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8 Jun, 2015

Tourism accelerating degradation of Boracay coral reefs – Manila Bulletin

Filipino and Japanese experts have warned of the continuous degradation of the Boracay ecosystem with the unabated commercial development and unmonitored snorkeling and diving activities as among the tourism-related activities in the island.

Takahiro Morita, senior representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in the Philippines, said the threat of degradation was primarily on the coral reefs based on the study conducted from 2010 to date.

Based on analysis of satellite images, coral cover in Boracay has declined by about 70.5 percent for the past 23 years (1988-2011). According to the study, the highest decrease in coral cover recorded over the 23-year period occurred between 2008 and 2011 when tourist arrivals rose by 38.4 percent.

Read the rest: Experts warn of Boracay degradation due to wanton use of resources | mb.com.ph | Philippine News