SM Prime, WWF renew partnership for 5th phase of marine conservation project

MANILA, Philippines — SM Prime Holdings Inc. has renewed its nearly two-decade partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Philippines) to strengthen marine conservation efforts at Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas. SM Prime said on Wednesday that, through leisure resort residences developer Costa del Hamilo Inc. (CDHI), it entered the fifth phase of the Hamilo Coast marine conservation project. The initiative, which began in 2007, aims to promote sustainable development and protect biodiversity in the area. Hamilo Coast is a premier leisure and tourism destination in the Philippines, known for its pristine beaches and rich marine ecosystems. However, the area faces environmental challenges due to development and increased human activities. Through the partnership, SM Prime and WWF-Philippines have undertaken various conservation activities, including coral reef restoration, marine biodiversity monitoring, and community-based environmental education programs. The fifth phase of the project will focus on further enhancing these efforts, with an emphasis on climate change adaptation and resilience, as well as expanding the scope of marine protected areas. The Philippines, with its extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Conservation efforts like the one at Hamilo Coast are crucial for safeguarding these vital ecosystems and ensuring their long-term sustainability. The collaboration between SM Prime and WWF-Philippines highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in the country.