PCIJ published a piece online about Tubbataha, one of the country's gems. Nominated to become part of the new Seven Wonders of nature, the article particularly highlighted how multi-sectoral collaboration helped assure the continued protection of the reef and its marine inhabitants.
Highlighted as a "no-take zone", Tubbataha's continued protection ultimately hinged on the participation of the local populace, who were mostly fisher folk. How the government and the various NGOs won the people over, from being relentless pursuers of nature's bounty to vigilant protectors of the reef, is a good lesson on shrewd diplomacy.
The article mentioned that the government was keen on giving alternative means of livelihood to the people to help them wean away from fishing. But what ultimately decided the matter was a simple argument built on what was seemingly a no-brainer paradox: less fishing, bigger fish catch. If people kept away from exploiting the bounty of Tubbataha, nature would reward them with better fish harvests.
The logic behind this was based on the fact that Tubbataha was and still is a very important fish sanctuary. Without any fishing activity in its area, the reef allowed fish populations to rehabilitate themselves and thrive. This ultimately led to a spillover effect. As more fish sprung from the reef, even more would leave this safe haven in search of less crowded habitats, leading to bigger bounties for fishermen waiting outside the "no-take zone".
To end, another article mentioning this phenomenon was published by the Smithsonian a few years back.
Highlighted as a "no-take zone", Tubbataha's continued protection ultimately hinged on the participation of the local populace, who were mostly fisher folk. How the government and the various NGOs won the people over, from being relentless pursuers of nature's bounty to vigilant protectors of the reef, is a good lesson on shrewd diplomacy.
The article mentioned that the government was keen on giving alternative means of livelihood to the people to help them wean away from fishing. But what ultimately decided the matter was a simple argument built on what was seemingly a no-brainer paradox: less fishing, bigger fish catch. If people kept away from exploiting the bounty of Tubbataha, nature would reward them with better fish harvests.
The logic behind this was based on the fact that Tubbataha was and still is a very important fish sanctuary. Without any fishing activity in its area, the reef allowed fish populations to rehabilitate themselves and thrive. This ultimately led to a spillover effect. As more fish sprung from the reef, even more would leave this safe haven in search of less crowded habitats, leading to bigger bounties for fishermen waiting outside the "no-take zone".
To end, another article mentioning this phenomenon was published by the Smithsonian a few years back.
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