Expert confirms Boracay erosion

A marine geology professor from the Marine Science Institute (MSI) of the University of the Philippines (UP) has confirmed the worsening problem of beach coastal erosion in this resort island.

Professor Fernando Siringan presented his report during the Philcore Vulnerability Assessment Workshop at Innotech in Diliman, Quezon City on June 25 and 26. The research was conducted in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In a copy of his presentation, Siringan bared that from 1993-2013, the west beach of this resort island has been suffering from coastal erosion of eight to 40 meters loss.

Among the reasons behind this are the destruction of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves.

Siringan said that sea level rise brought about by the climate change worsens the situations. The sea level rise causes coastal erosion to worsen the already retreating shorelines, and ensue in presently stable or accreting shorelines.

Siringan has called on stakeholders here to unite to address this condition.

Local environmentalists here observed that vegetation areas supposedly used as setbacks were being used for commercial purposes by putting tables, chairs, massage areas, storage areas, kitchens, among others.