ABW Dec 2023-1

S
iquijor Province has been chosen as one of the focus
regeneration areas for the RRREEFS (Rethinking,
Rebuilding, Regenerating Coral Reefs) marine
protected area rehabilitation program. The program
aims to revive 1% of coastal coral reefs on Planet Earth by
2033 using 3D-printed, modular reef systems.
In collaboration with local stakeholders in Siquijor, the
Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF)
assisted Ms. Hanna Kuhfuss, the Head of Field Operations
and Scientific Partnership at RRREEFS, in conducting a
scoping assessment of the Marine Protected Area in Siquijor
for reef rehabilitation. The assessment involved evaluating
the current condition of the reefs, identifying the causes of
degradation, and determining the feasibility of implementing
rehabilitation measures.
The scoping assessment was successfully conducted in
three Marine Protected Areas: Lalag Bato Marine Sanctuary
in Lazi, Bogo Marine Sanctuary in Maria, and Tulapos MPA
in Enrique Villanueva. The assessment utilized the pointintercept
method to assess the reef habitat substrate. In
Lalag Bato Marine Sanctuary, the live hard coral cover was
estimated at 11.06%, with soft coral accounting for 25.37%
cover. The presence of degradation was also documented.
RRREEFS’ modular reef system, which is 3D-printed from
non-toxic natural clay, can be customized in terms of size and
shape to suit specific geographic and water flow conditions.
This customization allows for effective redirection of currents
while providing a suitable habitat for coral recruitment and
settling spaces for other marine organisms. The modular
system offers a balanced approach to reef rehabilitation by
meeting breakwater requirements without compromising
essential habitat and substrate functions.
Siquijor
Marine R
RRREEFS chose to work in the Philippines due to the
country’s commitment to preserving fragile ecosystems and
its rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity. By focusing its
efforts in the Philippines, RRREEFS aims to contribute to
ongoing conservation efforts and help protect the country’s
valuable natural resources.
CCEF is committed to supporting this collaboration as they
recognize the importance of ecosystem-level management
and the necessity of local-level knowledge from coastal
communities. This knowledge is crucial for effectively
enhancing and conserving coastal conservation in Lalag
Bato Marine Sanctuary, Lazi. The partnership between CCEF
and RRREEFS aims to ensure the successful preservation and
enhancement of this marine sanctuary, benefiting both the
local community and the overall ecosystem.
On July 3, 2023, Ms. Hanna delivered a presentation on
RRREEFS projects in the Visayas Region to the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional
Director and staff, as well as business owners and the
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