DENR pushes declaration of protected areas in West Philippine SeaIn this photo: China militarization at the West Philippine SeaMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is moving to secure ecologically important areas in the Kalayaan Island Group as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). “Years of marine scientific research and expeditions have identified key ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea that are vital to Philippine biodiversity,” DENR chief Juan Miguel Cuna said. Cuna said the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau and its partners have conducted sufficient marine scientific research to support actionable conservation strategies for the delicate yet biodiverse ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea. The studies examined the coastal and marine ecosystems of the West Philippine Sea and provided the scientific basis for the proposed protected areas. Marine scientific research also highlighted growing environmental threats.