The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Cadiz City, under the Ecosystem and Environmental Resources Management Division, successfully conducted a benchmarking activity at the Suyac Island Mangrove Eco‑Park and Carbin Reef in Sagay City recently.
The learning visit aimed to exchange knowledge and best practices in marine and wetland conservation, mangrove ecosystem management, biodiversity protection, and community empowerment.
Such initiatives highlight the importance of collaboration among local government units in strengthening environmental governance and ensuring that conservation strategies are shared, improved, and replicated across different areas.
The activity was made possible with the full support of Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, Sagay CENRO, and the Sagay City Tourism Office. Their support reflects a shared commitment to protecting coastal and marine ecosystems while empowering communities that depend on these natural resources, the press release said.
Through this benchmarking activity, the Cadiz CENRO team gained valuable insights from the management of the Sagay Marine Reserve, recognized as one of the largest marine protected areas in the Philippines.
The visit provided an opportunity to observe effective conservation strategies, strong community participation, and innovative eco-tourism initiatives that contribute to sustainable coastal management.
More importantly, the experience highlighted how eco-based tourism can serve as a powerful tool for conservation and community development, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents while promoting the protection of mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
“By learning from Sagay City’s successful model, Cadiz continues to strengthen its own initiatives in coastal and wetland conservation, ensuring that environmental protection goes hand-in-hand with community empowerment and sustainable development,” the press release said.
“Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action among local governments, we move closer to building resilient ecosystems and communities. Together, we continue to protect our seas, wetlands, and biodiversity for present and future generations,” it added. ||
