This highly urbanized city will collaborate with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines for the implementation of a mangrove and beach forest rehabilitation and conservation project in Iloilo City.

The memorandum of agreement was signed by Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas and ZSL Philippines Country Director Mary Edwina Garchitorena at the city hall on Monday.

It was witnessed by General Services Office head Neil Ravena and City Environment and Natural Resources head Janis Mae Sy for Iloilo City, and chief mangrove scientific advisor Jurgenne Primavera and community engagement manager Rodney Golbeque for ZSL.

“The ZSL Philippines and LGU Iloilo City, taking stock of their long years of engagements in mangrove and beach forest rehabilitation activities, will collaborate on projects which are geared towards better protection against the impacts of climate change of selected coastal areas, which are highly vulnerable to typhoons and worth safeguarding and other public places,” said part of the agreement shared with the media on Tuesday.

Under the agreement, ZSL Philippines will establish the baseline data on the biophysical status of the identified project site in Iloilo City and conduct periodic monitoring.

It will also assist the city in the information and education campaign on the importance of environmental conservation and protection; in formulating policies supportive of habitat protection and management with the participation of community members; and in developing and establishing enterprise/business models, self-help savings and credit groups.

The ZSL will also come up with biophysical and socio-economic reports resulting from data collected and studies conducted for the purpose of aiding legislation, planning and appropriate action.

On the other hand, the city government will adopt integrated coastal management approaches on environment and natural resources protection; lead in identifying mangrove and beach forest areas with potential for rehabilitation and protection; and support in securing a long-term tenurial arrangement by adopting appropriate national policies at the local level to sustain long-term management arrangements with community-based organizations.

It will also undertake information dissemination, support the conduct of project activities, and pass the necessary local policy or policies.

The local government will also be at the forefront of enhancing and protecting the mangrove and beach forest areas and facilitate technical assistance in the conduct of site-based activities.

The city government has a long-standing relationship with the ZSL Philippines in the establishment of the Iloilo Beach Forest Park in Molo Boulevard, as well as the planting of native trees in the public plazas and public places in Iloilo City. (PNA)