WITH a theme “Working towards biodiversity conservation and enhancing community livelihood through sustainable cave management,” this year’s Cordillera Regional Cave Congress is set in Luna, Apayao on April 20 to 21.
This year’s theme encourages community people in areas of the Cordillera that are rich in caves to practice environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation while benefitting from these resources through small enterprises.
Senior Environmental Management Specialist Trinivic Silang said the event was decided to be held in Apayao as it is the only province so far in the region with an operationalized cave management plan, particularly in Lussok Crystal Cave.
Silang added the management of the Lussok Crystal Cave will serve as a model for other local government units which have yet to draft or implement management plans for caves in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
The two-day activity comprises a combination of lectures and field activities for the participants.
Topics for discussion includes introduction to caves, related Philippine laws, rules and regulations on caves, the role of caves in ecotourism, ecotourism in Apayao cave survey, assessment, validation and classification and cave management planning and implementation.
Apart from the lectures, participants will be having an eco-tour in prominent tourist destinations in Luna, Apayao namely the Dupag Rock Formations or Marag Rock Formations, the Lussok Crystal Cave and the Manacota Underground River and Cave.
The Cordillera Regional Cave Management and Conservation Committee composed of representatives from several government agencies, local government units and non-government organizations is also set to have its meeting during the event.
More than 150 participants coming from various local government units, government agencies, tourism sector, and caving enthusiasts among others are expected to attend the regional event.
It can be recalled last year’s National Cave Congress was held in Sagada, Mountain Province. This year, the National Cave Congress will be held in Zamboanga City on April 24 to 27.
For registration and/or inquiries about the Regional Cave Congress, contact the following numbers: 09202969922 and 09083607689. (DENR-Cordillera)