Coral Triangle Day - June 9
A time to raise awareness about one of the richest marine biodiversity hotspots in the world, which includes Palawan, Philippines. The Coral Triangle covers over 6 million square kilometers of ocean waters and is home to over 75% of the world’s coral species, thousands of fish species, and countless marine creatures.
Data sourced from the Coral Triangle Atlas, used with permission for non-commercial purposes. Thanks to the Coral Triangle Atlas Project and partners. See coraltriangleatlas.org.
The Coral Triangle is a marine area located in the western Pacific Ocean, recognized as the global center of marine biodiversity. It spans the waters of six countries:
- Philippines (including Palawan)
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
This region covers approximately 6 million square kilometers and is home to more than 75% of the world’s coral species and a vast diversity of fish and marine life.
Why Palawan Matters in the Coral Triangle
Palawan is often called the Philippines’ “Last Ecological Frontier.” Its lush forests and pristine coastal areas form a vital part of the Coral Triangle’s ecosystem. Healthy forests in Palawan protect watersheds and prevent soil erosion, which reduces sedimentation that can suffocate coral reefs. When forests are degraded or destroyed, the resulting runoff harms marine habitats — threatening fish populations, biodiversity, and coastal livelihoods.
Palawan’s Nine Protected Areas
Palawan is home to nine protected areas that conserve its critical terrestrial and marine ecosystems, covering an area that expanded from 64,819 hectares in 1990 to 541,565 hectares in 2014. These include:
- Ursula Island Bird Sanctuary
- Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape
- Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary
- Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park
- Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape
- El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area
- Calauit Game Preserve Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
- Palawan Flora and Fauna Watershed Reserve
Two of these—Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park—are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are vital to Palawan’s biodiversity. Many of the other areas fall under the Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN), which designates core and restricted-use zones to maintain ecological integrity. Source: Palawan_Landscape_Profile.pdf
The Link Between Forest Conservation and Marine Protection
The health of terrestrial and marine ecosystems is intrinsically connected, forming a dynamic and interdependent natural system. This connection is especially evident in regions like Palawan, where lush forests and vibrant coral reefs coexist in a delicate balance that sustains biodiversity, livelihoods, and ecological resilience.
Forests as Guardians of Water Quality
Palawan’s rich and diverse forest ecosystems play a vital role in safeguarding the province’s water quality, which in turn protects its marine biodiversity. The province harbors approximately 689,161 hectares of forest, representing about 10% of the Philippines' total forest cover. These forests include primary old-growth forests, secondary forests, and extensive mangrove forests, all of which contribute uniquely to watershed protection and water filtration.
Primary old-growth forests have deep root systems and dense canopies that stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and filter rainwater, preventing excessive sedimentation downstream. This is crucial for the health of aquatic ecosystems, particularly in watersheds feeding into coastal areas.
Mangrove forests, widespread along Palawan’s coastlines, act as natural buffers by trapping sediments and pollutants before they reach coral reefs and seagrass beds. Mangroves also support nursery habitats for fish and other marine life, sustaining local fisheries.
Protecting these forest types ensures that clean freshwater flows into marine protected areas such as the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tubbataha is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species, thriving largely because of the quality of water maintained by upstream forest conservation.
Sustaining Coral Reefs and Mangroves
Coral reefs and mangrove forests rank among the most biologically productive and ecologically important ecosystems on Earth. In Palawan, these habitats form the foundation of marine biodiversity, providing critical nursery and breeding grounds for countless fish species, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates essential to both local fisheries and food security.
Palawan boasts approximately 42,000 hectares of mangrove forests, representing one of the largest continuous mangrove areas in the Philippines. These mangroves not only nurture marine life but also act as natural coastal defenses, reducing the energy of storm surges, buffering coastal communities from erosion, and helping stabilize shorelines against rising sea levels.
The health and survival of these marine ecosystems are closely linked to the quality of freshwater and sediment that flows downstream from Palawan’s forests and watersheds. Clean, clear, and nutrient-balanced water is essential for coral reefs to thrive. Conversely, increased sedimentation and nutrient pollution caused by deforestation, land conversion, or mining degrade water quality, resulting in coral stress, bleaching, and a decline in reef resilience.
Given that Palawan’s coral reefs support vibrant fisheries and a growing ecotourism industry, preserving upstream forest ecosystems—including extensive primary forests and mangrove wetlands—is vital. Protecting these forests ensures the long-term productivity and ecological integrity of Palawan’s marine habitats, securing livelihoods for coastal communities and conserving biodiversity for future generations.
Supporting Coastal Communities and Food Security
The fisheries supported by coral reefs and mangroves are a lifeline for thousands of small-scale fisherfolk in Palawan. These communities rely on healthy fish populations for their daily food and income. When forest degradation leads to the decline of marine habitats, fish stocks diminish, threatening food security and economic stability.
Furthermore, many indigenous and local communities have cultural ties to both forests and seas, managing them through traditional ecological knowledge. Protecting forests upland means safeguarding these cultural landscapes and ensuring that communities can continue their sustainable stewardship of both land and marine resources.
Challenges and the Call to Action
Despite Palawan’s ecological significance, its forests face threats from illegal logging, mining, and unsustainable development. These activities have cascading effects on marine life and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
At ELAC, through the Save Palawan’s Forests campaign, we advocate for stronger protection measures and community empowerment to safeguard these interconnected ecosystems. Protecting our forests means securing the future of the Coral Triangle — one of the planet’s most precious marine treasures.
Join Us: Sign the Petition - Save Palawan's Forests
This Coral Triangle Day, stand with us in protecting Palawan’s forests and marine life. Together, we can ensure that the Coral Triangle remains a vibrant, thriving home for generations to come.
