Wholistic approach reiterated in water resource management

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu should adopt a coordinated development and management strategy in addressing its water woes, an environmental advocate said during an international environment forum held recently in Cebu City.

Arch. Socorro Atega of the Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Waters (CUSW) said that by implementing an Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), Cebu could uphold the economic and social welfare of its people in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

“To postpone change of behavior and collective efforts is not an option. Effective governance means strong leadership in prioritizing coordination in integrated planning, implementation of programs and projects under co-management of common resources for the common good and engaging stakeholders in public-private partnership,” Atega said.

She said IWRM addresses the management of water as a resource and provides for a framework for the provision of water services. This, however, involves a political process and mediation of conflicts of interests, effective water governance being crucial in its implementation.

Atega said that while there is already awareness, it is not yet sufficiently raised.

She said flooding due to garbage and constricted waterways, discharge of domestic and industrial wastes to rivers and other freshwater bodies, over-extraction of groundwater, and deaths due to water-borne diseases, necessitates effective management and appropriate action now.

She also recommended the passage of an  ordinance on the adoption of tree greening and hillyland farming technologies in the Mananga watershed.

She said that the main provisions of this measure must stipulate mitigating actions, such as agro-forestry with soil and water conservation, intercropping with fruit trees and other agricultural crops in coconut plantation, incorporation of crop rotation, and intercropping and organic farming systems. Other recommendations include enrichment planting within secondary forest using indigenous species, reforestation of shrub lands with indigenous tress species, and livelihood support and tax exemptions.

Atega said that watershed management must be done properly and it involves a lot more than just planting trees.

“As water users, we are responsible for water sustainability,” she said.

Part of the long term plan is to improve water yield and water quality as vital support to the needs of communities, conserving biodiversity, occupancy management and development, information and education, institutional strengthening and professionalizing area management.  (FREEMAN)