With its thousands of islands, the Philippines have one of the longest coastlines in the world. The country depends heavily on its rich coastal and marine resources for the many economic, employment, and biodiversity values and services they provide.
Philippine waters contain some of the world’s richest ecosystems, characterized by extensive coral reefs, sea-grass beds, and dense mangrove forests. Blessed with a sunny tropical climate, waters enriched with nutrients from the land, and driven by the wind, the country supports an exceptionally high diversity of marine life.
Aquatic resources have been a most important part in the daily lives of Filipinos, who are heavily dependent on both freshwater and seawater resources. Aquatic ecosystems, especially the marine and coastal areas, provide many essential environmental functions, including the recycling of nutrients, as habitat for many organisms, and as recreation as well as livelihood for people. Vast coastal waters seem to reduce the significance of the country’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs; yet these freshwater resources provide domestic and industrial water supplies, irrigation for agriculture, fish supply for landlocked communities, and transportation.
Fishing is major sources of livelihood in rural households in the Philippines. However, these have also wrought unwanted consequences on the environment, notably soil erosion, water pollution, groundwater depletion, loss of natural habitats, and loss of biological diversity.
These are :
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| Box 1.1 Describes The Marine Aquarium Fishery And Trade In The Philippines. |
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| Box 1.2 The Hunting And Collection Of Eggs From Marine Turtle. |
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| Box 1.3 The Huge Potential Source Of Wave Energy From The Ocean. |
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| Box 1.4 The Environmental Waste Disposal Services That Marine Waters Offer. |
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Source: http://earthtrends.wri.org
By: Eliza San Pedro
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