Rappler's latest stories on ecosystems
U.N. biodiversity conference to lay groundwork for nature rescue plan
(UPDATED) The destruction of nature threatens humanity 'at least as much as human-induced climate change,' says UN biodiversity chief Robert Watson

1 million species risk extinction due to humans – draft U.N. report
The report says the accelerating loss of clean air, drinkable water, CO2-absorbing forests, pollinating insects, protein-rich fish and storm-blocking mangroves poses no less of a threat than climate change

Seagrass meadows support food security in Guimaras – research
Guimaras, a place highly dependent on marine and coastal resources, is the perfect site to investigate and demonstrate how much seagrasses contribute to fisheries in coastal communities

Wind farm 'predator' effect hits ecosystems – study
An international team of scientists finds that predatory raptor birds are 4 times rarer in areas of plateau where wind turbines are present
Wetlands disappearing 3 times faster than forests – study
The 88-page report finds around 35% of wetlands – which include lakes, rivers, marshes and peatlands, as well as coastal and marine areas like lagoons, mangroves and coral reefs – were lost between 1970 and 2015

'Major transformation' ahead for Earth's ecosystems – study
Some of these changes are already under way in the southwestern United States, where massive wildfires are destroying pine forests and transforming swaths of territory into shrubland

Land decay to displace tens of millions, global survey warns
Scientists say land decay caused by unsustainable farming, mining, pollution, and city expansion is undermining the well-being of some 3.2 billion people or 40% of the global population

After warnings of species plight: solutions in sight
Experts say it's not too late to halt the rate of destruction of nature, and maybe even reverse some of it

Beyond sardines: The quest for sustainable fisheries
Whether you’re a restaurant owner, a fishing boat maker, a fish buyer, a nutritionist, a farmer, a housewife, or simply a diner who loves seafood, it’s time to think about where your fish comes from and how it's caught

What you should know about the PH startup ecosystem
Entrepreneurial spirit is seen to be flourishing in the Philippines

Competition policy enforcement in the digital age
The decisions to be made by the Philippine Competition Commission in coming months, as it fully implements the Philippine Competition Act, will set the tone for competition regulation in Philippine markets

UN chief: Save the oceans to avert 'global catastrophe'
Guterres raises alarm over the state of the world s oceans saying pollution overfishing and climate change are causing severe damage and that the situation is getting worse

'Underwater wasteland' worries after cyclone hits Barrier Reef
Tropical Cyclone Debbie which barreled through the region this week mostly struck the reef s southern parts which have not been as seriously impacted by bleaching

Indonesia summons UK envoy over coral reef destruction
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Panjaitan says it could take up to 100 years to restore the corals in Raja Ampat

IN PHOTOS: Extensive coral reef damage caused by British cruise ship
EXCLUSIVE: Photos sourced by Rappler show the damage at Crossover Reef after cruise vessel Caledonian Sky rammed into the coral reefs

Indonesia says captain of cruise ship that destroyed coral reefs may face imprisonment
The Indonesian government vows to take action and slams Captain Keith Michael Taylor who was steering the cruise at the time of destruction

British cruise ship destroys one of world's best coral reefs
UPDATED The incident caused damage to Crossover Reef in Raja Ampat Indonesia which has been voted among the best diving spots in the world

Gene editing mulled for improving livestock
Scientists and consumer groups say there is not enough evidence yet to shed light on the potential risks of gene editing particularly regarding its trickle down effects on the environment and the ecosystem

Palawan’s natural assets to undergo recreational services accounting
We need to protect these assets to make them sustainable says World Bank consultant Reynaldo Fulleros

A test for local climate adaptation
What does local climate change adaptation look like? Two LGUs in Mindanao will now be able to carry out local adaptation projects funded by the People s Survival Fund

Rappler Talk: Surprises from the Benham expedition
Watch Rappler s interview with marine scientist Marianne Pan Saniano here live

Scientists discover 'bright spots': A miracle in Indonesia’s depleting marine life
Given the widespread depletion of coral reef fisheries globally we were really excited to find these bright spots that were faring much better than we anticipated

Latest Benham Rise expedition reveals vast coral ecosystem
Collectively among the decades of experience studying the ocean that we have aboard the ship no one has ever seen reefs like this says Margot Stiles of Oceana Philippines

How fossil fuels destroy biodiversity
If the Philippines continues to depend on fossil fuels it will undoubtedly worsen the conditions of wildlife in the country and subsequently our well being as a society

Decline of bees, other pollinators, threatens crop output – UN body
A UN body says healthy populations of pollinators are critical to ensuring stable fruit and vegetable output

Loss, damages, interventions in Iloilo town's seas
Concepcion a small town in Iloilo uses a combination of different interventions to restore their coastal and marine ecosystems after it was damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda

What coral reefs are telling us about climate change
Reports on a new mass coral bleaching event could only emphasize the importance of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference or Conference of Parties COP21 to be held from November 30 to December 11 in France
PH hits China for coral damage: 'Close to catastrophic'
In The Hague the Philippines also slams China s deliberate policy to physically expel Filipinos from parts of the West Philippine Sea

Sustainable development of the APEC ocean and seas
Nations must work toward building a sustainable ocean based blue economy

Looking back at OLX's pioneering path in PH tech
‘Always listen to your users’ feedback but find a way to strike a balance between catering to their needs and paving a unique experience for them ’ says OLX’s RJ David

Rappler Talk: OLX PH's R.J. David on growing a startup business
How can a tech startup have staying power?

Sachet effect and the digital economy
3 prominent technopreneurs in the Philippines discuss the ins and outs of the local digital economy

EcoWEB: Helping Mindanao farmers rise from conflict
How has one social enterprise helped Mindanao farmers produce more and rise above their vulnerability to conflict?

269,000 tons of plastic litter world's oceans – study
The findings show that larger plastic debris usually lingers around the coast but gets churned into tiny particles further from shore – and make their way into the food chain

Nature reserves on the rise but funds lacking – UN
More needed to be done to ensure protected areas are appropriately located in areas important for biodiversity and ecosystem services are effectively and equitably managed and are well connected

Scientists sound alarm over ocean acidification
Rising acidity will have damaging consequences for shellfish corals and other calcium making organisms which play a vital part in the food web

Human resource needs threatens deep-water ecosystems
The doubling of the world s population over the past five decades is putting great strain on the deep sea ecosystems
To protect Amazon, Colombia enlarges nature reserve
With the increase Colombia s Chiribiquete nature reserve now sprawls over 2 8 million hectares making it the biggest of the country s 58 natural parks
To save corals, save the forests - study
Study: Climate change driven declines are outweighed by the impact of deforestation
The wild, unspoiled beauty of Danjugan Island
It is nature s perfect getaway and classroom