The Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) is the newest program of the DENR on coastal and marine management.
CMEMP builds on the previous efforts of DENR on the management of the coastal and marine environment which included the Coastal Resources Management Project (CRMP) implemented from 1996 to 2004, the Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project (ICRMP) from 2007 to 2015 and the Sustainable Coral Reef Ecosystems Management Program (SCREMP) undertaken from 2013 to 2015.
To further orient the project implementers about the CMEMP and the details of its implementation, a nationwide orientation is vital for the effective and efficient implementation of the program which will run from 2017 until 2028.
Also, the orientation aims to draw out further inputs from the regional offices on the policy guidelines for the efficient and effective implementation of CMEMP. Further, the program intends to acquaint all CMEMP focal officials and staff at the national and local level and establish rapport for a conducive implementation environment.
During the orientation, it was emphasized that the coastal management shall be implemented in all coastal and marine areas, addressing the inter-linkages among associated watersheds, estuaries and wetlands, and coastal seas, by all relevant national and local agencies. The environmental activities in the Cordillera Region, though a land locked region, contributes to the success or failure of the coastal management. As defined, a land locked region is a region which is either an “almost or entirely surrounded by land”, “has no coastline or seaport” and “has no access to sea or ocean”.
One of this is the Abulug River in Apayao drains towards the coastal areas of Claveria, Sanches Mira, Pamplona, Ballesteros, Appari and other adjoining coastal provinces. The programs and projects and other environmental-related activities implemented in the uplands which drains towards the Abulug River shall have a great contribution to the marine and wildlife ecosystem along the Cagayan River in Region II.
Likewise, the Agno River in Benguet Province which drains towards Lingayen Gulf or the coastal provinces of Alaminos, Sual, Dagupan City, San Manuel, San Fabian and other neighboring provinces. The destruction or the protection of the Forest/Upland Ecosystem will greatly affect the Lowland Agricultural Ecosystem, the Urban Ecosystem and ultimately the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem.
Through the CMERP, the effective management of the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems shall be achieved, thereby increasing their ability to provide ecological goods and services to improve the quality of life of the coastal population particularly ensuring food security, climate change resiliency and disaster risk reduction.
As explained by BMB Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim, the project shall establish a well-connected network of MPAs to ensure the effective and sustainable management of coastal resources; Implement sustainable management of coastal and marine resources to contribute to food security and improve human well-being of the coastal communities; effectively reduce threats and factors of degradation on coastal and marine ecosystems; enhance the formation of positive values among all stakeholders including the youth through shared responsibilities in sustainable management of coastal and marine resources and habitats; and develop and/or enhance the skills and expertise of DENR concerned staff as well as other stakeholders on coastal and marine management.
In the Cordillera Region, among the activities to be undertaken to support coastal and marine management include consultation with the Local Government Units, Civil Society Organizations on the conduct of River Clean Up; Fabrication and installation of signages along rivers/waterways and the conduct of continuing information dissemination activities.**PTNerja/DENR – CAR Release
