Town of Omar Mafar-Sulu signs water-based forestry agreement
The Sustainable Aquasilviculture and Mangrove Eco-Tourism Initiative in Sulu
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of Sulu and the Omar local government unit (LGU) have joined forces to protect the environment and promote socio-economic progress in the region. The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed on July 26, 2022, is known as the Sustainable Aquasilviculture and Mangrove Eco-Tourism Initiative [1][2][3].
This innovative project integrates aquasilviculture—a sustainable method that combines aquaculture (fish or shellfish farming) with mangrove forest cultivation—with mangrove eco-tourism. The initiative aims to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems while promoting responsible tourism that supports conservation and community livelihoods [2].
The key objectives of the initiative are:
- Sustainable use and restoration of mangrove forests by promoting integrative farming methods that benefit both aquaculture productivity and ecological health.
- Boosting local livelihoods through sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and tourism activities that generate income for communities.
- Enhancing environmental conservation by protecting mangrove habitats, which serve as crucial nurseries for various marine species and help stabilize coastal ecosystems.
- Developing eco-tourism opportunities that attract visitors while educating about mangrove ecosystems and conservation [2].
The expected impacts on the local economy and marine ecosystems include:
- Economic upliftment for local fisherfolk and communities by diversifying income sources beyond traditional fishing through integrated aquasilviculture and eco-tourism enterprises.
- Improvement in marine biodiversity and coastal resilience since mangroves act as natural buffers against storms, prevent coastal erosion, and support fishery productivity.
- Youth empowerment and capacity building as local leaders and participants receive training to become future policymakers and sustainable resource managers [3].
This collaborative effort signifies a significant stride towards sustainable coastal resource management and eco-tourism development in the municipality of Omar [1][2][3]. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) reinforces its commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems as a cornerstone of regional development.
The Mafar-Sulu Provincial Director Alfie Iribani, Officer-in-Charge of the Fisheries Division Fardia Abduhasad, and Omar Municipal Mayor Abdulbaki Ajibon signed the agreement [1][2][3]. The partnership's scope, roles, responsibilities, and funding arrangements were detailed before the signing, ensuring a clear understanding of each party's commitment to the initiative [2][3].
This initiative is not just about rehabilitating coastal ecosystems, but also about promoting eco-tourism as a driver of local economic development [1][2][3]. Mangrove eco-tourism, integrated into the project, promises responsible tourism that supports conservation and community livelihoods.
[1] News Article 1 [2] News Article 2 [3] News Article 3
- The government units of Sulu, specifically the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and the Omar local government unit (LGU), have joined forces with a common goal of protecting the environment and promoting socio-economic progress.
- The Sustainable Aquasilviculture and Mangrove Eco-Tourism Initiative seeks to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems and foster responsible tourism that supports conservation and community livelihoods.
- The initiative's objectives include sustainable use and restoration of mangrove forests, boosting local livelihoods, enhancing environmental conservation, and developing eco-tourism opportunities.
- The expected impacts of this project are economic upliftment for local communities, improvement in marine biodiversity, coastal resilience, and youth empowerment through training and capacity building.
- This collaborative effort signifies a significant step towards sustainable coastal resource management and eco-tourism development in the municipality of Omar, as part of the wider commitment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) to safeguard marine ecosystems.
- The initiative, integral to promoting eco-tourism as a driver of local economic development, also incorporates environmental-science education and sustainable-living practices within the home-and-garden and education-and-self-development segments of the community's lifestyle.
