The Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), during its 4th Session held on 6-10 March 2017, approved the ‘establishment of a new area to be avoided (ATBA) as an associated protective measure for the “Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) in the Sulu Sea” (the Philippines)’. Having acquired NCSR support, it is expected that the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC), which meets on 3-7 July 2017, will approve the application of the Philippines for PSSA.
The PSSA application for Tubbataha was first discussed in 2002, when the UNESCO World Heritage Centre (WHC) funded multi-sectoral meeting where PSSA establishment was considered as a solution the potential negative impacts of international shipping. The Centre provided funding to pursue the application in 2012 enabling TMO to consult with the University of the Philippines-Institute of Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP-IMLOS) for technical assistance. Several multi-stakeholder meetings were held
The Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Foreign Affairs, specifically the Embassy in London, the Tubbataha Management Office and UP-IMLOS spearheaded the application process. MEPC organized the first ever regional meeting of the IMO in Manila in 2014. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources was also involved in earlier efforts. When finally established as a PSSA, Tubbataha will be the first in Southeast Asia, a tribute to the numerous agencies, local and international, that are committed to protect this marine jewel from harm.
16th Comprehensive Training for Marine Park Rangers of Tubbataha
TMO Communications Officer, Ms. Glenda Simon, explains house rules to the participants.
Upon the request of Coast Guard District Palawan (CGD-PAL), thirty of its personnel are currently undergoing training to prepare them for assignment to the Tubbataha Reefs. The training puts a stress on marine conservation because it is the focus of their duties in the Park. The training also includes law enforcement protocols that apply to the Park. Interpersonal skills development is another topic that is discussed because being isolated in Tubbataha for two months with strangers requires good relational abilities.
CGD-Palawan, Pilipinas Shell foundation, Inc. (PSFI), and the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) provided counterpart funds to provide this capacity development opportunity for future marine park rangers in Tubbataha.
Palawan Coast Guard District Deputy Commander, Captain Rafael Jackson Bellen,
opens the 16th Comprehensive Training for Marine Park Rangers on 31 May 2016.
Thirty (30) PCG participants learn about biodiversity in the marine environment from TMO Research Officer, Retchie Pagliawan.