Pilar marine park qualifies in global green solutions contest

CEBU, Philippines - Government officials from the Municipality of Pilar, Camotes, Cebu, urged Filipinos, especially the Cebuanos, to vote for the Pilar Municipal Marine Park the same way that it did for the Puerto Princesa Underground River that made it to the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The PMMP made it to the top 10 finalists in the Rare and National Geographic search for community-based solutions for global environmental issues specifically innovations for near-shore fisheries based on proven successes.

Mayor Jesus Fernandez Jr. and Vice Mayor Eufracio Maratas Jr. yesterday said that it is already an honor for Cebu and the entire country to make it to the top 10 since “we are the only local government units in the country” that were chosen by Rare, a US-based organization.

“By being part of this contest, we have a chance to win $20,000. Winners are decided by the most number of votes. We also have a great opportunity to get the word out about our work to leaders in the marine conservation field, investors, the media, potential partners, and other supporters,” Maratas said.

According to Fernandez, their town has been facing a problem since their town is not connected to the Internet.

The town’s electrical connection is only from 11 a.m. until 5 a.m. of the following day.

Nevertheless, Maratas encourages the public to log on at www.rareplanet.org; go to the ‘Solution Search’ tab near the top of the page and visit Pilar’s entry at http://www.rareplanet.org/en/solution-search-entry/multi-stakeholder-co-management-scheme-pilar-municipal-marine-park.

Maratas also asked the public to spread the word through e-mail, blogs, or websites.

According to a release from www.solution search.org, more than 100 entries from 48 countries worldwide were submitted for the contest that included implementation of no-take zones, introduction of innovative fishing gear and the development of alternative livelihoods. — (FREEMAN)