DoTr, DENR Ink Deal to Protect Mangroves in Airport, Seaport Projects

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it signed an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to protect mangroves while developing aviation and seaport projects. In a statement on Wednesday, the DoTr said the agreement was signed with the DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau. Under the agreement, the two agencies will develop science-based procedures for earth balling in mangrove relocation at project sites, the DoTr said. It said that the partnership will initially focus on the relocation of mangroves affected by the construction of the on-shore protection and perimeter road at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban. “Balancing airport capacity with environmental sustainability requires inter-agency cooperation, which is why we coordinated with the DENR on how we can proceed with the expansion without sacrificing the environment. With careful planning and investment, we can complement airport development with environmental sustainability,” Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Jim C. Sydiongco said. The two agencies will also develop a study on the conservation of mangroves and enhancement of operational capacity of the New Cebu International Container Port, DoTr said. “This is a significant step to balance infrastructure development with environmental protection. The mangrove earth balling activity for the New Cebu International Container Port Project demonstrates our shared responsibility to protect our coastal and marine ecosystems, while pursuing the development of vital infrastructure for our country,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for Maritime Villamor Ventura S. Plan said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose