Rational use of Mindanao's natural resources promoted to LGUs
2008-11-20
Recognizing the role of local government units (LGU) in promoting genuine and sustainable management of natural resources, the Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM) under its Natural Resource Management (NRM) Program facilitated trainings to LGUs to promote rational use of Mindanao’s natural assets and resources through its newly launched NRM Agenda
The NRM agenda incorporates principles and guidelines for upland resource management in Mindanao. It also envisions a self-sustaining island home for the people of Mindanao ( indigenous peoples, Moro and migrant settlers) wherein the civil society, business organizations, industries, LGUs and government agencies work together to ensure sustainable resources for Mindanaoan's needs and benefits.
The NRM agenda was formally launched through a public forum on 18 September 2008 in Davao City. It was crafted and formulated through a Mindanao-wide series of consultations in 2006 participated in by different sectors, civil society organizations, academe, church groups and government agencies.
“The adoption of NRM agenda will guide every stakeholder in Mindanao in responding to the challenges of extractive utilization of Mindanao resources and ensuring sustainable development of the country ”, said Mary Luz Feranil, AFRIM Executive Director.
Knowing of their previous struggle in safeguarding their community against environmentally destructive economic activities, the first of the training series for the adoption of NRM agenda was conducted to the LGU of Barangay Luzon in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental from 11 to 12 October 2008. It was participated in by barangay councilors, Sangguniang Kabataan and purok leaders, farmers, fisherfolks, youth, educators, and women from the said community. Most of the participants compose the Barangay Environment and Development Council of Barangay Luzon.
The second of the series was conducted to the LGU of San Isidro, also in Davao Oriental on 13 to 14 November 2008 with participants coming from its 16 barangays. It was also attended by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, members of its Sangguniang Bayan, its Municipal Mayor, Mayor Apolinar Ruelo and Vice Mayor Edgar Saulon.
As part of the adoption of the NRM agenda, issues were identified and linked with the strategies that will guide the LGUs in planning and implementing appropriate programs for the remaining instinctive resources. One of the outputs of the training was to formulate their localized Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP).
The FLUP provides analyses and studies the present situation of the forest resources and sustainable management of such. It serves as the basis for budget allocation and encourages community stakeholdership through peoples' participation in the management and in the sharing of resources. A Technical Working Group was formed to craft the FLUP but will require multi-stakeholders' participation during its implementation.
More trainings will be conducted in LGUs in other parts of Mindanao in partnership with the Environment and Natural Resources Offices in the city, municipal and provincial levels in coordination with other government line agencies.
By: NRM
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