Govt to conduct biodiversity research

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will conduct in April a biodiversity conservation research at the Recto (Reed) Bank and Rizal (Commodore) Reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga made the statement on Friday during the first all-women maritime security forum organized by the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

"We expect to discover more and measure the Philippine treasures in the ecosystems of the West Philippine Sea, a big part of our natural capital for the present and the future," Loyzaga said.

The DENR will conduct the research in collaboration with the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation.

Loyzaga said the DENR conducted the Biodiversity Conservation and Carbon Sequestration research in Pag-asa Island in February 2025.

The WPS has a rich biodiversity that contributes around 27 percent of the country's commercial fisheries production and around 30 percent of the nation's coral reefs.

However, it is now under threat due to the continuous illegal, coercive, and aggressive actions of China.

The DENR is also planning to establish a marine scientific research station in Pag-asa Island as part of the eight stations across the country's biogeographic regions.

Other stations include the Tubbataha Reef Ranger Station and Snake Island Station in Palawan and the Verde Island Passage Station to be established with the private sector and academic and research partners.

The DENR said these sentinel stations will have unique research programs, serving as sites for specific areas of collaboration with scientists from the Philippines and like-minded countries who respect the rules-based international order.

During the forum, Australia reiterated its support in strengthening maritime security and protection in the Philippines.

Australian Ambassador to Manila Hae Kyong Yu raised the importance of ensuring gender equality in the maritime domain.

"Across the world, women are driving change as policy makers, maritime security experts, and community leaders, and yet women remain underrepresented. We've got to fix that. This is not just a matter of fairness; it's a missed opportunity," she said.

Stratbase president Dindo Manhit recognized the important role of women in the maritime sector.

"Looking ahead, we must ensure that women are empowered to participate and lead initiatives for a more secure and more prosperous Indo-Pacific," Manhit said.