As Regional Coordinators of Green Fins, Reef-World is always there to support the Green Fins national teams. We also help to develop the capacity of the national teams in their respective countries. This meeting in Baguio was the first time all the Regional Technical Directors came together to discuss the future of Philippine coral reefs.
Reef-World attended the Baguio meeting to provide input to the attendees. We outlined how Green Fins should be implemented under a nationwide strategy officially been accepted under the government’s plans. The Sustainable Coral Reef Management Plan (SCREMP) has Green Fins as an official Administrative Order. This has clearly defined Green Fins’ role in protecting corals through a sustainable diving and snorkelling tourism industry. Chloe, along with Sam and volunteer Wai, made a presentation to the attendees.
Everyone clearly enjoyed the event in the cool surroundings of the tourist hotspot renowned for its beautiful views.
Green Fins awareness raising activities started in the Philippines in 2004 and the initiative was then officially launched in 2010. Green Fins Philippines is implemented by the Coastal and Marine Division under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) with support from NGOs including Batangas Community Divers, The El Nido Foundation and Marine Conservation Philippines.
About DENR
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of the public domain, as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural resources as may be provided for by law in order to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived therefrom for the welfare of the present and future generations of Filipinos. Its vision is a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and a clean and healthy environment. Its mission is “to mobilise our citizenry in protecting, conserving, and managing the environment and natural resources for the present and future generations.”
