PROTECT ENVIRONMENT. The South China Sea is considering a major source of livelihood and food though experts warn environmental damage and overfishing are pushing it to collapse. File photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler
"We need to have a multilateral network of MPAs - marine protected areas – in the South China Sea region.... South China Sea and Spratlys Island group. We need to work with other countries and we really need to have an international cooperation that does not have any prejudice to territorial dispute," Onda told Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug.
Ensuring the protection of the South China Sea despite ongoing territorial disputes is crucial, Onda said, because fisheries in surrounding coastlines are dependent on marine resources from the South China Sea. 'Yung issue ng West Philippine Sea, nakadugtong yan sa bawat bituka ng mamamayang Pilipino.... Kung gusto natin protektahan ng isang lugar, kailangan pinoprotekta yung pinanggalingan at pinoprotektahan din natin kung saan pumupunta yung mga itlogBut protecting the area is easier said than done. Onda explained that territorial disputes in the South China Sea have complicated efforts to preserve biodiversity in the area.
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