WB hosts consultation on coral reef management
ALAMINOS CITY – Consultation dialogue and workshop sponsored by the World Bank on Philippine Environment Monitor (PEM) was held here last Wednesday to improve the management of coral reefs.
The activity aimed at promoting a global project for the improvement of science-based decision-making for better management of coral reefs, included consultation with stakeholders on relevant coral reef research, pre-testing of best practices for coral reef management and launching of the PEM 2005.
Mayor Hernani Braganza said the city was honored by the presence of international and local experts in the field of marine science, as well as national and local leaders known for their commitment to the conservation and protection of the environment.
Two years ago, the city government launched its campaign against illegal activities in its marine waters and river systems and considered the consultation activity a boost to its efforts.
Braganza cited the relevance of the activity to the city’s efforts to gain more knowledge from this experience, and cementing international cooperation and building institutional partnerships to expand the city’s conservation, protection and rehabilitation programs.
The Hundred Islands National Park, turned over to the city government after 65 long years, was the first marine reserve park proclaimed in the republic.
Alaminos is also host to the Pangasinan Indus trial Park II, a Special Economic Zone covered under Presidential Proclamation No. 1226 declared during the Ramos Administration.
Braganza stressed that managing the city’s natural resources will not only be profitable on a sustained basis but will create more business and work opportunities for the stakeholders especially the marginalized sector.
The undertaking is in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Research Institute for Subtropics, Marine Science Institute and Marine Environment and Resources Foundation.
The consultation with stakeholders was facilitated by Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez, Center of Excellence Coordinator, UP Marine Science Institute. He also who presented the GEF coral research in the Philippines and the results of the 1st Consultation Workshop held in Bolinao, Pangasinan on August 2005 relating to the coral reef targeted research. – EVA
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