of the Verde Island Passage, Philippines - weADAPT

Preface
The Verde Island Passage, in the sub-national area of
Luzon in the northern Philippines, is located within the
globally significant Coral Triangle, an area considered
the center of the world’s marine biodiversity. The Verde
Island Passage is a conservation corridor that spans
five provinces: Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental
Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon. The abundant
fish and charismatic megafauna support over 7 million
people in those provinces, whose livelihoods include
fishing, aquaculture, and tourism.
It is projected that climate change will cause rising sea
levels, higher ocean temperatures, and more acidic
waters. As the ocean largely regulates the climate,
changes in ocean temperatures and currents are
already altering the frequency, intensity, and distribution
of storms, floods, heat waves, and the amount and
distribution of rainfall. The unique biodiversity of the
Verde Island Passage is at risk. In addition, the loss of
biodiversity directly impacts its local communities, as
their livelihoods are dependent primarily on tourism,
fisheries, and agriculture, all of which are dependent on
these threatened natural resources.
In September 2008, Conservation International,
in cooperation with several partners, conducted a
vulnerability assessment to gauge the likely impacts
of climate change on marine ecosystems of the Verde
Island Passage and the human communities that are
dependent upon them. The assessment evaluated the
vulnerability of the Verde Island Passage to climate
change and determined the priority actions needed to
ensure that its ecosystems and coastal societies can
adapt to future climate conditions.
This study brought together experts on the Verde Island
Passage marine environment, climate scientists, social
scientists, government officials, and local stakeholders,
all working under a common agenda: the need to
maintain and increase the resilience of biodiversity of
this area.
This report contains the scientific studies that underpin
the immediate and substantial actions needed
to increase the adaptive capacity of Verde Island
Passage’s ecosystems and the people that depend on
them. Adapting to climate change is the only solution
to ensure ecosystems and human societies can
survive and maintain their wellbeing when exposed to
climate change impacts. These studies will support
the development of “climate-smart” plans for the local
governments of the Verde Island Passage.
Conservation International and it partners are
committed to continue to support their efforts towards
ensuring the biodiversity of the Verde Island Passage
is protected and can adapt to future conditions for the
benefit of the society and its future generations.
Romeo B. Trono
County Executive Director
Conservation International–Philippines
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