FYS 2026: CORAL REEFS KEY TO PROTECTING COMMUNITIES AND MARINE LIFE, SAYS CONSERVATION ADVOCATE

Protecting coral reefs means protecting both people and the future, marine conservation advocate Jessie Fronda Delos Reyes told delegates at the Filipino Youth Summit 2026, emphasizing the vital link between healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities.

Speaking before young leaders at De La Salle University, Delos Reyes underscored that coral reefs serve as more than marine ecosystems—they are lifelines that sustain biodiversity, fisheries, livelihoods, and coastal protection for millions of Filipinos.

"The health of our oceans is inseparable from the well-being of the communities that rely on them," he said, urging the youth to take an active role in environmental stewardship and marine conservation.

Delos Reyes shared that genuine success in conservation is not measured through awards or public recognition but through visible environmental recovery, including healthier coral reefs, well-managed marine sanctuaries, and the return of marine species to restored habitats.

He highlighted that years of consistent protection and community involvement have proven that degraded ecosystems can recover when conservation efforts are sustained.

The session forms part of the summit's Environmental Stewardship pillar, which encourages Filipino youth to develop practical, community-centered solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

The Filipino Youth Summit 2026 gathers student leaders from across the country to promote leadership, civic engagement, cultural appreciation, and environmental responsibility through discussions and collaborative learning.