ABU Voyage to the Future, 2009 - Journey to the Coral Reefs (Part 1: Discovering Friendship by the Sea)ABU Voyage to the Future, 2009 - Journey to the Coral Reefs (Part 1: Discovering Friendship by the Sea)

ABU Voyage to the Future is a project in which teenagers from various parts of Asia are encouraged to think about the future of the global environment and the importance of sustainable development by visiting locations in Asia that are struggling with environmental challenges. In ABU Voyage to the Future 2009, students journey to the Philippines to consider the importance of protecting coral reefs. The destruction of marine environments throughout the world has become a major issue of global concern. The coral reefs and mangroves of the Philippines are among the richest in the world in terms of biodiversity. But this precious marine environment is now being threatened by destruction, mainly as a result of human activities: a growing population; unchecked tourism and the resulting pollution of seawater; local fishermen over-catching fish and destructive illegal fishing methods, including dynamite fishing. This documentary follows Asian teenagers who travelled to the Philippines in March 2009 to learn more about an endangered marine environment through hands-on experience, serious thought and heated discussion.