DAVAO CITY, Philippines–An international ocean conservation and advocacy organization urged the government to expedite the formulation of the management framework to protect and sustainably manage the Benham Rise, an undersea region located east of Luzon.
“We urge the government to expedite the formulation of the management framework for Benham Rise to protect and sustainably manage it. Benham Rise is an important marine resource for the Filipinos, and holds tremendous potential for discovering more unique species and outstanding samples of marine resources. We need to prioritize its protection, including the pristine Benham Bank as a no-take zone,” Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice-President for Oceana Philippines, said in a statement Friday.
Ramos’ statement came as the Department of National Defense reported that foreign vessels were spotted within the Benham Rise Region.
The group emphasized that the management plan would include an enforcement plan for biodiversity conservation, fisheries, and commercial and economic activities in the area. The plan also ensured that poachers would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“Our government should not hesitate to exercise its sovereign right and responsibility in exploring, conserving and managing the natural resources of the region to ensure that we wield effective exercise of our jurisdiction in Benham Rise. The management framework would be a much needed road map to effectively manage and protect our precious natural heritage,” said Ramos.
Benham Rise includes the outer section recognized by the United Nations’ Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf as the Philippines’ newest territory in 2012, which expanded the region from 11.4 million hectares to 24.4 million hectares, an area about the same size as Luzon.
To sustain the ongoing efforts, Ramos said that Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Biodiversity and Management Bureau has conducted a series of consultations and workshops involving various government agencies and stakeholders for the development of a management framework for the protection of Benham Rise.
Also, the Senate conducted public hearing on the creation of the Benham Rise Development Authority, to identify sustainable, scientific and technological approaches for the development of Benham Rise.
“We all recognize the significance of Benham Rise for food security, climate change adaptation, and for the sustenance of the Filipinos, now and in the future. We need to act fast in protecting it from external threats such as territorial encroachments, overfishing and other exploitative activities,” she emphasized.
Oceana was part of the expedition team led by government scientists which explored the area in May last year, revealing vast and pristine coral reef ecosystem in Benham Bank, the shallowest portion of the area.
The expedition team also documented a vast mesophotic reef ecosystem – coral reefs found at depths of up to 150 meters (492 feet).
“Oceana is working with government agencies to push for a scientifically-sound management framework, which would prioritize the biodiversity and conservation aspects of the Benham Rise Region, especially the Benham Bank, which is the shallowest portion of the Rise,” Ramos said. (davaotoday.com)
