VSU Dept. of Biological Sciences leads workshop for Ormoc’s coastal and marine resource plan

The VSU Department of Biological Sciences (DBS) recently spearheaded a three-day strategic planning workshop to enhance the Integrated Coastal and Marine Resources Management (ICMRM) Plan of Ormoc City on January 8-10, 2025. 

Held at the Ormoc City Evacuation Center in Brgy. Dolores, this activity gathered academic experts, local government leaders, and key stakeholders to address the pressing coastal and environmental challenges in the city. 

The ICMRM Plan was developed as a framework to address the challenges facing Ormoc City’s coastal and marine ecosystems. This was designed in response to the increasing concerns over declining marine biodiversity, illegal fishing activities, and the impact of climate change on coastal communities. 

The workshop was organized and co-facilitated by the faculty members of VSU’s Marine Biology program, Mr. Rafael Junnar Dumalan and Dr. Donna Guarte-Valida, in coordination with Ms. Norievill B. España from Brock University, Canada, leading the activity. They assisted in the development of actionable strategies and ecosystem-based approaches for the conservation of Ormoc City’s coastal and marine ecosystems. 

VSU-DBS has been a longstanding partner in marine conservation initiatives in the region through research and community-based programs. In the past years, the department has established partnerships with both local and international organizations and institutions. 

You may also want to look: #GoingGlobal: Biotech dept welcomes research partners from Japan

VSU-DBS continues to support and assist the ongoing implementation of the ICMRM Plan through training programs for local stakeholders, establishing research partnerships on marine and coastal sustainability, and conducting community engagement to ensure wider participation in the management, conservation, and protection of marine resources. 

The Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Conservation Lalaine A. Marcos, and Ormoc City’s Local Government Operations Officer Jean Redi T. Briones attended the activity and emphasized the significance of the ICMRM Plan for Ormoc City’s inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The workshop facilitated discussions among stakeholders, including representatives from local government unit representatives, coastal barangays, people’s organizations, civic groups, armed and uniformed personnel, and regional agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

With the support of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) and the City Agriculture Department’s Fishery, Coastal, and Aquatic Resources Management Division (CAO-FCARMD), this partnership highlights the continued commitment of VSU-DBS to empower communities through advancing sustainable utilization and conservation of marine resources.

This article is aligned with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnership for Goals)

• Prev
• Next