DENR signifies partnership on Mt. Ilihan EcoTourism project

Thursday, November 10, 2011

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Northern Mindanao has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Province of Camiguin and the Municipality of Guinsiliban for the conservation of two eco-tourism projects to further boost tourism industry in the area.

These eco-tourism projects include the Mt. Ilihan and the Cantaan Coastal Resource Management Project (CRMP), both in the municipality of Guinsiliban.

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Located in Barangay Butay, Mt. Ilihan is a 3-hour climb uphill where one will have a majestic view of the bluish-green ridge of the island’s mountains and slopes. The peaceful ambiance at its peak is an ideal camping site.

Also called “Munting Calvaryo” (Small Mt. Calvary), Mt. Ilihan is also a religious site often visited during the Lenten season and considered as the last frontier in the municipality.

Under the agreement, DENR is tasked to conduct survey mapping and assessment of the area for Mt. Ilihan/Munting Calvaryo Forest Park and provide technical assistance in terms of protection, rehabilitation and development for effective forest resources management.

The DENR shall also assist LGU-Guinsiliban in determining the carrying capacity on the site as an eco-tourism destination and other technical concerns, such as, the National Greening Program (NGP) and Solid Waste Management (SWM).

For its part, the Provincial LGU of Camiguin shall provide support for the project, such as manpower, integration of the comprehensive management and development plan to the provincial development plant plan.

It shall also conduct monitoring and evaluation, together with DENR and the Guinsiliban LGU, to enhance the operation and management of the project.

The project site covers a total area of 1,116.2821 hectares broken down as follows: offshore area, coral and sea grasses, 1,023.0469 hectares, foreshore area/salvage zone, 90.7352 hectares, and A&D Joint Venture Agreement (JVA), 2.50 hectares.

Among the DENR’s tasks for the Cantaan CRMP are the following: provide technical assistance in terms of mangrove protection, rehabilitation and development and will also be responsible for filing and prosecuting criminal charges in court for violation of environment and natural resources laws.

Be responsible in the monitoring and evaluation of researches conducted by the academe, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and non-government agencies (NG’As) implemented on the site with the collaboration of MLGU and PLGU.

The PLGU of Camiguin shall provide livelihood or any income generating activities to support the project implementation and will also ensure the continuity/sustainability of the existing project to the community.

They are also to provide assistance in the protection against any illegal activities pertaining to ENR, Forestry and Fishery Laws, in coordination with the concerned agency.

For its part, the LGU of Guinsiliban shall capacitate and strengthen the organization through training, IEC, linkages with other agencies, they are also responsible in the establishment and implementation of livelihood projects beneficial to the members of the organization.
(PR)