Marine Protected Areas

What is a Marine Protected Area?

The North Oriental Mindoro MPA in the Philippines is a prime example of the importance and potential of MPAs for preserving marine ecosystems and supporting local communities.

Background image © Thomas Vignaud
01.

Marine Protected Areas are vital. Here’s why:

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are defined areas of the ocean that are legally protected for the purpose of conservation, responsible travel, and ensuring that local communities can still use ocean resources sustainably. MPAs protect a variety of marine ecosystems such as beaches, seabed’s, open water, and coral reefs, which are all crucial to the health of the oceans and the planet. The North Oriental Mindoro MPA in the Philippines is a prime example of the importance and potential of MPAs for preserving marine ecosystems and supporting local communities.

© Thomas Vignaud

02.

Importance of MPAs

An estimated 3 billion people worldwide rely on seafood as a source of food, while up to 12% of the world’s population relies on the sea for their livelihoods. However, these sensitive habitats face multiple dangers such as overfishing, coral damage, pollution and the introduction of invasive species. By protecting these areas, MPAs control human activities and reduce environmental stress, allowing marine wildlife and habitats to recover and thrive.

Marine Protected Area vs. no Marine Protected Area

03.

North Oriental Mindoro as a Biodiversity Hotspot

The reefs and islands of North Oriental Mindoro have been identified as a biodiversity hotspot due to their coral reefs, which although pristine are increasingly under threat. This area is ecologically important, economically vital and has the potential to support both responsible ecotourism and local communities. Designating an area as an MPA means that it is recognized for its unique value and potential and is protected for future generations to enjoy.

Did you know?

There are over 1 500 Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines, 70% of which are underfunded.

© Thomas Vignaud

04.

Balancing the Needs of Different Users

Managing an MPA involves balancing the needs of different groups of users and requires funding for monitoring, research, and enforcement. MPAs also require enforcement through regular patrols, and they also provide valuable research opportunities. Encouraging responsible ecotourism to MPAs can make them more viable by raising funds through fees and donations from travellers. These funds can be applied directly towards supporting ocean conservation and the livelihoods of communities who depend on the sea. 

Did you know?

The Philippines is a marine biodiversity hotspot, with over 2 500 fish species and more than 500 types of coral.

© Pedro Magsino

05.

Rewilding the Ocean

MPAs are a regenerative tool for rewilding the ocean, allowing marine wildlife and habitats to recover and thrive. By protecting multiple, interlinked ecosystems, MPAs can boost biodiversity both within and beyond their boundaries. This in turn can support sustainable fisheries, and attract responsible travellers who want to experience the area and make a positive impact through their travel.

06.

Travel responsibly, make an impact

Visiting North Oriental Mindoro MPA is an opportunity to experience unforgettable ocean experiences and offers the opportunity to help protect the marine wildlife and habitats you’ve come to see. By raising donations from travellers, we can apply these funds directly towards supporting ocean conservation and communities who depend on the sea.

Did you know?

The Philippines archipelago contains around 7 600 islands, of which only around 2 000 are inhabited.

Learn more

Background image © Uwe Jacobs

Join our Sea’tizen community

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

We invite you to join our BlueTalk Sea’tizen community, receiving occasional updates on our work in North Mindoro and elsewhere — Rest assured, we prioritise your data’s confidentiality, and you can unsubscribe at any time.