The Philippines’ Verde Island Passage (VIP) holds the distinction of being the “center of the center” of marine diversity in the world. It has spectacular reef formations of 319 species and 74 genera of hard corals, and underwater rock canyons that shelter nearly 60 percent of the world’s known shore fish species.

Bounding the VIP on the West are the Lubang and Looc islands, covering 14,485 hectares of marine protected areas, the largest in the entire passage.

The Lubang-Looc area also has the greatest marine conservation potential, as shown by studies conducted by Conservation International, a non-profit organization that applies science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth’s biodiversity.

To maintain the biodiversity and sustain the fisheries resources of the entire VIP, it is important to protect the Lubang-Looc area. Reefs and shallows around the islands show very high concentrations of fish larvae eggs.

Also found are species of turtles, whales, dolphins, sea grass, and a variety of commercially important fish.

Measures for the conservation of the Lubang-Looc area were carried out beginning 2008 when local fishermen, who initiated the movement, approached the local government to address the growing incidence of illegal fishing in their area.

Recently, a joint ordinance between the municipalities of Lubang and Looc was approved for the establishment of a marine protected area (MPA). Promulgated were MPA regulations such as the designation of No Take Zone or NTZ (areas where no living or non-living things may be taken) and  Fishery Management Area (areas where only selected fishing methods are allowed).

Other initiatives have also been undertaken to make the Lubang-Looc area “Climate-SMART” (Sustainable Management, Adaptive mechanisms, Resilient MPAs, Targeted for protection). This means, it is resilient to climate change impact such as increased storm frequency and intensity, and its associated rainfall.

Vulnerability tests are performed regularly for proper monitoring. And if needed, fishing and other activities are suspended in any or all of the marine protected areas to allow natural resources to recover. A Lubang-Looc MPA Board was likewise created to strengthen Bantay Dagat efforts.

The recent launch of Lubang and Looc’s Climate-SMART MPAs gathered supporters and partners who celebrated the local people’s laudable undertaking.

Ceremonial buoys were signed by distinguished guests from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).