News

Adopt a Reef

(30 March 2004)

University of Durham students are gearing up for their first expedition to safeguard coral reefs in the Philippines.

The team of volunteers will base themselves for two months on the uninhabited island of Caubian Dako, which is less than 2km north of the tiny but densely populated community of Caubian Gamay. The project area involves one of the few documented "double barrier reefs" in the world and offers potentially unique range of marine habitats and biodiversity.

Leading the team of volunteers is mature student Andrew Lawton, 36, who progressed onto a degree in Biology after successfully completing the University’s Foundation Programme. Andrew returned to learning after a career as a musician and travel agent and it was during his extensive travels that he met his Filipina wife and became aware of reef conservation issues.

Andrew said: “Our primary aim is to collect data that will help assess the habitat on the Danajon reef around the two islands. Until recently, this has been a rich area for destructive fishing practices, but the decline in fish stocks has raised awareness for the necessity of long-term coastal management. Our research will assist local decision makers and educators in the implementation of a managed marine sanctuary with a “no take zone” for fishermen, whilst raising awareness of Philippine reef conservation priorities outside the country”.

The team will be working in partnership with the city of Lapu Lapu, marine experts Coastal Dynamics Foundation (CDF), and local community volunteers who will be trained and integrated into the group to provide a deeper insight into local cultural and environmental issues and to ensure the sustainability of the project. Planned collaborations with the University of San Carlos and University of Philippines Marine Science institutes will further strengthen local partnerships.

Mike Ross of CDF said: “The results and findings of the DU-CARE Expedition(s) will significantly contribute to local, national and global initiatives, such as the Reef Check program, to improve our understanding and management of these highly diverse and valuable but also highly threatened coral reefs, coastal environments and the communities they support”.

The group are already recruiting more volunteers for a follow up expedition in 2005 and plan to make it an annual event with sustainable aims. Despite support from the University and the personal contributions of each volunteer, Andrew and his team still need to raise further funds to reach their target.

He said: ”We hope to attract one main sponsor or several smaller sponsors to “adopt a reef”. Paying for the survey costs alone will be around £500 per reef with up to 15 reefs being surveyed during the first expedition. Sponsors will receive acknowledgement throughout research reports and will receive a package of information including a certificate, photos and map with the survey area including their logo and name indicating the sponsored area”.

The project has recently received Royal Geographical Society approval, which is hoped will help the cause immensely.

If you can help with any aspect of sponsorship please contact Andrew Lawton on 0781-3333672

For further information and pictures contact:- Jan Cawood, Public Relations Officer Tel: 0191-334-0018

Notes to editors

1. City of Lapu Lapu council, Mactan Island has jurisdiction over the municipal waters where the majority of the expedition’s research will be undertaken.

2. Coastal Dynamics Foundation (CDF) are a Non Government Organisation (NGO) based in Maribago, Mactan. They are providing essential facilities, equipment and boats to the Durham expedition as well as training the team in Reefcheck survey methods.

3. Picture gallery at Expedition Homepage