Over 10 different LGUs make Commitment to Protect Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef
Tagbilaran City, Bohol – The highly anticipated Protect Danajon Project Launching took place during the Bohol Day Celebration, serving as the formal introduction and kick-off for the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef Management Council (DBDBRMC) – CeLeBoSoLe Alliance. This momentous event brought together stakeholders and partners to discuss the project’s objectives and strategies, fostering collaboration and partnership to achieve the common goal of protecting the Danajon Bank.
This momentous event marks the start of the project and will serve as a starting point for stakeholders and partners to discuss the project’s objectives and strategies, to promote collaboration and partnership among stakeholders and partners, and to celebrate the launch of the project while recognizing the efforts of all involved in protecting the Danajon Bank.
The official launching and commitment ceremony for the project was held at the Bohol Cultural Center & Metro Center Hotel in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. The program included the official State of the Province Address by the Governor of Bohol, Erico Aristotle Aumentado and his expression to commit to the entire project as well as a multi-stakeholder participation from the National Government Agencies and Non-government organizations including a ceremonial commitment ceremony from different stakeholders including representatives from the Gerry Roxas Foundation, USAID, Provincial Governors of Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, and Southern Leyte, Local Chief Executives, DENR Secretaries from Region 7 and 8, BFAR Region 7 and 8 Directors, DILG Region 7 and 8 Directors, PENRO Bohol Representatives, CENRO Talibon Representatives, BPEMO Representatives and the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation.
Following the launching ceremony, the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef Management Council (DBDBRMC) held a meeting at The Metro Center Hotel in Tagbilaran City. The agenda included the Protect Danajon Project presentation, commitment ceremony, DBDBRMC launching, and planning for the next meeting.
The Protect Danajon Project Launching is a significant step towards preserving the Danajon Bank and promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable landscape. With the commitment of partner provinces, national government agencies, LGUs, and stakeholders, this project aims to make a lasting impact on the environment and the communities it serves.
“We are complimenting this effort, with the conduct of protected area suitability assessment (PASA) with the end and view of bringing this area under the National Integrated Area Protected System (NIPAS)” Said DENR Regional Director VII Paquito Melicor during his opening remarks at the Project launching.
By the end of the project, the DENR in collaboration with CCEF will help incorporate the reef into The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, also known as Republic Act No. 7586. This will provide legal protection for the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef and maintain a comprehensive network of protected areas throughout the Central Visayas Region. The reef will also gain further benefits by being declared as a national protected area including, financed management and conservation activities, such as consistent monitoring, analysis, and rule enforcement. The importance of the reef will also be better understood as a result of increased research, education, and awareness brought on by this designation.
