MOALBOAL, Cebu — Famous worldwide for its breathtaking sardine run and thriving resident sea turtle population, Moalboal draws thousands of eager divers and snorkelers to its turquoise waters each year. But as tourism surges along the shores of Panagsa Beach, a crucial mission is unfolding beneath the surface, ensuring that the very attractions putting this quiet Cebu town on the global map are preserved for generations to come.
Recognizing that sustainable tourism relies on a thriving marine ecosystem, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 7 steps up efforts to position the local dive industry as the front line of defense for Central Visayas’ coral reefs.
Through its Coastal and Marine Management Unit (CMMU) under CENRO Argao, DENR-7 recently conducted a Green Fins implementation, re-orientation, and feedback session on July 27–28, at Panagsa Beach in Barangay Basdiot.
The initiative focused on accredited dive operators MB Ocean Blue and Lion Dive Resort, two key players in Moalboal's vibrant dive community.
Led by DENR-7 Green Fins Assessors Carlo Babiera and Eduardo Fidel, the sessions went beyond routine environmental standard checks. Operators, guides, and assessors engaged in candid discussions about marine biodiversity conservation, waste management, and practical ways to minimize the human footprint on delicate coral ecosystems.
The gathering provided a platform for dive leaders to share real-world challenges from the water and collaborate on practical solutions to uphold international Green Fins standards.
For Moalboal, where coastal livelihoods and the local economy are deeply intertwined with the health of the ocean, the program highlights a powerful synergy-- responsible diving isn't just good for nature, it's essential for business.
Preventing physical damage to reefs and reducing stress on wildlife directly safeguards the breathtaking underwater landscapes that make Moalboal a premier tropical getaway. The initiative also reinforced strong ties among the DENR, the Local Government Unit of Moalboal, and the private sector, cementing a unified approach within the Green Fins pilot area.
"The success of marine tourism depends on
the health of our oceans. Every dive operator, dive guide, and tourist have a
role to play in conserving the coral reefs and marine biodiversity that make
Moalboal a world-class diving destination, the DENR said.
By empowering dive operators as active
environmental stewards, the Green Fins Program ensures that Moalboal’s tourism
expansion goes hand-in-hand with conservation, guaranteeing that every plunge
into its vibrant waters remains a world-class experience far into the future. (Photos: DENR-7)
