Report on the Impact of Climate Change on the Philippine Fishing Industry and Sustainable Development Efforts

Introduction: The Devastation of Super Typhoon Haiyan

Simplicio Calicoy, a fisherman from Maliwaliw Island in the Philippines, experienced firsthand the catastrophic effects of Super Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) in November 2013. This typhoon, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones recorded, resulted in over 6,000 deaths and severely damaged the fishing industry, which is vital for millions of Filipinos’ livelihoods.

Geographical and Economic Context

• The Philippines consists of more than 7,600 islands with a population of approximately 115 million.
• The country’s ocean resources include 10,400 square miles of biodiverse coral reefs.
• The fishing industry provides around 1.6 million jobs and is the main protein source for Filipino families.

Challenges Facing the Fishing Industry

1. Climate Crisis Impact: Rising sea levels and intensified storms threaten the industry, with the Philippines being highly vulnerable to typhoons, experiencing six consecutive storms in 30 days recently.
2. Environmental Degradation: Destruction of mangrove forests, which protect coasts and marine habitats, exacerbates vulnerability.
3. Unsustainable Fishing Practices: Some fishers resort to illegal and destructive methods such as trawling, dynamite, and cyanide fishing due to dwindling resources and incomes.

Community-Based Sustainable Development Initiatives

Small-scale fishers and local organizations are actively working to restore ecosystems and protect marine resources, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Marine Protected Areas and Community Patrols

• The Philippines has over 1,800 marine protected areas intended to safeguard ocean ecosystems.
• Challenges such as corruption and lack of resources hinder enforcement.
• Community volunteers have established Bantay Dagat (Sea Patrol) to monitor and enforce protection, reducing illegal fishing activities.
• This initiative supports SDG 14 by promoting sustainable use of marine resources and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) through community enforcement.

Restoration of Mangrove Forests

• Mangrove restoration projects are underway in various communities, recognizing their role in protecting coastal areas from storms and supporting marine biodiversity.
• Organizations like KGMC have replanted nearly 15,000 acres of mangroves, resulting in increased populations of fish and shellfish, enhancing food security and livelihoods.
• This work contributes to SDG 13 by mitigating climate impacts and SDG 15 by restoring terrestrial ecosystems.

Sustainable Fishing Practices

• Fishers are adopting selective and sustainable methods such as spearfishing and using fish corrals (baklads) under regulation.
• Community crab hatcheries promote repopulation of valuable species.
• These practices support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring sustainable food sources.

Challenges and Social Dynamics

• Community enforcement efforts face resistance initially due to cultural perceptions of fishing rights.
• Over time, understanding of ecological and economic benefits has increased volunteer participation.
• Protected areas now contribute to local income through tourism, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Climate Adaptation Measures

• Seaweed farmers in Zamboanga Sibugay Gulf are relocating farms to deeper waters and planting mangroves to improve water quality and combat rising temperatures.
• These adaptation strategies align with SDG 13 by enhancing resilience to climate change.

Future Outlook and Conclusion

The fishing industry in the Philippines faces significant threats from climate change and environmental degradation. However, community-led initiatives demonstrate the potential for sustainable development and resilience. These efforts embody the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting environmental protection, economic sustainability, and social inclusion.

As Søren Knudsen, director of Marine Conservation Philippines, notes, the future may shift towards tourism and services, but current community actions are crucial for survival and sustainability.

Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon of KGMC emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human well-being: “Without the sea, the mangroves, the rivers, we are nothing. We must protect our natural resources, not only for our own benefit, but more importantly for future generations.” This reflects the essence of SDG 14, SDG 15, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and the impact of climate change on their income and food security.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Fishing is a main source of protein for Filipino families, and the article highlights threats to food security.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article focuses on the impacts of climate change including super typhoons, rising sea levels, and ocean warming affecting the fishing industry.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article extensively discusses marine biodiversity, marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, and restoration of mangroves and coral reefs.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land – Mangrove forest destruction and restoration efforts are highlighted, linking to terrestrial ecosystem conservation.
6. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Community relocation and resilience against storms are discussed.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

• SDG 1
  • Target 1.4: Ensure equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services for vulnerable populations such as small-scale fishers.
• SDG 2
  • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
  • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
• SDG 13
  • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
• SDG 14
  • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
  • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
  • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas through marine protected areas.
• SDG 15
  • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems, including forests and wetlands.
  • Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests and halt deforestation.
• SDG 11
  • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.
  • Target 11.B: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, and disaster risk reduction.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• SDG 1 Indicators
  • Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, especially small-scale fishers affected by climate disasters.
• SDG 2 Indicators
  • Prevalence of undernourishment and food insecurity linked to fish protein availability.
  • Productivity and income of small-scale fishers.
• SDG 13 Indicators
  • Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters.
  • Implementation of climate adaptation and resilience measures such as community relocation and mangrove restoration.
• SDG 14 Indicators
  • Coverage of marine protected areas (MPAs) and effectiveness of enforcement (e.g., Bantay Dagat patrols).
  • Incidence of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.
  • Fish stock levels and biodiversity indicators such as number of groupers, crabs, clams, and shrimps.
• SDG 15 Indicators
  • Area of mangrove forest restored or lost.
  • Health and growth monitoring of mangrove ecosystems.
• SDG 11 Indicators
  • Number of people relocated to safer areas and reduction in disaster impacts on communities.
  • Number of cities and communities implementing disaster risk reduction plans.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cnn.com