Environment
Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo
Credit : romblonnews . net to previous efforts lacking mechanisms for long-term support , and often being conducted without coordination with local authorities .
Obtaining such knowledge is a priority , both to assess the health of Romblon ’ s coastal environments and to provide a baseline to assess future work . With this in mind , the RSDC decided to reactivate the Provincial Reef Assessment Team ( PRAT ) that carried out the 2011 survey . Very few provinces have built teams with the expertise to assess reef health , but as Romblon has previously had this capability , it will more easily be able to rebuild it . In line with this , it was decided to assess budgetary possibilities to provide PRAT with new gear and equipment .
Consolidated data will be placed with a single custodian , with PGENRO seen as the best option . PGENRO is also tasked with supporting municipal MPA management , creating a State of the Coasts report , and exploring the development of ecotourism in
Tablas Island .
The RSDC agreed to initiate planning processes for local government unit MPA management and to promote ecotourism development throughout the province . In the future , the RSDC aims to widen its membership to include relevant local NGOs , while engaging in capacity building within its area of operations .
The creation of the RSDC fulfils the call of the Romblon legislature . As an inter-agency multi-sectoral coordinating mechanism , it will bring together the efforts of municipalities and government bodies , providing a cohesive strategy , while assisting the municipal governments in their endeavors . It is hoped that other local governments will replicate ICM processes developed through the RSDC . PEMSEA looks forward to working together with RSDC towards a future of healthy and sustainable communities in Romblon . pemsea . org
The inaugural meeting of the Romblon Sustainable Development Council .
Credit : PEMSEA / Michael Villanueva
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