GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Stakeholders of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) have been urged to reinforce conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of the bay’s resources for future generations. This call to action was made by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer during the first-ever State of the Protected Seascape Address (SOPSA) on March 7 in this city.
Alicer, who also serves as the concurrent chair of the SBPS-Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), emphasized the ecological and economic importance of the SBPS while outlining both its milestones and the persistent threats it faces. In his 21-minute address, he highlighted key conservation efforts and the need for a strengthened commitment to environmental protection.
Among the major concerns identified were pollution, habitat degradation, and illegal activities that threaten the seascape’s biodiversity. To counter these challenges, Alicer underscored the importance of the Ridge-to-Reef approach, which promotes integrated coastal management by considering both upland and marine ecosystems. He also detailed various conservation initiatives, including marine wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and strict enforcement of environmental laws.
Strengthening policies and governance was another focal point of the address. Alicer noted that financial investments and increased revenues have been channeled into conservation initiatives and community programs, benefiting both environmental preservation and socio-economic development. He also acknowledged the contributions of officials, former protected area superintendents, and industries that have been recognized with the PA Seal of Good Environmental Practice.
A key aspect of the conservation effort is collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities. Alicer stressed the role of research, education, and active stakeholder participation in sustaining SBPS’s ecological wealth.
Following the SOPSA, various stakeholders and industry representatives participated in a forum designed to strengthen their partnership with the DENR for the enhanced protection and conservation of SBPS. Organized by the SBPS Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) as part of the weeklong celebration of SBPS’s 29th anniversary, the Stakeholders and Industry Forum served as a platform to empower stakeholders and remind them of their responsibilities in ensuring the sustainable use of the bay.
Participants were trained on Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) and System Monitoring Report (SMR) systems, wastewater treatment facility technologies, and biosecurity measures in aquaculture. The forum also provided an opportunity for the DENR to gather feedback on the implementation of various policies aimed at balancing conservation efforts with sustainable development.
Alicer closed his address with a firm call for commitment from all sectors to protect the SBPS, ensuring that its bounty remains intact for future generations. The event reinforced the significance of continued cooperation and proactive efforts in preserving the ecological integrity of one of the region’s most vital marine resources.