assures.

The organization has been working since 1991 with over 200 villages on 151 islands in 53 countries. Their main goal to aid in the protection, conservation and management of more than one million acres of some of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

"Tourism in El Nido remains both an opportunity and a threat. It is a threat because corals are exposed to anchor damage, snorkeler and diver damage, boat strike, and pollution," Irma Rose Marcelo, Executive Director of El Nido Foundation ENFI concluded.

According to the Head of UNEP's Coral Reef Unit, Jerker Tamelander, "intensive diving and snorkeling tourism can be a significant driver of reef degradation, and may leave reefs more vulnerable to other stress including climate change."

Seacology Society reported that their programs are operating with success and expanding but also warned about unplanned expansion.

"With its beautiful, towering limestone islands and crystal-clear waters, the bay is becoming increasingly popular with tourists who are arriving in Northern Palawan in ever-increasing numbers," Seacology Society reported.

Worldwide 500 million people depend on coral reefs for food, coastal protection, and income from tourism, 30 million are totally dependent on coral reefs for their livelihoods or for the land they live on.

Blue Ocean Network reported that since the introduction of Green Fins in El Nido in 2012, 16 dive shops and 55 to 60 snorkeling tour offices have established operations there adding up to a total of 130 dive registered centers operating in the Nest.

“One of the swiftest and most profound biological catastrophes in the history of the earth,” that’s how biologist Storrs Olson describes the stunning rate of species extinctions on islands over the past several centuries, during which 80% of all recorded extinctions happened to island species, Seacology flags.

Due to their isolation and favorable climates, islands are hotbeds for biodiversity, home to an array of rare species, many of which live nowhere else in the world. This makes entire species vulnerable to relatively small, localized environmental disruptions. But just as minor disruptions to an island’s ecosystem can have devastating consequences, island conservation can produce incredible results.

Seacology works in Panama, Madagascar, San Salvador, Bahamas, and other regions. The organization knows firsthand what happens when a Nest gets too crowded.

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