The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has officially launched a comprehensive five-year initiative designed to ensure the long-term protection and conservation of the Philippine Rise. This submarine inactive volcanic plateau, situated east of Luzon in the Philippine Sea, represents one of the nation's most critical yet least understood offshore ecosystems.
Securing a Vital Marine Resource
In a recent news release, Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized that the initiative's primary goal is to establish enduring safeguards for this vast undersea region. He highlighted that the benefits derived from the Philippine Rise, formerly known as Benham Rise, extend far beyond the Philippines, contributing to the global community as well.
"We have the responsibility to take care of the biodiversity in that area," Lotilla stated. He further explained that a deep understanding of the plateau's contents is essential for ensuring its sustainable use and long-term protection, making this initiative a cornerstone of national environmental policy.
The PRICELESS Program
At the heart of this effort is the Philippine Rise Conservation Project, which aims to enhance the management of the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve (PRMRR) and advocate for its inclusion under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System. This program, officially named PRICELESS (Philippine Rise Integrated Conservation for Enduring Legacies through Ecosystem Support Services), is being implemented by the DENR through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB).
The initiative is a collaborative venture, partnering with Conservation International and Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia, with funding provided by the Global Environment Facility. This multi-stakeholder approach underscores the project's significance and broad support.
Protected Zones and Governance
Under Presidential Proclamation No. 489, signed in 2018, a total of 434,517 hectares of the Philippine Rise have been designated as the PRMRR. This includes a 49,684-hectare Strict Protection Zone and a 352,390-hectare Multiple Use Zone, which are co-managed by the DENR and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The DENR has outlined that PRICELESS will concentrate on several key areas to improve the reserve's effectiveness:
- Enhancing governance and inter-agency coordination to resolve overlapping institutional mandates.
- Strengthening enforcement mechanisms to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities.
- Promoting sustainable resource use for nearby coastal communities to ensure ecological balance.
- Advancing scientific monitoring by improving data generation and information-sharing among relevant agencies.
This holistic strategy aims not only to protect biodiversity but also to foster sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local populations, marking a significant step forward in marine conservation efforts in the region.
