WWF-Philippines and TMO Presents: Riding The Waves Of Change For Tubbataha Reefs

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When In Manila, a portion of the New Glorietta Activity Center was converted into a small gallery until the 13th of April  showcasing photographs from avid divers and photographers who have witnessed first-hand the beauty that is, The Tubbataha Reefs.

 World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines), together with Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) and supported by Canon Philippines, had asked for contributions of the best photos of the marine enclave. Hence, the launch of  Riding the Waves of Change: The Tubbataha Reefs’ 25th Anniversary Photo Exhibit.

 

WWF-Philippines Vice Chair and CEO, Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan (middle); Communications & Media Manager for WWF, Gregg Yan (extreme right) and Rovilson Fernandez (second from the right), long-standing ambassador of WWF-Philippines

WWF-Philippines Vice Chair and CEO, Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan (middle); Communications & Media Manager for WWF, Gregg Yan (extreme right) and Rovilson Fernandez (second from the right), long-standing ambassador of WWF-Philippines

 

Getting closer to the official anniversary date which will happen in August, it has been nearly 25 years since  the Tubbataha Reefs, situated in the heart of the Sulu Sea, was declared to be a marine protected area by the Philippine government in response to a strong campaign by scuba divers and environmentalists.

 

by George Esguerra

by George Esguerra

 

by Tet Lara

by Tet Lara

 Sadly, throughout its conservation history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has had to withstand two major hitting events for this year alone. As for the US minesweeper (USS Guardian), removal -in its entirety- was completed on March 31st. But what was left behind, which is a destruction of 1/4 hectare out of 10k-hectare reef out of 100k-hectare park, may take countless years if we are to expect full recovery.

 

by Tet Lara

by Tet Lara

 

by Keith Lapuos

by Keith Lapuos

 

by Tet Lara (Malayan Wreck)

by Tet Lara
(Malayan Wreck)

 

 

Concluded on the next page…