IN an effort to enhance the protection of natural coastline resources in Batangas, the private sector represented by SM Land, local governments through Nasugbu municipality and civil society through the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines have joined forces to ensure all stakeholders can build a greener environment in the province—one that spells a win-win situation for all parties.

According to WWF Philippines vice president for conservation programs Joel Palma, the move was very timely, considering that Nasugbu has been subjected to environmental stress caused by illegal methods of fishing. In their initial baseline study conducted two years ago, Palma said they identified three sites with the biggest potential of being declared marine protected areas (MPAs) because of their biological attributes.

“However, the survey also revealed that the area has been subjected to various environmental stresses caused by illegal means of fishing, resulting in the deterioration of conditions of the coral, reef fish and seagrass or macrolagal communities,” said Palma.

The three coves declared MPAs by the municipal council of Nasugbu, Batangas, are Pico de Loro, Santelmo and Etayo found within SM Land’s Hamilo Coast.

He added that the study also focused on the marine system, their habitat and the fishes.

Palma underlined the important role that the private sector such as SM Land plays in making Hamilo Coast a green habitat for both humans and marine life.

Hamilo Coast is a pioneering residential leisure destination in Nasugbu that is being developed by SM Land. The 5,800-hectare property is an exclusive development that will host master-planned communities amid a rich natural environment. Out of these 5,800 hectares, only 1,800 hectares will be developed, leaving the rest of the property untouched and preserved for environmental sustainability.

Part of the charm of the property is the expansive natural setting, which includes 13 majestic coves situated along the coastline of Nasugbu. These coves add a unique character to this leisure destination and residential haven. Each cove is blessed with mountain ranges, unending views of the South China Sea, and teeming marine and terrestrial life. These also form part of the Verde Passage, which is known as the center of marine biodiversity in the world. This means that the area contains the most number of fish species globally within the Coral Triangle.

“Hamilo is dedicated to the preservation of the environment, and it is this type of setting that we aim to provide as a community for our residents,” says Wesley Caballa, SM Land senior manager coordinating the discussions and dealings with WWF and the local government.

Rehabilitation of Hamilo and the coastal community is so important for the SM Group. Being near Metro Manila, a clean and green Hamilo would help in making neighboring areas more viable through livelihood, sustainability and food security.

“We explained to them that we are protecting the breeding ground of the fish. With the protection of the coves and corals, the fish will be allowed to breed freely, and marine life can recover eventually. In the future, the communities will benefit from all of these efforts,” Palma added.

Results of these campaigns have been positive. Residents of nearby barangays have organized groups such as Kaagapay ng Mamamayan para sa Kalikasan (KMK) and Samahan ng mga Mamalakaya ng Papaya (Samapa). KMK members are the most active in mangrove-reforestation efforts in Pico de Loro and Papaya coves.

To date, they have voluntarily planted 20,000 seedlings. Samapa, together with local authorities, now form part of Bantay Dagay, a nonprofit group which patrols the seas of Hamilo Coast for illegal fishers. Involvement of these groups during multiparty consultations were pivotal in passing the MPA ordinance

Caballa explains that the current model of partnership has proven to be a good step to ensure protection and management.

Similarly, Palma pointed out that people in the community must also be given attention to ensure they will have a sustainable livelihood program. “Neglecting will not make the program succeed,” he said.

Caballa stresses that the key to achieving a win-win situation is developing a common ground despite different views—stressing the angle of sharing benefits to all stakeholders.

Indeed, such environmental efforts could be considered as a substantial part of SM’s corporate social responsibility efforts, with a greater emphasis on sustainability as it harnesses resources from within instead of generating it externally.