Saturday, February 03, 2007 3 coastal areas eyed for marine protection
THREE coastal areas in Davao City will be officially classified as marine protected areas (MPA) under a proposed ordinance, filed by the committee on environment and natural resources at the City Council.
The measure also seeks the establishment and management of the city's marine protected areas.
These areas include: Lasang-Bunawan, where whale sharks can be found; Centro Agdao, which is ideal as fish sanctuary due to the presence of coral reefs; and Punta Dumalag in Matina Aplaya, which is the nesting place of "pawikan" or turtles.
Councilor Leonardo Avila III said Friday that committee hearings are ongoing and they are set to finish the report within two weeks, which will be submitted for the perusal and deliberation of the council as a whole.
Avila said the ordinance would include the creation of a MPA division under the Office of the City Mayor and a local MPA board in the barangay level to encourage the participation of residents in the protection of their marine resources.
Mechanisms will also be put in place to sustain the projects through public sector partnerships aside from setting up livelihood programs.
Avila said that hopefully the council will approve the creation of centers in those areas where the local board can accept visitors or hold lectures.
The MPAs are also targeted to be local landmarks aimed at attracting local and foreign visitors.
