VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — SM Prime Holdings, Inc. through its leisure resort residences developer Costa Del Hamilo Inc., (CDHI) and World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Philippines) have renewed their partnership to strengthen marine conservation and sustainable coastal resource management at Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Building on a collaboration that began in 2007, the renewed partnership marks the fifth phase of the Hamilo Coast Sustainable Development (HCSD) Project. The initiative will focus on marine conservation and generate updated environmental data to support science-based decisions on the long-term management of Hamilo Coast’s marine ecosystems, particularly within its Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The project will include a site selection survey to assess the ecological suitability of Pico de Loro Cove for a potential artificial coral reef initiative, marine assessment surveys at Etayo Cove, Pico Cove and Santelmo Cove, and Education for Sustainable Development sessions on marine conservation and solid waste management for CDHI personnel, guests, owners and members.
“Our renewed partnership with WWF-Philippines builds on nearly two decades of collaboration and a shared commitment to long-term environmental stewardship,” said Harvey T. Sy, Head of Planning and Design of SM Leisure Resort Residences. “We intend to deepen this work through more integrated conservation efforts that strengthen biodiversity, support ecosystem resilience and create lasting value for the communities and environment around us”.
CDHI is right in the Coral Triangle – the world’s center of marine biodiversity, home to more than three-quarters of the world’s coral species, hundreds of reef fish species and iconic marine life including tuna, sharks, whales and sea turtles. This huge region covers 5.7 million square kilometers, including the waters of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.
The partnership comes as the continued growth of Philippine tourism creates both economic opportunities and environmental challenges for coastal destinations. By strengthening environmental monitoring and conservation efforts, CDHI and WWF-Philippines aim to help ensure that coastal development remains resilient and sustainable over the long term.
“Businesses that depend on nature also have an opportunity and a responsibility to help protect it,” said Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of WWF-Philippines.
Through previous phases, the partnership has brought together local government units, environmental organizations, community representatives and locators to advance marine conservation through environmental assessments, capacity building and community engagement.
The updated environmental data from the partnership will help guide habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation and long-term marine management strategies. These efforts are expected to strengthen ecosystem resilience, support sustainable tourism and fisheries, and create lasting environmental and socio-economic value for surrounding communities and future generations.
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