The government kicked off on September 1 the 2021 Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (Manamo 2021) to continue raising public awareness of our maritime resources. Composed of 7,641 islands, the Philippines is one of the biggest archipelagic states in the world with a long coastline of 36,289 kilometers. The country is endowed with diverse coastal resources such as coral reefs, mangroves, estuarine areas and beaches. We have about 2,824 marine fish species, including 336 deepwater species. These resources have served as the lifeblood of our coastal communities for the longest time.
President Duterte issued Proclamation 316 on September 14, 2017, declaring the month of September of every year as the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (Manamo). Further, Proclamation 316 transferred the observance of Fish Conservation Week to the third week of September of every year, starting 2018. This year’s Manamo theme is “Our Seas, Our Livelihood, Our Heritage: Connecting Lives and Nations.” The program will include several maritime-related activities such as the International Coastal Clean-up Day and National Maritime Day. The National Coast Watch Council has been tasked to coordinate the activities for the annual celebration of Manamo.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the month-long celebration highlights the country’s maritime heritage that defines the Filipino culture. “The celebration of Manamo every September reminds us of our precious maritime heritage and we need the reminder—though we are surrounded by waters, we often forget that it is these waters that have chartered the course of our history, defined our culture and stamped our identity as Filipinos,” he said. Locsin said several activities are lined up throughout the month of September, with the DFA hosting a talk with Filipino maritime champions next Wednesday.
As we celebrate Manamo 2021 and try to raise the level of national consciousness on the country’s marine wealth, let’s not forget there are also maritime and archipelagic issues and concerns we have to face. For example, the impacts of climate change will likely worsen the problems that coastal areas are facing. Many coastal barangays are confronting huge challenges such as shoreline erosion, coastal flooding, and water pollution. Higher sea surface temperatures also increase the risks of coral bleaching, which can lead to coral death and the loss of critical habitat for many species.
The Global Climate Risk Index 2015 listed the Philippines as the most affected country by climate change because of its geographical location. The country is located in the western Pacific Ocean, surrounded by naturally warm waters that will likely get even warmer as average sea-surface temperatures continue to rise. To some extent, this is a normal pattern: The ocean surface warms as it absorbs sunlight. The ocean then releases some of its heat into the atmosphere, creating wind and rain clouds. However, as the ocean’s surface temperature increases over time from the effects of global warming, more heat is released into the atmosphere. This additional heat in the ocean and air can lead to stronger and more frequent storms—which is exactly what we are currently experiencing.
The World Bank said climate change is expected to lead to more intense typhoons, higher sea levels, and storm surges. Storm surges are projected to affect about 14 percent of the total population and 42 percent of coastal populations.
As we celebrate Manamo 2021, it’s best to remind every Filipino that in their own small way, they can help mitigate the effects of climate change. For example, they can help build natural barriers one mangrove forest at a time. Our mangroves help mitigate the impact of storm surge and stabilize soil but, sadly, almost half have disappeared since 1918 due to deforestation. You can help secure these vital watery forests by planting a mangrove seedling in the mud. Let’s all help save the Philippine mangrove ecosystems, which act as a breeding ground for fish, prawns, crabs, and birds.