The Provincial Government of Iloilo and the Zoological Society of London-Philippines (ZSL-Philippines) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen the protection and rehabilitation of the province's coastal and marine ecosystems.
The agreement was signed by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. and ZSL-Philippines Country Director Mary Edwina D. Garchitorena.
Through the partnership, both parties will work together to restore mangrove and beach forests, improve the management of marine protected areas, and support the conservation of coastal and marine resources.
ZSL-Philippines will provide technical assistance, training, and research on mangrove and beach forest rehabilitation, marine protected area management, and blue carbon. It will also help local communities through capability-building activities and share monitoring reports and research findings with the provincial government and other concerned agencies.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Iloilo will identify suitable sites for mangrove and beach forest planting, support policies that protect coastal ecosystems, and work with local communities and people's organizations in carrying out conservation activities.
The province will also assist in organizing training, research, meetings, and other field activities related to coastal and marine ecosystem protection.
The partnership also aims to strengthen disaster risk reduction efforts, promote community participation, improve environmental policies, establish coastal greenbelts, and support studies on the condition of Iloilo's coastal and marine ecosystems.
The agreement highlights the shared commitment of the Provincial Government of Iloilo and ZSL-Philippines to protect natural resources, strengthen coastal communities, and promote sustainable environmental conservation across the province.
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