Lapu-Lapu City will incorporate biodiversity conservation into its urban planning as the city government works with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 7 (DENR 7) to identify and protect its remaining natural resources.
The partnership will cover the assessment and mapping of the city’s green spaces, trees, waterways, coastal areas and other natural resources, as well as the development of a City Biodiversity Index and a Biodiversity Management Plan.
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said biodiversity protection should be considered as the city continues to grow and develop.
“For Lapu-Lapu City, protecting our natural environment must be part of how we plan our growth. Our green spaces, trees, waterways, coastal areas, and other natural resources are part of the environment our communities depend on,” King-Chan said.
King-Chan, Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy and DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Sept. 25 at the Mayor’s Conference Room.
The agreement provides for an Urban Biodiversity Composite Team that will oversee and coordinate the implementation of the program.
The team will be chaired by the Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer and co-chaired by the Lapu-Lapu City mayor. Its members will include technical personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office.
Under the agreement, DENR 7 will provide technical and advisory assistance, help conduct biodiversity assessments, provide policy direction, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Urban Biodiversity Management Plan.
The agency will also assist the city in determining its City Biodiversity Index.
The city government will integrate the Urban Biodiversity Program into its Comprehensive Land Use Plans and zoning ordinances. It will also adopt the City Biodiversity Index as a monitoring tool through an ordinance or resolution.
The city is also expected to conduct training to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders and members of the private sector to participate in biodiversity conservation.
King-Chan said the city also intends to involve communities and other sectors in protecting its natural resources.
“We want Lapu-Lapu City to grow responsibly, knowing what we have, what needs to be protected, and how we can care for these resources for the generations that will come after us,” she added.
The partnership is expected to incorporate biodiversity conservation into the city’s urban planning, climate programs and disaster risk management initiatives.
Also present during the signing were Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Atty. Romeo Bulotano Jr., CENR Officer For. Nolito Lapinig, CENRO Officer-in-Charge Jocelyn Abayan and members of the City Council led by Councilor Rufo Bering, chairman of the Committee on Environment and Climate Change Adaptation.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
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