Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project

 
      Initiatives in the Lian Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Localization Project continue as stakeholders renew commitment and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Sept. 15, 2022, at the Malaruhatan Country Club, Lian, Batangas. The localization efforts aim to continue to contribute to the development agenda of identified barangays in Lian, Batangas, focusing on four sustainable development areas: a)  community education, b) livelihood/social enterprise, c) environment/disaster resiliency, and d) health.  The Lian SDG Localization Project seeks to engage the Lasallian community and its key stakeholders, in helping sustain biodiversity conservation initiatives through DLSU’s various academic, non-academic and social engagement programs.
      The signing of the MOU between the De La Salle University-Manila (represented by Br. President Bernard S. Oca, FSC, DLSU President, together with representatives from the Laguna Campus Vice President’s (VP) office, Lasallian Mission (LM) VP office, Br. Shields Ocean Research Center (SHORE), LMO-Laguna, Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the Municipality of Lian, Batangas (represented by Honorable Mayor Joseph V. Peji, together with  Hon. Vice Mayor Roberto Antonio S. Leviste, and representatives of  LGU Lian offices was witnessed by the local executives of the six coastal barangays of Lian, Batangas, and key leaders of the following local fishers organizations in Talim bay: Lian Fisherfolks Association (LFA), Samahan ng mga Mandaragat sa Sulok (SAMLOK), Samahan ng mga Maliliit na Mangigisda sa Binubusan (SMMB), Women’s Love Rural Improvement Club, at Sagip Kabarangay at Mandaragat Lumaniag Association.
      While maintaining Talim bay’s biodiversity remains a challenge for conservation advocates and its local fishers given the limited fish catch in Talim bay areas declared as marine protected, the MOU signing marks the commitment of the stakeholders to protect the municipal coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forest and help ensure the integrity of these ecosystems.
      LFA, an organization of local fishers in Talim Bay continues the operation of its community based-ecotourism activity as an alternative source of income for fishers. LFA imparts this advocacy through sharing of their initiatives and experiences (e.g. local radio stations) to help keep Talim bay's health and sustain peoples’ participation.
  

(Photos  by DLSU-COSCA-LSDP and Mr. Ariel Casihan)