PASAY CITY — The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), through its Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research and Development Services, attended the meeting with Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and partner agencies to discuss and strategize eco-tourism projects within the Bangsamoro Region. The meeting was organized by TIEZA at Double Dragon Plaza, Pasay City, on March 1.

The gathering centered on exploring ecotourism projects, emphasizing their potential to safeguard biodiversity and enhance community livelihoods. The discussion included the role of MENRE in ecotourism. The Ministry’s BERDS is implementing ecotourism initiatives that take into account various factors. These include accessibility, utilities, compliance with relevant laws, environmental impact prevention mitigations, conceptual plan, and proponent and counterpart. By considering these factors, MENRE aims to ensure that the programs in ecotourism initiatives are effective and sustainable.

One of the initiatives discussed was the Turtle Islands eco-tourism project, which is being implemented in partnership with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Tourism Infrastructures and Enterprise Zone Authority, Bangsamoro Development Authority – BARMM, Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTIT – BOT), Local Government Unit of Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (LGU – TIWS), and MENRE as the leading agency.

Furthermore, the meeting also emphasized an integrated approach to ecotourism. Factors such as visitor management, education, and control measures must harmonize with protection objectives. Long-term planning is essential to accommodate substantial changes. Tourism and its high direct-use value can play an important role in both the protection and conservation of natural resources. By leveraging ecotourism, it can incentivize the protection of valuable natural resources.

Present at the meeting were delegates from different partner agencies, including BERDS Director Mohamad Ali R. Dimaren, Chief Protected Area Management Division Joeffry L. Kamid, and Turtle Island Wildlife Sanctuary Consultant Pablo de Los Reyes.

Representatives from BPDA, MTIT, MOTC, MAFAR, MBHTE, and BEZA were also present at the meeting.

MENRE will ensure compliance with all necessary documents and regulations prior to project implementation, including the National Structure Code of the Philippines, National Building Code of the Philippines, and Comprehensive Land Use Plan. In order to achieve its goals, MENRE will prioritize meetings with LGUs in the respective project areas, taking into consideration the communities, as well as the culture and heritage of the people.