ENVIRONMENTALISTS worldwide are advocating for the protection of 30% of oceans by 2030 under the global “30x30” initiative, according to Dr. Hilly Ann Quiaoit of the Macajalar Bay Alliance.
Speaking during the Mindanao Regional Biodiversity Areas Validation Workshop and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Forum held in Cagayan de Oro on December 5, Quiaoit emphasized the urgent need to reserve marine and environmental areas.
“Globally, only 7.65% of oceans are protected. Ang target sa Pilipinas ug sa tibuok kalibutan 30 percent (preservation of MPAs) wala pa giabot diha ang Macajalar Bay,” said Quiaoit.
The forum aims to determine the exact figures for protected areas in Northern Mindanao, with Quiaoit noting the challenge of balancing economic development and environmental conservation.
“Taas gyud ang economic protection, gamay ra gani ang gipangayo sa kinaiyahan 30 percent lang ang di sa hilabtan,” Quiaiot added.
Quiaoit commended the local government of Cagayan de Oro for passing an ordinance focused on coastal management and supporting protected areas in Macajalar Bay.
Meanwhile, Gina Barquilla, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Del Carmen in Siargao, highlighted their strict enforcement of environmental protection laws.
“Sa Siargao ang hangin, ang dagat, ang sand natural pa gyud s’ya,” Barquilla said, citing their zero tolerance for illegal mangrove cutting and dynamite fishing.
The municipality also enforces strict zero-waste policies, banning plastic bottles and materials to preserve its natural environment.
The workshop underscored the collective efforts needed to meet global conservation targets while ensuring sustainable development.
