A Vision for the Future
We envision a future where the waters of Concepcion teem with life, where eco-tourism thrives, and where local communities are empowered to protect our precious marine resources. Join us in making this vision a reality.
Welcome to Concepcion Beneath the Sea
The Villanueva/Vergara family, whose heritage is deeply entwined with the pristine waters of Concepcion, envisions leveraging the area’s untouched beauty and rich marine biodiversity. Our mission? To launch a sustainable underwater marine eco-tourism venture that not only showcases the endangered Giant Clams native to our shores but also fosters economic growth and conservation.
Our Mission
Giant Clams, with their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, are not only a marvel of the ocean but also essential to maintaining the health of coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, these magnificent creatures are under threat due to habitat destruction, over-harvesting, and climate change. We believe that with the right education and conservation efforts, we can make a positive impact on their survival.
Join our mission to restore the majesty of Giant Clams to the waters off Concepcion’s coast. The Philippines is home to seven uniques pecies of these oceanic treasures, many of which face the threat of extinction. The Tridacna Gigas, the grandest among them, can grow over 4 feet in length and has a life span that exceeds a century.
Our Goal
Our initiative doesn’t just aim to replenish Giant Clam populations; it also seeks to spark a sustainable tourism movement in Concepcion, Iloilo. Imagine diving or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by these serene behemoths—a once-in-a-life time experience; we’re striving to offer.
Help Us Reach Our Goal!
Here are our main objectives for this program:
Our goal is to establish “Concepcion, Beneath the Sea” as a leading destination for marine eco-tourism, offering unparalleled underwater adventures featuring the awe-inspiring Giant Clams.
We are dedicated to the preservation of Giant Clams and their natural habitats through eco-friendly tourism practices.
By introducing this initiative, we aim to boost Concepcion’s economy, creating jobs and supporting local enterprises within the eco-tourism sector.
Together, we can make a difference in the preservation of Giant Clams and the marine ecosystems they call home. Join us on this incredible journey to ensure a brighter future for these amazing creatures.
Why Help the Giant Clams?
Sadly, the Tridacna Gigas is on the brink of disappearing from our natural world, with none left around the Island of Pinay. They can not survive without our help. That’s where Adoptagiantclam.org steps in: we are dedicated to reintroducing these magnificent creatures back into their native habitat, allowing visitors from across the globe to witness their splendor first hand.
Giant clams are ecosystem engineers, meaning they modify and maintain their habitats, supporting a wide range of marine life. Their large shells provide shelter and substrate for other organisms, increasing biodiversity.
Giant clams filter large volumes of water, removing excess nutrients and pollutants. This helps maintain water quality and clarity, benefiting coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.
Many giant clam species are endangered due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and the aquarium trade. By supporting conservation efforts, you help prevent their extinction and protect their vital role in the marine environment.
The presence and health of giant clams indicate the overall health of the reef ecosystem. Monitoring their populations can provide valuable insights into the impacts of climate change, pollution, and other threats.
Giant clams are charismatic megafauna, attracting tourists and divers. Supporting their conservation helps create sustainable eco-tourism opportunities, providing economic benefits for local communities while promoting ocean stewardship.
Why Giant Clams Disappearing?
However, these gentle giants are under siege. The Tridacna Gigas, in particular, is highly coveted for decorative purposes, especially in China where they’re sculpted into ivory-like trinkets due to restrictions on the ivory trade. This has led to the unsustainable harvesting of Giant Clams around the Philippines sea, further jeopardizing their existence.
Our Team: Passionate Advocates for Marine Conservation
Meet the dedicated individuals driving the Concepcion Beneath the Sea project. Our team brings together expertise in marine biology, community development, and sustainable tourism to ensure the success of our giant clam restoration efforts.
Marienne Vergara
Dr. Robert Kakalia
Virgil Vergara
Get Involved!
We’re passionate about ocean conservation and eager to share our progress with you. Use the form below to send us your inquiries, suggestions, or feedback, and we’ll be happy to assist.
