CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) actively participated in the Mindanao Regional Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Validation Workshop and Marine Protected Area (MPA) Forum held from December 4 to 6 in this city.
The event, spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), was organized in partnership with the Marine Protected Areas Support Network – Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MSN-MERF), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and other stakeholders. It forms part of the Philippines’ contribution to the global 30×30 conservation target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The framework seeks to conserve 30% of the world’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030.
MENRE was represented by Protected Area Management Division (PAMD) Chief Joeffry L. Kamid, CENRO Faisal U. Akmad, Yunos Lumna, and Zassen Maguid. Other attendees included representatives from Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENROs) and the academe.
Focused Discussions and Competency Gaps
The workshop highlighted discussions on identifying competency gaps among Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers and enhancing their management capacities. Participants shared best practices and tools for MPA and network management and validated marine KBAs in the Mindanao region. These efforts aimed to refine strategies for managing and protecting these critical ecosystems.
Addressing Key Challenges
Another significant aspect of the workshop was gathering additional data on marine KBAs, particularly regarding threatened species and existing management measures. Stakeholders were also invited to provide recommendations for prioritizing areas for protection within the KBAs. The options considered include integration into the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), establishing Locally Managed Marine Protected Areas (LMMPAs), or recognizing Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
Future Plans for BARMM
Looking ahead, MENRE plans to hold an exclusive workshop for the BARMM region in March 2025. This initiative aims to validate and identify potential KBAs in the region, reinforcing BARMM’s contribution to achieving the 30×30 target. Collaborating with key partners, MENRE seeks to ensure the sustained protection and management of biodiversity-rich areas within its jurisdiction.
By engaging in such collaborative forums, MENRE underscores its commitment to the global biodiversity agenda while addressing regional environmental challenges.