How important are coral reefs?
 

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “coral reefs are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. Coral reefs support more species per unit area than any other marine environment, including about 4,000 species of fish, 800 species of hard corals and hundreds of other species. Scientists estimate that there may be millions of undiscovered species of organisms living in and around reefs. This biodiversity is considered key to finding new medicines for the 21st century. Many drugs are now being developed from coral reef animals and plants as possible cures for cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, viruses, and other diseases.”

That is how valuable coral reefs are to mankind. Therefore, it is incumbent upon everyone — Filipino or otherwise — to preserve them for our existence.

The subject is brought to the fore in the wake of the destruction of corals and coral reefs at Rozul (Iroquios) Reef and Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, both located in the West Philippine Sea and within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.

Rozul Reef, located at the southern end of Recto (Reed) Bank in the northeastern portion of Kalayaan Island Group (Spratly Islands) in Palawan, is known as a haven for different species of fish and other marine life because of the natural coral reef growing around it which serves as their shelter.

Based on a recent survey conducted by the Palawan-based Western Command (WesCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), there was nothing left of the corals at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.

“There’s nothing left, they are destroyed and only debris was there,” Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, WesCom commander, said in a recent news forum.

The WesCom said the destruction of corals and coral reefs were discovered after Chinese vessels swarmed the areas.

In view of this, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has begun studying the best legal course of action to take.

“The OSG is in the fact-finding and data gathering stage of its study on legal options regarding WPS issues,” Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra said on Wednesday, Sept. 20. “These matters require a lot of prudence and circumspection in view of their potential long-term impact on our national interests.”

Japan and the United States have joined the Philippines in deploring the massive destruction of corals and coral reefs in areas within the Philippines’ EEZ.

We call on all responsible nations to join the Philippines in denouncing this deplorable act as this impacts global food security considering that millions of people depend on the vast South China Sea, where the West Philippine Sea is located, for their food and livelihood. They should also help in the preservation of marine habitats to ensure that we have food on the table everyday.

This is not a matter of territorial dispute, this concerns food security for all.

We should all act now before it’s too late.