Networking of marine protected areas help accelerate coral reef ecosystem benefits

At the rate marine protected areas (MPAs) are being established and managed in the country, it would take at least 100 years for the Philippines to be able to effectively protect even a tenth of its 27,000 km 2 of coral reefs. But coral reef protection could be accelerated if more and larger MPAs would be established, organized into networks and provided with necessary support systems.

• Dispose of trash properly – use trash cans at the beach or take your trash home with you

• Reduce, reuse and recycle as many as possible of the things you use — anywhere, anytime

• Cut the rings off plastic six-pack holders so that animals (like fish, turtles or seals) can’t get tangled in them — leave no solid plastic loops

• Join local beach, river or stream clean-ups

• Teach others how to practice good beach safety