With an exponentially growing population and unlimited wants, it is not surprising to know that much of our resources are being depleted more than what is enough. Aside from this, urban development is also a great factor in contributing great damages to these resources, one of these is the aquatic resources particularly the corals which is the main topic of the forum. The said event’s speaker is Dr. Kent E. Carpenter, a professor of Biological Sciences in the Old Dominion University. With the title: “Coral Triangle Initiative: Impact of Terrestrial and Urban Development on Marine Resources”, Dr. Carpenter explained to us what Coral Triangle is and what it provides to us and its current state. Here are my learnings…

Coral Triangle is the epicenter of marine biodiversity. This triangular area in the globe includes our very own Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor L’Este, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomons. Aside from the marine species, the Coral Triangle comprises the largest portion of coral reefs and home to rich mangrove swamps. The fact that marine biodiversity is mainly centered in the Philippines than any other countries included in the Coral Triangle is enough for us Filipinos to be proud of. But then despite this, I think we should be ashamed of ourselves because we are also the main suspects of coral degradation which supports marine life.

Looking back I always disregard coral reefs’ importance when I think about marine life’s safety. But after the forum, I realized that without coral reefs, marine species would probably never exist. I concluded therefore that coral reefs’ safety is equally important to monitor at as the way we monitor marine species.

According to Dr. Carpenter, the Coral Triangle is at risk as the next possible biodiversity disaster and cited climate change and local human impacts (such as overfishing, destructive fishing methods, coastal development and pollution) as the main causes. The good news is, unlike climate change, the coral triangle’s risk can be fixed because it can be addressed at local levels. But the bad news, the problem is quite severe and would need total maximum cooperation among us.

Environmental consciousness is truly in the air nowadays. Conferences and public forums are being held by the government as well as the non-government agencies to promote awareness as well as knowledge on our current state. I agree that these actions will help. And if we’ll only help save our world, hand in hand, then I’m sure good happenings and graces will result. Let’s save Coral Triangle! Let’s save Mother Nature! Let’s save ourselves!