Manila Bay still offers a rich biodiversity but 21 proposed and ongoing reclamation projects in Greater Metro Manila can threaten marine ecosystems and fishermen’s livelihood, and could worsen flooding in urban centers.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said last week it would review Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) issued to Manila Bay reclamation projects following the results of a study conducted by the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF).
The process will include consultation and dialogue with the Philippine Reclamation Authority, proponent local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders to determine whether the ECCs need to be revised or amended to address the possible cumulative environmental, social, economic and ecological impacts identified in the MERF study.
The study documented 51 coral genera and 167 fish species in the body of water, revealing a rich biodiversity that offers hope for future management despite the challenges.
Dr. Charina Lyn A. Repollo of the UP Marine Science Institute, however, warned that the proposed reclamation projects can disrupt the bay’s natural water flow, leading to stagnation and trapping pollutants, particularly during extreme weather events, increasing water quality issues that could have far-reaching public health implications.
The DENR confirmed last week the results of the 2024 cumulative impact assessment conducted by the MERF.
Repollo said Manila Bay remains vital for fisheries that support many coastal communities. However, reclamation projects can severely diminish fishing grounds and destroy critical habitats.
“The loss of mangroves threatens marine biodiversity and weakens coastal defenses, making communities more vulnerable to typhoons,” she said.
Additionally, reclamation raises sedimentation and nutrient levels, increasing the risk of harmful algal blooms, which pose significant dangers to both marine life and human health due to their toxins, she added.
The assessment also cautioned that reclamation can exacerbate flooding in low-lying Metro Manila urban cities and municipalities. By blocking natural drainage pathways, these projects hinder the timely drainage of floodwaters, especially during heavy rains. “This bottleneck effect increases both coastal and inland flooding, posing heightened risks to lives and infrastructure, and undermining community resilience.,” said Repollo. DENR News
The study calls for regular monitoring of water quality and shellfish safety to safeguard fisheries and public health, urging that project proponents be held accountable for their actions as Metro Manila faces the ramifications of further reclamations.
Monitoring systems and methods as well as enhanced flood modelling will be part of Phase 2 of the MERF study.
“As Manila Bay is alive, local government units need to take into consideration the social impacts, the cultural, legal, and ecological considerations in their development goals,” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga
“The local government units need to integrate the reclamation projects into their water quality and water sourcing plans, their traffic and mobility plans, their solid waste management systems, their flood management systems, their disaster risks and climate change risk management plans,” she said.
Loyzaga stressed the importance of the cumulative impact assessment: “It is vital for safeguarding our environment and ensuring a sustainable future. By evaluating the combined effects of various projects, we can make informed decisions that balance economic growth, social well-being, and ecosystem health.”
She noted that the comprehensive approach aids in mitigating the impacts on biodiversity, promoting fairness and equity, and enhancing community resilience against environmental challenges.
The MERF study evaluated the potential impacts of two ongoing, 12 approved, and seven proposed reclamation projects, focusing on water resources, ecosystems and communities.
Models for flood risk and water circulation were developed, and the group measured water quality and assessed biological resources.
An interdisciplinary team of 48, including 16 oceanographers, ecologists and planners, conducted surveys over different seasons. DENR News