Eight Conservation Agreements renewed, two new forged in Oriental Mindoro

From the northernmost to the southernmost select coastal barangays, Malampaya Foundation (MFI) renewed eight and signed up two new barangay-based conservation agreements in the province of Oriental Mindoro.

The agreements stem from the grassroots-approach marine biodiversity conservation program covered by an umbrella agreement between MFI and the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro.

The non-governmental groups and MPA management councils whose conservation agreements were renewed are: Calima Fishermen’s Association in Barangay Calima, Pola; St. John D’ Baptist Fisherfolk Association in Brgy. Puting Cacao, Pola; LIKHA-KAMI Baco MPA Management Council, Barangay San Andres, Baco; Samahang Pangkabuhayan ng mga Taga Dulangan, Puerto Galera Mangrove Conservation and Ecotourism Area, MPA Management Council, Municipal Agriculture Office, Puerto Galera; Agsalin Fish Sanctuary Mgt. Council, Agsalin, Gloria; and Barangay Balatasan Seaweeds Farmers Association, Balatasan Fish Sanctuary Management Council, Balatasan, Bulalacao.

The two new community organisations that signed conservation agreements with MFI are: Samahan sa Brgy. Pili Para sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan (SBPKK) and Pili Fish Sanctuary Management Council in Pili, Pinamalayan; and Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magsasaka in Misong, Pola.

Among the main outcomes of the first sets of conservation agreements (signed in 2013) are the establishment of some 250 hectares new marine protected areas (MPAs), improvement in the management of existing MPAs, improved environmental law enforcement, increase in awareness and knowledge of the marine and coastal ecosystems through community and school education campaigns, strengthening of MPA management councils and improvement in monitoring of reefs and coastal ecosystems.