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Tagbilaran Baywatch: A Watchdog for Sustainable Coastal Development

By Leo Armando B. Boncales

In the face of rapid urban expansion, our coastal environments are at a critical crossroads. As development projects continue to sprawl beyond our coastlines, the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems, encompassing precious coral reefs, vital seagrasses, and crucial fish populations, is under dire threat. The pressing challenge before us lies in the preservation and optimization of our depleting resources, especially in the context of meeting the escalating demands of our burgeoning population. It is imperative that we advocate the protection and preservation of the marine life thriving along the shores of Tagbilaran.

With the global need for sustainable food supplies, the urgency to adopt proactive measures to safeguard our coastal areas becomes even more apparent. To ensure a sustainable future, we must reinforce our decision-making processes and establish robust monitoring mechanism that aligns with the global conservation objectives set forth in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically on Goal 14 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which focuses on “Conserving and sustainability using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.”

Tagbilaran Baywatch stands firm in its advocacy for the establishment and effective management of marine protected areas, firmly rejecting any initiatives that compromise the integrity of our coastal environment. Through a combination of community engagements, rigorous monitoring, and the implementation of sustainable practices, the group strives to foster a harmonious co-existence between urban development and the preservation of our precious marine ecosystems. Its mission is to inspire a collective consciousness and drive tangible action toward securing the ecological integrity of Tagbilaran’s coastal areas for generations to come.
The convening group includes the Diocese of Tagbilaran, the University of Bohol (UB), Holy Name University (HNU),and concerned citizens.

In addition to a series of meetings, Tagbilaran Baywatch has announced an upcoming symposium titled “Preserving our Environment Heritage for Sustainable Coastal Development”, on November 29, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the University of Bohol gymnasium. The symposium has invited distinguished marine scientists and environmental lawyers as resource speakers, including Dr. Filipina Sotto, Chairperson, Marine Biologist, University of San Carlos, Dr. Aileen O. Maypa, Professor, Institute of Environment & Marine Science, Silliman University, and Atty. Grizelda M. Anda, Director, Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), Palawan. This event aims to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the significance of preserving our environmental heritage, particularly in the context of sustainable coastal development. It will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in environmental conservation and will encourage active participation from all stakeholders.

Furthermore, the group has also arranged for a conference/forum. This forum is designed to facilitate meaningful discussion on pressing environmental issues and legal frameworks related to coastal preservation. Both the symposium and the conference/forum are open to the public.

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