Isabela Province Boosts Conservation Efforts for Philippine Rise Marine Reserve

ISABELA will host a multisectoral workshop in August to strengthen conservation efforts for the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve, bringing together government agencies, local governments, fisherfolk, scientists and environmental groups. The activity follows discussions between provincial officials and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia on the PRICELESS Project, which aims to improve protection of the 352,390-hectare reserve while balancing sustainable fishing, research and biodiversity conservation. Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” T. Albano III said stronger collaboration is needed to protect the marine ecosystem, which supports fisheries, food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities. — Artemio A. Dumlao