Oceana Urges Coastal LGUs to Prioritize Mangrove Protection and Greenbelt Zones

International marine conservation group Oceana urged newly elected officials of coastal local government units (LGUs) to prioritize mangrove restoration and the creation of coastal greenbelt zones. Oceana acting vice president Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio emphasized the importance of managing disasters, reducing risks, and enforcing climate adaptation measures. She welcomed the new guidelines from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on mangrove restoration and coastal greenbelt zone management, considering them as important milestones in climate resilience efforts. Coastal greenbelt zones, like mangrove forests, act as natural defenses against storm surges, erosion, and sea-level rise, while also supporting marine biodiversity and local fisheries. Oceana stressed the urgency of action, especially with new local leaders taking office, urging them to prioritize mangrove restoration and coastal greenbelt protection to ensure the survival and livelihood security of coastal communities.