I thought scuba diving would be the death of me.

Ten years ago, I participated in a Shore It Up clean-up event organized by the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) in Anilao, Batangas. While certified divers below gathered plastic waste from the ocean, a few of us volunteers remained on the beach, collecting garbage. I was content with that until my team was named the winner for collecting the most trash, earning us a chance to experience a fun dive or a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) session. Initially confused by how a life-threatening activity could be a reward, I embraced the opportunity nonetheless and ventured down with a dive master. That single dive started my deep fascination with the ocean, which has never waned.

With the encouragement and mentorship of MPIF president and marine advocate Melody Del Rosario, I eventually became a certified advanced diver. Living in the Philippines, with its over 7,100 islands, I realized it is a shame not to bask in the world’s most breathtaking marine ecosystems. Every dive revealed a stunning tapestry of color and life, the beauty of nature in a world that is both captivating and humbling.

One of my most vivid memories was gliding through a group of brightly colored parrotfish, their iridescent colors against the coral reef a striking contrast. I wondered at their critical function of keeping coral healthy by grazing on it. Clownfish swam in and out of their anemone residences nearby, a reminder of the complex networks of interaction that characterize oceanic ecosystems.

With every descent, the underwater scenery changed dramatically. Magnificent sea turtles moved elegantly across seagrass meadows as I descended and drifted across wall reefs lined with colorful sponges, sea fans and anemones. It is always an overwhelming experience, giving a deep sense of connection to the ocean and emphasizing the need to preserve such ecosystems.

The Philippines’ rich coastal and marine environments, or blue forests, include around 500,000 hectares of mangroves, extensive seagrass beds and diverse salt marshes. These serve as a foundation for crucial blue carbon initiatives. As they significantly sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide, they also effectively support coastal communities’ climate and disaster resilience.

Worldwide, blue carbon ecosystems play a crucial role in addressing climate change, with the ability to capture and store carbon up to five times more efficiently than tropical forests (Murray et al., 2011). Blue carbon ecosystems also provide essential benefits, including promoting biodiversity, increasing coastal protection, and enhancing water quality.

In the Philippines, blue carbon initiatives are gaining traction, particularly under the leadership of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga. Her vision encompasses the improvement of scientific knowledge and blue carbon ecosystems mapping, coupled with scientists’ and local stakeholders’ collaboration for an effective conservation effort.

Secretary Loyzaga highlights the involvement of people in blue carbon projects, recognizing the urgency of community participation in rehabilitating mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs vital to the sustainability of coastal communities. Through people-focused conservation, the DENR, under her stewardship, boosts the ecological and social dimensions of environmental protection.

Integrating blue carbon with strong policies towards climate and disaster resilience, the DENR hopes to unlock the full potential of these ecosystems and make the Philippines a central figure in the global fight against climate change while safeguarding biodiversity and improving human well-being.

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Rochelle Elena Gamboa is the assistant secretary for strategic communications of the DENR. She has 25 years of experience in public affairs, advocacy and communications in the transport, mining, pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing industries. On top of being an accredited public relations practitioner and certified crisis communications planner, Gamboa is a certified advanced scuba diver.