To support marine biodiversity, it is time to provide support to the everyday heroes working to protect it.
- CRCP
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Philippines is globally recognized for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. Its coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and rich marine life are not only ecological treasures, but also essential sources of food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity for millions of people. Protecting these ecosystems is therefore not only an environmental priority—it is a social and economic necessity.
Yet behind every successful conservation effort lies a difficult reality that is too rarely discussed.
As field researchers and conservation practitioners, we spend extensive time working in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) alongside local communities, people’s associations, government units, and grassroots conservation leaders. These individuals dedicate themselves every day—often with very limited resources—to safeguarding marine ecosystems under increasingly challenging conditions.
Our experience across these sites has led us to a clear conclusion: if meaningful and lasting marine conservation is to succeed, if we actually want to make an impact, there is an immediate need for significantly greater support and investment towards marine conservation. The commitment is already there. Across the country, passionate individuals continue to show up with remarkable resilience and dedication. However, passion alone cannot sustain conservation efforts indefinitely. Without adequate funding, equipment, training, institutional support, and long-term capacity building, etc.
How long can they keep up if they are not provided with the tools to measure-up to the colossal task they are asked to take on? And if they eventually reach a breaking point before meaningful support arrives, what next?
What happens to the coral reefs they protect?
What happens to the fisheries that sustain coastal communities?
What happens to the biodiversity the Philippines celebrated worldwide ?
These are real questions we do not discuss often enough.
Almost a year ago, with the generous support of the media production company StokedHouse — and especially Joey Tuyaerts and Manon Vanovenberghe — we began shooting a series of short documentary videos highlighting the realities faced by conservationists and Marine Protected Area managers in the country. The goal of this initiative was simple: to amplify their voices, share their stories, and help bring greater visibility to the urgent challenges they face in protecting the country’s marine ecosystems.
Our first feature focuses on Maite Sanctuary in Siquijor Island, one of our research sites and conservation partners. Managed by the MRDA association, the sanctuary is home to exceptional coral diversity and abundant marine life. Despite limited resources, the team works tirelessly to preserve this invaluable ecosystem for future generations.
In this interview, Evelyn Malicay, President of MRDA, speaks about the realities of managing and protecting the Maite Marine Protected Area. The interview was filmed in 2025 and offers an important perspective on the challenges faced by local conservation leaders on the ground.
Watch the video here : Maite Sanctuary Interview – YouTube
If you would like to learn more about their current situation, collaborate, or support their work, please feel free to reach out to us directly or contact the Maite team.
The Philippines’ extraordinary marine biodiversity cannot continue to thrive without sustained support for the people working every day to protect it.
Curious about CRCP's research in Maite? Read our latest report here!
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