DENR sets 5-year effort to protect Philippine Rise

Amid threats to the country’s marine resources, food security and maritime domain, the government has begun a five-year effort to protect the Philippine Rise, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said yesterday.

- By JOSIAH ΑΝΤΟΝΙΟ

The Philippine Rise is a 13-million-hectare area on the country’s eastern seaboard. A part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, the area formerly called Benham Rise is known to be rich in biodiversity, fish stocks and gas deposits.

Named Philippine Rise Integrated Conservation for Enduring Legacies through Ecosystem Support Services (PRICELESS), the five-year initiative is funded by the Global Environment Facility under its seventh cycle.

It will be implemented through the Biodiversity Management Bureau, in partnership with Conservation International and Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia.