Davao moves for marine biodiversity

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Efforts are now being aimed at enhancing and conserving marine biodiversity through the rehabilitation of degraded marine habitat in Davao del Norte.

The Davao del Norte Coastal Biodiversity Protection and Conservation Program was established to cover over five hectares in the coastal area in Panabo City to rehabilitate the marine ecosystem and ensure sustainable economic growth in the province. 

The program is undertaken through the convergence of the Ugmad Komunidad program, the Environment and Wildlife Protection and Development division of the PENRO-LGU and the Provincial Agriculturist Office.

Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario also led the start of the Provincial Coastal Nursery for marine conversation efforts wherein 7,000 mangrove seedlings will be available for planting by January next year.

Del Rosario led more than 500 students, teachers, residents, local officials and Ugmad Komunidad beneficiaries in planting over a thousand mangrove seedlings at Barangay Cagangohan in Panabo City to restore the coastal environment.

“This will be the best legacy that I could leave to future generations of Dabaonons,” the governor said.

The provincial coastal nursery has also been made more accessible with the concreting of the coastal circumferential road of Panabo City along Barangays San Pedro and Cagangohan.

The 17.4-kilometer road project worth over P300 million, which includes the construction of concrete seawall and embankment is implemented by the departments of tourism and public works and highways.

The road project improved the movement of goods, particularly in the nearby Mariculture Park that has benefited fishermen in the city.

As part of Del Rosario’s No Dead End Project, the road project will reach La Paz, Carmen, Davao del Norte to be implemented under the government’s Tourism Road Infrastructure Project Prioritization Criteria, to boost the tourism industry in the province.