How did Apo Island become a divers’ paradise?

And what dangers are coming up if no action is taken?

See under APO Community what you can do to prevent it!

Apo was like many other islands in the Philippines. Following World War II local fisherman throughout the South Pacific learned that explosives when set off in the ocean killed the fish by shock waves and the fish subsequently floated to the surface. With the left over ammunition over the next several decades there was a rapid increase in this fishing technique. The fishermen did not realize they were destroying the coral reef which was the foundation of their livelihood. As populations of fish dropped, they had to move further from their homes and /or use more non-sustainable techniques, such as Muro-ami when fish are chased into nets by pounding on coral with rocks, Cyanide, or small mesh nets. These were the only options the fishermen were aware of in order to feed their families.

In order to stop this disastrous cycle, Apo Island has taken a two pronged approach. Beginning in 1974 Dr. Angel Alcala first introduced the idea of creating a marine sanctuary. In 1982 with the assistance of several island families the sanctuary was established. This was initially very difficult and to this day requires vigilance on the part of local people. No signs saying, “Fishing is forbidden” are able to stop hungry families from fishing.

Over the years more coral and fish started to find a new place for living. Not only were more fish in the sanctuary, but there was now overflow into the non-protected waters in which it was legal to fish. So now, after years of protection Apo Island has turned into a underwater paradise, and the fish population is better able to sustain the residents.

As the population has grown, it has become obvious that the reef itself will not be able to sustain future growth. Other economic opportunities had to be developed which would not jeopardize the life sustaining reef. In 1998 Liberty Rhodes who started as a maid in another resort, decided to save her money and follow her dream to build a lodge that would benefit the community not just herself. Liberty started a small lodge and dive shop. As the visitors started to come to see the revitalized reef, Liberty has been able to expand. As the lodge and dive shop has grown, Liberty has been able to employ more local residents which has in turn decreased the number of people reliant on the reef and fishing for their sustenance. Now it is the people’s best interest for the reef to survive not only for fishing, but because of the tourism industry which is developing. Liberty currently employs 36 people in her resort, which is almost 10% of the adult population on the island. Liberty also supports the community through her charitable works by paying some 40 more people to do small jobs that benefit the community, such as cleaning the beaches and guarding the sanctuaries. She also financially supports the village school paying fees and for supplies. Her support also includes help in the local health center as well as helping residents with hospital bills when they have to go to the hospital on another island.

In response, the local community has elected Liberty captain of the island (political leader). Because of the success of Apo Island, professors from the Philippines and around the world have come to study the “Apo model”. Even the government has been unable to do this as effectively in other areas of the Philippines. It is difficult to replicate on account of it requiring not only a forward thinking community in terms of conserving the reef, but also a selfless entrepreneur willing to share the fruits of her success with their community. Now instead of having a negative cycle of reef destruction leading to decreasing fish populations leading to more destructive fishing practices, we have a positive cycle starting with environmental protection leading to economic sustainability leading to a community living a sustainable intact lifestyle.

Some of the above information is from the Eco-Tipping Point Project with permission.