OVER SEAS -- The Online Magazine for Sustainable Seas

Negros Oriental

CRMP’s coverage in Negros Oriental is extensive: seven coastal municipalities and two cities, including the provincial capital, Dumaguete City, and Bais City, the industrial center about 45 km north of Dumaguete. The province is recognized as a pioneer in coastal resource management, largely as a result of work done by researchers of Silliman University, which is noted for its Marine Laboratory at Silliman Farm Beach. Here, a short distance offshore, one finds the country’s first artificial (tire) reef, installed in 1977 and now sheltering diverse marine life. There are more than 20 marine sanctuaries along the coasts of Negros Oriental, including the Apo Island Marine Sanctuary, widely regarded as a model of community-based coastal resource management. Strong local government support and multi-sectoral cooperation play a crucial role in Negros Oriental’s success in sustaining the coastal management programs initiated by the World Bank-assisted Central Visayas Regional Project (1984-1992), Silliman University and other groups.

New environmental radio show launched
CRMP, the German Development Service and other concerned groups launched recently a radio program about the coastal environment. The program, which is hosted by Rey Bendejo of the Ting Matiao Foundation, will air for six months. Bendejo plans to hold quiz shows in air to encourage audience participation and hopes to extend the show for another six months with the support of sponsors.

Meanwhile, Learning Area Coordinator William Ablong reported that fish and benthus assessment in selected marine protected areas in Negros Oriental has started. "We are hoping to do the assessment in five sites," he said. "There are 22 marine protected areas in Negros Oriental, and at least 10 of them are in the learning areas. We would like to know the changes that have occurred in these areas since they were established." §