Volunteers from JCI Davaoeña Daba-Daba — a leadership organization of young Davaoeña achievers and active citizens — are immersed in mangrove planting at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.

THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a memorandum directing local government units (LGUs) to create or rehabilitate coastal greenbelt zones.

In a memorandum circular, the DILG said LGUs are in the best position to implement localized strategies to establish and manage coastal greenbelts as “frontliners in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation.”

LGUs were tasked with assessing areas that can be declared coastal greenbelt zones and working with civil society groups in rehabilitation plans.

Coastal towns should lead to the removal of illegal structures within easement areas, according to the circular.

Coastal greenbelt zones are natural or planted strips of mangrove and beach forest vegetation. They serve as the first line of defense against coastal hazards, according to Oceana Philippines.

“The necessary tools and frameworks are now in place, and it is up to those on the frontlines to implement them,” Oceana Philippines Vice-President Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza