It is a group that any coastal community needs these days – the Reef Wanderers – if only to inform the people once again on how indiscriminate throwing of waste makes an impact on our coastlines and oceans.
In 2018, a group of professionals in government service, lawyers, doctors, engineers, and environmental protection advocates from different walks of life formed the Reef Wanderers. They registered the group at the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2019.
The organization was founded in the spirit of volunteerism and adventure and with inclusion and partnership in mind. It developed programs anchored on two frameworks: conservation and protection and community awareness.
It uses diving and water sport as an entry point to raise awareness and bring solutions on issues that continue to plague our coastal communities and the marine environment.
Among the special projects that the group has initiated is the #ProjectNOGAS and #MANIGUINInitiative Maniguin and Nogas are islands located in Antique Province that attracts both foreign and domestic travelers, especially divers, marine scientists and conservationists.
The Reef Wanderers has initiated clean-up activities and it is set to formally launch two major projects for 2020 – the Dive with Impact and Beach Walk Project. It has identified 13 sites for the Dive with Impact Project in Panay and Negros islands and around seven coastal communities for the Beach Walk Project.
The Reef Wanderers is stepping up its efforts with a project launching and a signing of Memorandum of Agreement with its conservation partners like the Philippine Coast Guard, Iloilo Free Divers, Scuba Nation, Underwater World, and Solina Beach Resort.
The Reef Wanderers reminds us of the words immortalized by American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” Indeed, they can change the world for the better.
To learn more and to support the Reef Wanderers, visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/reefwanderers
*Photos are from Reef Wanderers.