Green Meadows Under the Blue Sea

When you speak of green meadows, one would typically think of rolling hills where the grass and flowers are gently swayed by the breeze. It’s a great place for picnics where children could roam free and play. But alas, not all greenery is on dry land.

The international community observes the World Seagrass Day every March 1 in line with a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The celebration aims to enlighten the public about the significance of seagrasses in our biodiversity. It also endeavours to educate people about the risks that these underwater greeneries face as well as their contributions in adapting and mitigating climate change and to the overall development of communities.

Seagrass meadows play a vital role in our marine ecosystems by providing refuge for young and adult fish species as well as dwellers on the sediments. It is also an important food source for larger creatures such as some kinds of fishes, marine turtles, crustaceans, and Dugong (Dugong dugon) to name a few. Communities on the coasts can also benefit a lot. Serving as a buffer, it protects coastlines from high waves and erosion. Seagrass beds also act as a water purifier by trapping pollutants, thereby improving water quality in the process. They also help in the fight against climate change by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Boracay Island in Aklan, primarily known for its fine white sand beaches, is a tourism gem of Western Visayas and has undergone rehabilitation in recent years. But unbeknownst to many, it is also an area where different species of seagrass thrive. Out
of the sixteen (16) species found in the Philippines, nine (9) of which exist in Boracay including the Halophila spinulosa or fern seagrass. The species was first recorded on the island on January 2020 during the Seagrass Mapping and Assessment of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6- Conservation and Development Division (CDD) in partnership with the Dagatnon Environmental
Consulting Services. The seagrass beds on the island are approximated to cover an area of 95.37 hectares.

The existence of these green meadows even in the most heavily touristed places in the country is an indication that marine ecosystems will thrive if we care for it. Coastal communities as well as beach-goers must be sensitive and careful not to damage seagrass beds. Harmful substances dumped in our waterways will find its way to the sea and could potentially damage not just the seagrass but also other marine
organisms. It is key that every one of us must be responsible stewards for our seas and all the creatures that inhabit it. Green compliments blue beautifully so let’s strive to keep these underwater meadows in great shape for future generations./DENR6