Coastal mgm’t activity launched

A program on coastal management that was mutually designed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the SSPA Sweden Abs was launched Oct. 9 during the 19-day National Coastal Management Program in Club Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The activity, called Coastal Hazards Management Program, aims to mutually improve knowledge of integrated coastal zone planning and management and sustainable use and protection of natural resources to minimize or eliminate effects of natural and manmade hazards and further establish and strengthen the risk consciousness in coastal regions, among others.

Gracing the occasion was Swedish Ambassador Annika Markovic who urged the 35 participants representing government and non-government agencies involved in coastal management to exert efforts in the effective management of our beautiful coastal areas and rich coastal resources. The ambassador said her almost three years in the country has given her worthwhile experiences and familiarity with the country and its people. She also expressed the support of her government in the protection and conservation of our rich natural resources, especially the coastal areas.

The Coastal Hazards Management Program is funded by the Swedish International Development Assistance (SIDA). It was conceived to contribute to the improvement in the preparation for and response to coastal disasters in the Philippines that can be brought about by various land-based activities, rapid urbanization and increasing population. The workshop which is the program’s launching activity is part of the stepwise capability building approach for coastal management program/project implementers and stakeholders.