happynings

Green Southern Leyte

“Through the eyes of compassion, love and nurturing, we can play our individual parts in conservation, ecology, forest conservation and other environmental aspects affecting our planet (and ultimately us).” (Pearls of Wisdom)

MACROHON, Southern Leyte – “”We were surprised to find a patch of pristine forests in Mt. Nacolod, Southern Leyte. We found an amazingly impressive flora and faura. The rich forests we saw did not match the map of a denuded forest, shown to us before we explored Southern Leyte,” said Ronald Altamarino, leader of the Biodiversity Assessment Team from the Flora and Fauna, International (FFI).

Altamarino said during the presentation of the Biodiversity Assessment and REDD Plus/Mt. Nacolod, Southern Leyte, Pilot NewCAPP at this town last May 2 and 3. FFI along with partners the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), NewCAPP among others.

The comprehensive ground assessment has found 2 new frog species under the genus Playmantis group. The new discovery brings so much pride to the province and the country.

Southern Leyte lone district Representative Roger Mercado, who squeezed in to attend this activity in his very hectic schedule, said that efforts of the local officials and its people have not gone to waste.

“We have been planting trees since 1987 and encouraged our people to do the same. Our People’s Organization (PO) YESIDA is said to be the best PO in the region under the Community Forest Management Program. Not to brag, I have my own tree farm and bird sanctuary in Maasin City which you are free to visit. Southern Leyte is one of the two provinces in the country that supports the total log ban. Every weekend when I am back in the province after session in Congress, I see to it that tree planting is part of my activity. We want our people to be sufficient in food through the richness of our forests and our marine resources. Indeed the hard work, solidarity, discipline displayed by Southern Leytenos is worth emulating,” said Mercado.

A very excited Mercado continued, “I will author the passage in Congress for the declaration of the Mt. Nacolod and its mountain range that spans 14,000 hectares as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas or NIPAS. For now I will lobby that President Aquino will issue an executive order declaring Mt. Nacolod as a protected area.”

Southern Leyte Vice Governor Miguel Maamo, who represented Governor Damian Mercado, said that they will pass a resolution in the sangguniang bayan for the protection of Mt. Nacolod. Indeed last May 7, in its regular session, the board members of Southern Leyte made an unprecedented mass move to declare Mt. Nacolod as a protected area.

A multi-sectoral group submitted management plans for the protection and sustainability of its forests. As one scientist said, “who knows there might still be interesting finds in Mt. Nacolod especially flora that can be used in the medical field?

Indeed, Southern Leyte is doubly-blessed- they have the rich forests and rich marine resources. Padayon Southern Leyte!
Love, Laugh and Live!

Om Shanti!

By: Vicky Arnaiz

Short URL: http://leytesamardaily.net/?p=27714