PAGADIAN CITY — To discuss the demarcation and conservation efforts for the Basilan Natural Biotic Area (BaNBA), the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) through its Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research and Development Services (BERDS), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX, gathered in Pagadian City on February 7.

The BaNBA, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and unique flora and fauna, has long been a focal point for conservationists. During the meeting, several key points were discussed, including the fund allocation granted by DENR Region IX for demarcation and Project Monitoring Supervision, to which the demarcation will be implemented by MENRE. Furthermore, DENR Region IX will chair the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) meeting in May 2024, where MENRE will participate and observe the said meeting.

Present in the meeting were BERDS Director Mohamad Ali R. Dimaren, AFS Director Al-Sharif M. Tamburani, PENRE Officer of Basilan Marietta R. Ladjiman, Chief of Protected Area Management Division Joeffry L. Kamid, Chief of Protected Area Management Division Annie D. Dumamba, Ecosystem Management Specialist/Protected Area Focal Bairaiya U. Salipada, Marsida Lutian, Basheer Akanul, Al–Saher Sahial, Arham O. Ramalan, Fahad Talib, and DENR-IX participants headed by Regional Executive Director Arturo Fadriquela.

The successful meeting marks a significant step toward the sustainable management and protection of the BaNBA. Through this collaboration, MENRE aims to foster a balance between conservation and responsible utilization of BaNBA. To end, the two agencies will set another meeting to discuss the management of the areas, considering that the two agencies will co-manage.