In a win for both fish and humans, the Philippines has just declared a massive underwater VIP lounge off Panaon Island, 151,000 acres of reef so climate-resilient, it practically laughs in the face of El Niño. The new protected area isn’t just a big deal for endangered species; it’s also a game-changer for local fisherfolk, who finally get to fish sustainably without feeling like the bad guys in a Disney movie.

This coral fortress has been years in the making, thanks to tireless community advocacy, and it slots neatly into the Philippines’ role in the global 30×30 pledge, protecting 30 percent of the world’s lands and seas by 2030. Translation: Mother Nature just scored some serious backup.

So, if you’re a parrotfish or a local diver, grab your snorkel (or your tiny fins) and celebrate. The reef is safe, the fish are thriving, and humanity, shockingly, is doing something right.