Behavior change, education needed to save environment

DAUIS, BOHOL , Philippines – A change in behavior and education of the public, especially the youths, are necessary for environmental conservation and making marine-protected areas (MPAs) sustainable.

This was the common views of local officials and from as far as Bicol and Mindanao, and representatives of non-government organizations and national agencies who participated in the 6-week training on coastal and marine preservation and protection held in this town recently.

In a press conference later on, marine biologist Stuart Green of RARE, Inc., a US-based organization, said one of the strategies to realize these thrusts is social marketing and technical assistance, which have been his group’s job to help market MPAs, including Mabao Reef in Tagbilaran City.

Inabanga town Mayor Jono Jumamoy and three other local officials narrated their respective success stories on MPAs, the importance of fish sanctuaries for food security, of community-based support and management of MPAs and programs to improve marine sanctuaries.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim later led officials and NGO representatives in signing the pride commitment dubbed, “Building a global conservation movement, one community at a time for sustainability in the Philippines.” (FREEMAN)