When in Manila, Scientists, students, writers, divers, lawyers, and everyone who loves our ocean have convened at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati last August 24 for a symposium entitled “Scientific Discovery and the Urgent Need for Conservation at the Epicenter of Marine Biodiversity”. Everyone was pleased to have Dr. Kent E. Carpenter as guest speaker, because he explained how important it was to preserve our marine life well and “as painless as possible” (yes he said that, to the amusement of the audience. See, scientists are actually a fun bunch).
Dr. Carpenter is the director of the Marine Biodiversity Unit of the International Union for conservation of Nature, and a professor from the Biological Sciences department of Old Dominion University in Virgina, USA. He has received numerous grants to conduct extensive studies about marine biodiversity in the Philippines, and has come to love our shores. Maybe you’re wondering how we have drawn attention to someone this big of a mind. Actually, as he explained, he had all the reasons to.
Point A: The Philippines is the epicenter (center of the center) of the concentration of marine biodiversity, meaning we have the largest population of marine life in the whole world.
Point B: The over exploitation of resources (includes dynamite fishing, muro ami, and other harsh fising methods) has resulted to a depressing loss of local biodiversity.
See how the word URGENT was used in the title of the symposium? It’s because we have to do something about our marine life NOW, or else we would jeopardize the life forms of years to come. You see, because of the geographic location of the different islands making up the Philippines, we are now home to millions and millions of marine life forms. Our local shores have been host to the evolution of organisms – considering that evolution is a phenomenon that takes millions of years to happen, this is something grand. If we don’t conserve our marine life, we would interrupt a process that’s benefiting the rest of the globe.
I am amazed by the fact that numerous scientists have taken special attention, and have exerted extra effort, to protect our seas and the life forms bound by it. They understood that conducting studies wasn’t enough, and that they had to do something to conserve what’s left of the marine biodiversity. We have a very rich biodiversity, but sadly, the threats imposed to it are also very high – the highest even – when compared to any other country. I have been moved, both by their efforts and the things I’ve learned about how important our marine life is, and now I’m calling on everyone to do their share. Our share. Let’s do our part and help preserve and nourish the gift that makes living sustainable.
Personally, I have committed to three things: stop using straws and disposable coffee stirrers (tons of junk come from these), bring a reusable tote bag whenever I go shopping (I’ll just throw away the paper bags anyway), and minimize the use of cup sleeves and tissue. I’ve also asked friends and relatives to do the same. Like, during lunch break, I’ll ask them not to use straws or ask for excessive amounts of tissue. Small things that count.
I hope that making a pledge through projectseventhousand.org isn’t just hype. I hope everyone who made a pledge would actually, sincerely and fervently, stay true to what they have promised. Yes, the oceans are big, and yes, the population of marine life is even bigger, but if we commit to what we have pledged, we would make a big impact eventually. Legislations, along with the efforts of LGUs, NGOs, and the government, wouldn’t suffice if we don’t do our share. Imagine the millions of marine life that would continue to grow and multiply, the living organisms that these would sustain, and the future generations who would enjoy what we have right now if we act together. Let’s do something about it before it’s too late. I seriously pray that we would all do our part, when in Manila, or anywhere, for that matter.
It’s our turn now. What would you do to help save the environment?
Visit projectseventhousand.org for more information. Make a pledge now, spread the word, and stand up for it.
Scientific Discovery and the Urgent Need for Conservation at the Epicenter of Marine Biodiversity
