What role does marine wildlife play in keeping our oceans and communities healthy? In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan speaks with Dr. AA Yaptinchay, marine wildlife conservationist and Founder of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, about protecting threatened species such as whale sharks, marine turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and sharks. They discuss how responsible marine tourism, stronger public awareness, and science-based conservation can protect biodiversity while creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Dr. AA also shares practical ways everyone can help, from respecting wildlife in their natural habitats to reducing plastic waste and supporting responsible tourism.

GUEST BIO:

AA Yaptinchay, DVM, MSc is a marine wildlife conservationist with more than 30 years of experience protecting some of the Philippines' most threatened marine species, including whale sharks, dugongs, marine turtles, dolphins, and sharks. A pioneer in responsible marine wildlife tourism, his work helped secure legal protection for whale sharks in the Philippines and has influenced national policies on marine conservation. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP) and continues to champion science-based conservation, wildlife rescue, and sustainable tourism.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why marine wildlife is vital to healthy ocean ecosystems.
• How responsible tourism can support marine conservation.
• The biggest threats facing the Philippines' marine wildlife.
• Why awareness is key to protecting endangered marine species.
• Simple actions everyone can take to help protect our oceans.

QUOTES:

• The Philippines is in the center of marine biodiversity globally. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay
• Conservation-wise, the Philippines now has more marine protected areas. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay
• I would go for allowing marine wildlife to be in their natural habitat in the most natural way without any disturbance. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay
• When you enter the home of the marine species, it is their home. We need to respect these animals and their habitat. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay
• Remove any form of threat. Hunting is a threat. Plastic pollution is a threat. Coastal development is a threat. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Dr. AA Yaptinchay:

• Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines on Facebook
• Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines on Instagram

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