Environmentalists and advocacy groups are pushing for a stronger alliance among local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental, which will pave the way for the protection of mangrove forests amid the global climate crisis.

The call was sounded Thursday at a forum at a local hotel here where experts on mangroves and environmental laws and policies were invited as resource speakers.

In response, Manric Barillo, head of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Division (PENRD), said there are existing alliances among some LGUs that advocate the protection of the mangroves.

Barillo admitted that there is a need to broaden these alliances in LGUs where mangrove forests are found to improve further the campaign.

“These alliances, formed a few years ago, are working very well until today but we need to organize other LGUs so that there would be a concerted effort to protect our mangrove forests,” he said.

At present, the local governments of Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Manjuyod, and SantaBayaBas (Santa Catalina, Bayawan City, and Basay) have existing agreements.

Barillo also said they have agreed with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that four LGUs – Jimalalud, La Libertad, Guihulngan City, and Vallehermoso – would be organized this year and perhaps receive funding.

Mangroves not only serve to protect the environment but are also a source of food and a natural habitat for some marine creatures.

Barillo said he is hopeful that mayors would review or include mangrove reforestation in their respective comprehensive land use plans.

The Mangrove Forests for Climate Change Mitigation forum is a joint endeavor of FENOR (Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental), the provincial government, KINAIYAHAN, Oceana, and Bayanihan Para sa Inang Bayan. (PNA)