The Philippines to protect planet's most climate-resilient coral reef

In a major development for ocean protection and a move that brings it closer to its goal of safeguarding 30% of its land and waters by 2030, the Philippines has officially declared the more than 60,000 hectares of ocean surrounding Panaon Island a Protected Seascape.

Welcomed by NGOs and environmental campaigners around the globe, the action taken by the Philippines government will both support local livelihoods and strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change now and into the future.

It’s a move that has been called a “policy milestone” by Oceana, a global NGO working closely with the local government to enhance ocean conservation measures across the Philippines, and has been championed for defending marine biodiversity, enhancing food security, and fighting poverty on a local level.  

“Protecting the Panaon Seascape is a global achievement in conserving a unique and vital ecosystem, while also securing the well-being of present and future generations,” said Von Hernandez, Oceana’s vice president in the Philippines. “This is one of those rare places where coral reefs remain in excellent condition, and we now have a chance to keep them that way.”

Located in Southern Lyete within the Coral Triangle, Panaon Island is part of a global portfolio of 82 reefs worldwide most likely to survive the impacts of climate change. 

Coral reefs across the Philippines have been in steady decline over the last four decades. An expedition led by Oceana back in 2020, however, found Panaon Island to be a unique exception, with coral cover reaching three times the national average.

Over the course of this 21-day expedition, Oceana documented a wealth of marine life including whale sharks, sea turtles, and endangered Philippine ducks. The surrounding mangroves and seagrasses – which support food security, protect against storm surges, and store climate-saving blue carbon – were also found to be in good condition.

However, alongside these signs of abundance, the team documented troubling evidence of overfishing, destructive fishing, and plastic pollution.