The formulation of an integrative and collaborative research, development and management (RDM) program to protect what is left of the Davao Gulf and bring back its rich ecosystem finds is a concept that has drawn strong advocacies only in recent decades, largely as an offshoot of the global call of the United Nations to include and involve concerns about environment protection as an indispensable aspect of promoting a livable world equipped with operational knowledge on how to keep the Earth healthy, sustainable and habitable to man.

On top of this notion is the indelible need to bring awareness to the communities, where the strongest advocacy coral reef destruction, fishery resource depletion and environmental damage is thematically anchored.

Encouraging people directly affected by environmental abuse, in the absence of strong government response to their problems, is an effective and often the most efficient instrument that compels governance to act decisively even at the expense of fighting sectors that have contributed much to its existence.

Protecting the coastline resources in particular and keeping the marine wealth in general are two huge challenges that often take second fiddle in bureaucratic priorities.

Worse, the failure to protect these concerns is hindered by inordinate excuses that include the lack of personnel, limited funds, absence of police power, delay in implementation, legal impediments and etc.

RDM, a general rule, is far-reaching and wide-ranging. Although priorities, needs and solutions differ with each coastline village, the primary thrust of the concept is the improvement of community groups and coastal livelihood development activities using the proper management tools, improvement of individual and group capacities and installation of sustaining instruments.

In more ways, the RDM idea is to bring into operation the people’s organization and other sectors that can directly contribute to the achievement of its goals. One of the most significant pillars of coastal-based resource management is the holding of trainings that focus on capacity-building exercises.

Collectively, effort of the Davao Gulf Management Council to protect nature, defend what is left of the ecosystem, and provide the future generation with better natural resource should afford us a first-hand look at the urgency of redeeming a planet in distress. Its endeavor deserves duplication anywhere and everywhere.

SEC. RODOLFO P. DEL ROSARIO
Chairman, DIDP

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