Some good news in efforts to preserve the Philippines’ rich marine resources: the Marine Conservation Institute (MCI) recently announced that Siete Pecados, a marine protected area (MPA) nestled in northern Palawan, has been granted the prestigious Blue Park Award for its exceptional efforts in conserving marine biodiversity.
This recognition places Siete Pecados in the esteemed company of Tubbataha Reef Natural Park and Apo Reef Natural Park, as one of the three recipients of the Blue Parks awards this year.
The award ceremony took place during the Our Ocean conference held in Athens, Greece, where representatives from Siete Pecados accepted the accolade with pride.
Jose Mazo, the manager of Siete Pecados Marine Park, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the park's commitment to meeting and surpassing the rigorous Blue Park standards.
Mazo highlighted the park's dedication to conserving critical habitat, promoting ocean health, and ensuring economic security for future generations.
The significance of the Blue Park Award extends beyond individual recognition, as it underscores the collective effort towards achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's target of protecting 30 percent of marine and coastal areas by 2030 (30x30).
The winners of the Blue Park Award serve as exemplary models of effective biodiversity conservation, showcasing the positive impact of MPAs on marine ecosystems and local communities.
Lance Morgan, MCI President, emphasized the importance of not only establishing more marine protected areas but also ensuring their effectiveness in safeguarding marine ecosystems and supporting local livelihoods as the global community strives towards the 30x30 goal.
Siete Pecados, as part of the Calamian MPA, contributes to the protection of over 1,100 kilometers of marine habitat, further solidifying its role in preserving the rich biodiversity of the region.
In acknowledgment of its achievement, Siete Pecados will be granted $6,000 (P347,000) and will become part of an expanding network of MPAs that have successfully met rigorous science-based standards for conservation effectiveness.
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