CONCERNED Negrenses opposing the transfer of the Negros Forest Park (Formerly Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Inc. - Biodiversity Conservation Center) from the Provincial Complex to the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan have launched an online campaign.
In a petition posted on change.org, they said the park "is pegged to be demolished for the sake of progress. The provincial government has plans to re-purpose the area, and forego the importance of green spaces in the city. This park is not your regular green space."
"This park is home to Negros' endemic tree and wildlife species, with successful births of our critically endangered wildlife. You cannot put a price tag on its importance. This move will disrupt an already thriving habitat for these animals and the current barren relocation site will take decades to replicate what is already there," they added.
The oppositors claims that "the park is a living museum and has educated generations on the importance of conservation. A place for the young and old to connect with our island's own natural treasures. It is the pride of the Negrenses and has the potential to be a world class tourist destination that will benefit the whole province."
They appealed to provincial officials "to combine environmental conservation and progress and strive for a balance. Give us a chance to show you that it is possible."
Citing “easy management and supervision," for the wildlife sanctuary, Board Member Salvador Escalante earlier said the sanctuary is located on “prime property” the Capitol owns.
The Provincial Board had passed a resolution authorizing Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. to sign an agreement with the NFEFI and provide P720,000 financial assistance for the conservation, breeding and education of threatened endemic West Visayas species.
Escalante said this is the first time that the province is extending assistance to NFEFI, since it can no longer sustain its daily operations after the aid it used to get from an Australian environmentalist stopped, following his death.
He added that the NFEFI spends about P80,000 a month to sustain its operations.
NFEFI is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and sponsors to continue its work of conserving the forests and endangered species endemic to Negros and the Philippines.
Among the wildlife endemic to the region that can be found at NFEFI conservation center are Visayan warty pig, Visayan spotted deer, Philippine sailfin lizard, Negros boobook (bukaw), pink-bellied imperial pigeon, buff-eared brown dove, bleeding heart pigeon, and white-bellied woodpecker.