TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – The United Kingdom government through the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) granted P43.7 million for the implementation of the “Karayan Ket Biag” (River and Life) project in the municipalities of Alcala, Baggao and Penablanca in Cagayan province.
UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said the initiative is a freshwater ecosystem protection and sustainable management project that aims to develop and manage the rivers and their resources in the said municipalities.
Beaufils also said the United Kingdom is committed to supporting environment and biodiversity conservation and management programs, especially in the Philippines, which is rich in biodiversity.
She lauded the strong partnership of communities in Cagayan, the local government units, and some partner agencies in advancing biodiversity management.
Beaufils also said the British government opened its doors to interested research groups and institutions for any biodiversity-based programs and projects for possible funding and support.
Lloyd Cameron, economic and climate counsellor of the British Embassy, further said understanding the environment and biodiversity, its impact on economic development, the key challenges, as well as the opportunities for diversity conservation could help the communities pour their effort into it.
The project, which runs from 2024 to 2027, will help establish or create an effective and sustainable network of community-based freshwater-protected areas and collectively manage and conserve riverine resources in said towns.
It also benefits biodiversity while improving the resilience and well-being of stakeholders.
The project includes Pared River (in Alcala) assessment, the establishment of a fish sanctuary network, sustainable threat mitigation, and fish sanctuary network effectiveness monitoring.
The ZSL has been in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 2, which resulted in the establishment of 12 freshwater sanctuaries in the region.
The efforts have led to the conservation and rehabilitation of freshwater ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and sustainable fisheries, and encouraging community participation and support. (OTB/GVB/PIA-Cagayan)
