Monday, December 11, 2006 Davao Gulf mapping project launched Monday
THE Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Mapping of Davao Gulf will be launched at 10 a.m. Monday in Pearl Farm Marina Resort in Lanang, Davao City.
A joint project of the Davao Gulf Management Council (DGMC) and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), the project is sponsored by Hong Kong-Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), which is also set to open its branch in Davao City Monday.
The ESI mapping of Davao Gulf is a comprehensive mapping exercise to assess the vulnerability of the Davao Gulf area to agricultural wastes and industrial effluents and other forms of marine pollution.
It is a combined satellite, aerial imaging and ground mapping facility to identify the areas where sea creatures including coral reefs and sea grasses thrive and which need protection.
The project has three phases, to wit: 1) aerial videography and satellite image processing, 2) environmental sensitivity index mapping, and 3) strengthening inter-sectoral cooperation on pollution prevention.
WWF is an international environmental protection organization that provides the necessary manpower for the conduct of the mapping and data gathering using highly advanced equipment.
The event, which will culminate in the signing of memorandum of agreement and brief press forum, will be attended by DGMC chair and City Councilor Leonardo R. Avila III, DENR-11 executive director Ricardo Calderon, WWF Philippines president Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, DGMC secretary-general Commodore Margarita Moran Floirendo, DGMC vice chair and Igacos Mayor Rogelio Antalan, and HSBC chief executive officer Warmer Manning.
