Iloilo City is set to implement a Coastal Greenbelt Zone (CGZ) ordinance aimed at protecting and rehabilitating mangrove areas across the city. The ordinance will cover at least 100 hectares of mangrove forests, including those in Barangays Bito-on and Balabago in Jaro, and Hinactacan in La Paz, as well as other similar areas.
Mayor Calls for Expert Meeting on IRR
Mayor Raisa Treñas has convened a meeting with experts and scientists to draft the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the ordinance. She emphasized that a science-guided IRR is crucial to safeguard the city's mangroves and coastal ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events driven by climate change.
“We need to ensure that our rules are based on sound science to effectively protect our environment,” Treñas said, according to a press release from the city government.
Scope and Impact of the CGZ
The CGZ will encompass at least 100 hectares of mangrove forests, which serve as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion. The ordinance also aims to rehabilitate degraded mangrove areas and promote biodiversity. The city government expects the CGZ to enhance climate resilience for coastal communities.
The initiative aligns with broader environmental efforts in Iloilo City, which has faced increasing threats from rising sea levels and stronger typhoons. The ordinance is expected to be a model for other local governments in the Philippines.
