TARGET 3: By 2028, there will be no net loss in presence and area distribution of live coral cover, mangroves, and seagrasses.

Fish is the second most important staple food of Filipinos. Coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangroves help supply tons of edible and economically important fish every year. They provide temporary habitats for many aquatic animals and provide hatching sites and nursery grounds for many marine fishes. Potential threats to these resources include coastal developments that lead to increased sedimentation and nutrient inputs. This can lead to degradation and loss of habitats, which can have negative impacts on fisheries, which may in turn threaten food security. Loss of these habitats also reduces the natural coastal defense service they provide, and potential tourism revenues from diving operations. Conservation and protection of the remaining coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangroves forests needs to be scaled up to address impending negative impacts such as extinction of associate species, reduced fishing production, and other activities and functions associated with the use of these resources.