International marine conservation group Oceana on Tuesday, July 8, urged newly elected officials of coastal local government units (LGUs) to prioritize mangrove restoration and the creation of coastal greenbelt zones.

“Local coastal communities should not resign to their fate of having to face storm surges, strong waves and other fatal impacts of climate change. Disasters should be managed. Risks can be reduced. Climate adaptation measures should be enforced,” Oceana acting vice president Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio said.

She issued the statement following the release of new guidelines from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the restoration of mangrove forests and the management of local coastal greenbelt zones.

Osorio welcomed the move, calling the guidelines “important milestones” in climate resilience efforts.

“The new guidelines issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government on the restoration of mangrove forests and the establishment and management of local coastal greenbelt zones are important milestones,” she said.

“It is even more appropriate when we are observing the National Disaster Resilience Month and World Mangrove Day this July.”

Coastal greenbelt zones, such as mangrove forests, serve as natural defenses against storm surges, erosion, and sea-level rise. They also support marine biodiversity and sustain local fisheries.

Oceana stressed the urgency of action, especially with local leaders beginning new terms in office.

“We call on our local government leaders, particularly those in coastal areas, to step up and act now,” Osorio said.

“At a time when you just got this fresh mandate from the people you vowed to serve, we expect you to make this your priority program.”

She underscored the importance of declaring and protecting mangrove areas as coastal greenbelts.

“Restore and protect your mangrove forest areas, establish policies and actions to declare these areas as coastal greenbelt zones, and dedicate them as natural buffer zones to protect the people’s survival and their right to food and livelihood security,” said Osorio.