LUGUS, Sulu — To enhance sustainable tourism while ensuring environmental conservation and benefitting local communities, the Ministry’s Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research and Development Services (BERDS) and the Environment Management Services (EMS) conducted an eco-tourism site assessment incorporating a solid waste management plan in Lugus, Sulu, from July 6 to 12.

The integration of a solid waste management plan in the assessment is essential to ensure the preservation of natural resources, support local communities, enhance the visitor’s experience, and contribute to global conservation efforts. Further, by incorporating this into eco-tourism, the Ministry aims to foster responsible tourism that can be replicated in other areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), not only boosting the economy of the region but also addressing the environmental, economic, and social aspects while protecting natural resources.

Through this initiative, achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainabilty will be guaranteed. To further ensure that this will be achieved, a team from the Ministry consisting of Joeffry L. Kamid, Chief PAMD; Annie D. Dumamba, Chief RDID; Fahad L. Talib, Almaida G. Barakat, Mohamidin A. Bakoludan, and Nasrudin A. Nanding from BERDS; Engr. Abdulmaoti A. Akmad, Chief Solid Waste Management Division; and Engr. Mohar Ebus, EMS-I from EMS, conducted the said site assessment. The participation of Local Government Unit officials, including Hadar M. Hajiri, Al-hajj, the Municipal Mayor of Lugus was also demonstrated.

Moving forward, the collaboration between BERDS and EMS, along with the Local Government Unit of Lugus, aims to effectively implement and sustain the eco-tourism site with an integrated solid waste management plan. This approach seeks to preserve the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity while promoting economic growth, community engagement, and long-term environmental sustainability.