Zambales biodiversity coastal project launched

By: Jonas Reyes – Manila Bulletin

OLONGAPO CITY - Seeking the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources in Zambales, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and stakeholders in this province launched the other day an Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) to conserve biodiversity and reduce poverty in coastal communities. The ICRMP, which is also implemented in five other priority marine biodiversity corridors in the country, will cover 64 coastal barangays in eight municipalities of Zambales, said Florendo B. Banangan, executive director of the Coastal and Marine Management Office (CMMO) of the DENR. These include the towns of Sta. Cruz, Candelatria, Masinloc, Paluig, Botolan, Cabangan, San Felipe and San Antonio. Banangan said the conversation of marine and coastal resources should be an “obligation” of all stakeholders in the communities. “Our stewardship obligation should not be taken lightly,” Banangan said during the project launching at the By the Sea Resort in this city.