Stakeholders commit to conserve Tañon Strait

Tañon Strait which is known for its rich biodiversity is an important habitat of sharks like these hammerhead sharks. (Contributed/ Oceana)

More than 300 participants have signed the document excluding Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia, who earlier opposed calls to conserve whales, sharks and dolphins, saying these animals are pests.

Local government units, the environment department and other stakeholders ended the two-day Tañon Strait Summit with a commitment to conserve the important waterbody between southern Cebu and Negros Oriental.

More than 300 participants have signed the document excluding Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia, who earlier opposed calls to conserve whales, sharks and dolphins, saying these animals are pests.

The Tañon Strait Declaration, according to Dir. Isabelo Montejo of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources 7 (DENR-7) marks the beginning of joint efforts to protect the strait.

The declaration of the commitment was signed by the members of the Protected Management Area Board (PAMB), mayors of local government units along the strait, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and other stakeholders.

He added the implication of the signatures serves as a guide for the future wherein LGUs as well as town officials in regions 6 and 7 will work harmoniously together to preserve the rich marine biodiversity in the strait.

“That reminds us of our obligation that has been agreed upon during the summit, at least naa tay subayon, siguro (we now have a guide) by the next meeting, we will assess, what has been done in that particular declaration,” said Montejo.

BFAR-7 committed to provide technical assistance to DENR-7 and LGUs along the strait.

“BFAR will always be there to assist them because limited ang atong role, it is by law, this is within the ambit of DENR and the LGUs, ang among role diha is limited,” said Andres Bojos, BFAR-7 regional director.

Aloguinsan Mayor Cynthia Moreno said they would start protecting the strait by educating the people on the importance of the strait.

The four-page declaration solidifies each role of the DENR, PAMB, BFAR and LGUs to work hand-in-hand for the protection of the environment.

DENR’s commitment include: proper zoning based on scientific studies for protection of migratory species, delineate functions between PAMB and LGUs, create Coastal Resource Management monitoring team to assist the monitoring teams of LGUs, assist LGUs in the implementation of the solid waste management law or RA 9003, among others.

For LGUs, they commit to implement existing laws effectively, revisit municipal ordinances regarding legal and illegal fishing, and ensure proper coordination, regular consultations or information dissemination, among others.