Philippine Oceans Are Apparently in Even Worse Shape Now, According to a New Report
When we ask a foreigner what about the Philippines it loves, we'd probably get answers like how rich our marine diversity is or how beautiful the waters in Coron or Boracay can be.
While the Philippines consistently ranks among one of the world's best travel destinations (primarily for our beaches, of course), its work in protecting its lush marine ecosystem lags significantly behind its neighbors. It's a grim contradiction that doesn't get talked about enough.
According to the latest Ocean Health Index (OHI), the Philippines actually moved a few steps down the world rankings. It now places an unfortunate 214th out of 220 countries in maintaining marine ecosystem health. The country had recorded a score of 58 out of a possible 100, falling 15 points short of the global average of 73.
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Factors like pollution, overfishing, and climate change have threatened our marine life. These adverse effects on the environment carry over to our resources and livelihood.
The OHI measures how well ocean systems are "sustainably providing people with the benefits and services they need and desire from marine systems.”
The metrics are supposed to look at ecological, social, and economic factors per region. Among some of the goals for every nation are food provision, natural products, artisanal fishing opportunities, carbon storage, coastal protection, livelihood and economies, tourism and recreation, a sense of place, clean waters, and biodiversity.
Nevertheless, on the bright side, the Philippines scored 93 in coastal protection and 91 in artisanal fishing opportunities. The country scored the lowest in tourism and recreation.
"Lower scores indicate that more benefits could be gained or that current methods are harming the delivery of future benefits," the report sadly reads.
Looking at past data, the decline occurred sometime between 2019 and 2020. The lowest the Philippines has scored was an abysmal 56 in 2021. In 2020 and 2021, the nation was given 67 and 65, respectively.
You may view the OHI 2023 report here.
