Cordova reclamation project to harm sea

CEBU, Philippines - Environmental advocates expressed their sentiments against the ongoing Cordova Reclamation Project in a press conference yesterday called for by the 350.org in Barangay Banilad.

Dr. Rene Rollon of the University of the Philippines Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM) described the Cordova project as a threat to the sea grasses, mangroves and coral reefs that may be buried under filling materials.

He said these are the food sources of the fisheries area.

“The coastal area must be protected because it serves as a food-base of the aquatic creatures,” he said.

Environmental Economics Researcher Ma. Lourdes Montenegro said that almost 1,300 fishermen in Cordova town will be affected by the project. 

She said the government should find other means of improvement aside from reclaiming the area because it can destroy the entire ecosystem.

Lawyer Gloria Ramos, co-founder of Philippine Earth Justice Center Inc., said that although the project has not yet been approved by the Philippine Reclamation Authority the local government unit has started dumping filling materials in the coastal barangay of Camolinas in Cordova town last January 28.

Ramos added that they have requested documents from the Provincial Capitol though they were not provided. They demanded the documents saying the public has the right to information.

If the government pursues the said project, the group said they will seek legal remedies as mandated by the law.

About 132 hectares of inshore land in Cordova was approved for reclamation by the Cebu Provincial Government and the Cebu Ports Authority. There was a proposal to add 20 more hectares but this has yet to be issued an Environmental Certificate Clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

350.org is an international campaign pushing for action against climate change. (FREEMAN)