Iloilo city: This highly urbanized city will collaborate with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines for the implementation of a mangrove and beach forest rehabilitation and conservation project in Iloilo City. The memorandum of agreement was signed by Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Tre±as and ZSL Philippines Country Director Mary Edwina Garchitorena at the city hall on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement was witnessed by General Services Office head Neil Ravena and City Environment and Natural Resources head Janis Mae Sy for Iloilo City, and chief mangrove scientific advisor Jurgenne Primavera and community engagement manager Rodney Golbeque for ZSL. The collaboration aims to enhance protection against the impacts of climate change in selected coastal areas that are vulnerable to typhoons.

Under the agreement, ZSL Philippines will establish baseline data on the biophysical status of the identified project site in Iloilo City and conduct periodic monitoring. They will also assist in environmental conservation education, policy formulation for habitat protection, and the development of enterprise models and credit groups. ZSL will produce biophysical and socio-economic reports to aid legislation and planning.

The city government will implement integrated coastal management approaches, identify potential areas for rehabilitation, and secure long-term management arrangements with community organizations. They will also lead information dissemination, support project activities, and enact necessary local policies. Additionally, the government will focus on protecting mangrove and beach forest areas and provide technical assistance for site-based activities.

Iloilo City has previously collaborated with ZSL Philippines in establishing the Iloilo Beach Forest Park and planting native trees in public areas, demonstrating a strong ongoing partnership in environmental conservation.