Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.
The Problem Illegal and destructive fishing has damaged reefs and catches across Philippine coastal waters.
The Move They Made Bantay dagat ("sea watch") groups are community-based volunteer patrols that work with local government, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine National Police and the Coast Guard to enforce fisheries law. Their current structure dates from 1994. In Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the city's Bantay Puerto programme, launched in 1994 and recognised by the Galing Pook awards, included a Bantay Dagat arm. That arm now sits within the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.
The Proof By 2000 there were more than 100,000 bantay dagat volunteers across the Philippines. The work carries real risk: several bantay dagat leaders have been killed on duty.
Your Move The people who depend on the reef patrol it. They also need legal backing and protection to do it. Put both in your plan.
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