The state of biodiversity of the Lapus Lapus-Macapagao Local Conservation Area (LCA) in Sagay City in northern Negros Occidental underwent an assessment as part of the efforts to safeguard the 364-hectare protected area.

“Understanding the biodiversity of the area is crucial for effective conservation efforts,” Sagay City Environment and Natural Resources Office (SCENRO) head Mayo Antonio Cueva said in a statement on Wednesday.

Personnel of SCENRO were among the 28-man team who conducted the four-day biodiversity assessment on the last week of September, along with volunteers from the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), and Zoological Society of London (ZCL).

Located in Barangay Bulanon, the Lapus Lapus-Macapagao LCA has 227 hectares of mangroves, 72 hectares of seagrass, and 65 hectares of corals based on the 2021 assessment.

Resource Assessment head Jose Roberto Togle said the results of the latest assessment will be presented to the community in the coming months.

With its thriving marine ecosystem and rich wildlife, the Lapus Lapus-Macapagao LCA is promoted as an emerging ecotourism destination anchored on sustainability by the city government.

City Ordinance 2023-003, which establishes Lapus Lapus-Macapagao as an LCA and creates its management board, was approved by the City Council last year.

In July this year, the Lapus Lapus Floating Cottage Association led by Joefel Relos, with Bulanon village chief Wilfredo Villacastin Jr., signed an agreement with a California-based non-profit organization Seacology “to help protect the unique natural beauty, nature, and ecological goods and services of the 364-hectare Lapus Lapus-Macapagao LCA.”

The assistance funded the construction of the watchtower and kayak center as part of the facilities managed by the association, along with the 10 floating cottages.

Under the program developed by the PEMO, LCAs are designated areas protected by local ordinances due to their significant conservation value and managed and protected by the local government unit, which implements conservation and protection measures.

The SUNN collaboration is part of the Future’s Thinking Project on the future of marine reserves funded under the Office of Senator Pia Cayetano, while the ZSL partners with SCENRO by participating in the biodiversity assessment through technical assistance under the United States Agency for International Development-Gerry Roxas Foundation Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems Project. (PNA)