The agreement launches the fifth phase of the Hamilo Coast Sustainable Development Project, extending a collaboration that dates to 2007. The partners plan to generate updated environmental data to support science-based decisions on managing marine ecosystems, particularly within Hamilo Coast’s Marine Protected Areas.
Marine assessment surveys
The project will conduct marine assessment surveys at Etayo Cove, Pico Cove and Santelmo Cove. It will also assess Pico de Loro Cove’s ecological suitability for a potential artificial coral reef initiative.
Education for Sustainable Development sessions covering marine conservation and solid waste management are also planned for CDHI personnel, guests, owners and members.
“Our renewed partnership with WWF-Philippines builds on nearly two decades of collaboration and a shared commitment to long-term environmental stewardship,” SM Leisure Resort Residences head of planning and design Harvey T. Sy said in a press statement.
“We intend to deepen this work through more integrated conservation efforts that strengthen biodiversity, support ecosystem resilience and create lasting value for the communities and environment around us,” he added.
Coral Triangle
Hamilo Coast is located within the Coral Triangle, a 5.7-million-square-kilometer region described in the release as the world’s center of marine biodiversity. It encompasses waters of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.
The partnership comes as Philippine tourism growth brings economic opportunities alongside environmental pressures for coastal destinations. CDHI and WWF-Philippines are positioning stronger environmental monitoring and conservation as part of making coastal development more resilient and sustainable.
“Businesses that depend on nature also have an opportunity and a responsibility to help protect it,” WWF-Philippines executive director Katherine Custodio said.
Habitat restoration
Previous phases brought together local governments, environmental organizations, communities and locators for environmental assessments, capacity building and community engagement.
The partners expect the new environmental data to inform habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation and long-term marine management strategies while supporting sustainable tourism, fisheries and surrounding communities. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
