By the early 1990s, the 28,000 hectare (68,000 acre) Apo Reef off the coast of Mindoro island had only one-third of its coral cover intacts and was drained of life due to overfishing and ecological abuse.

The Philippines government has made several efforts in the past to rescue the reef, but they want to accelerate the healing process.  The reef has recently been declared a 'no-take zone' to local fishermen.  A revived reef and marine park means tourist income which is fast displacing the income lost from the fishery shutdown.

So far, the fishing ban has been a success.  The coral is coming back to life, biodiversity is returning, and endangered species are returning to the reef.  Once desolate, Apo Reef is now once again home to scalloped hammerhead sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, whalesharks and sperm whales.

It's encouraging to see that a government has put the environment first without sacrificing the local economy.  Google 'Philippines diving' or 'Philippines tourism' to see some of the efforts being made to promote the Philippines as an eco-tourist destination.

» Reuters