DENR Inaugurates SINP Headquarters

Samar island rainforest is one of the remaining rainforest in the country that helps to conserve the nature’s gift to human. Samar has good to offer in eco-tourism, it is one of the 200 Eco-Region in the world vital to preserving the Earth’s Biodiversity; it is the Center of Plant Diversity; an Endemic Bird Area; the Mammal conservation Priority Site; Reptile and Amphibious Conservation Priority Sites; and one with the biggest limestone formation in the country.

Samar is consider as the last bastion of biodiversity in the country and the home of biggest bird in the country the Philippine Eagle that was first seen in the island of Samar as recorded by historians.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in coordination with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility inaugurated the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Headquarters in Barangay Ternani, Paranas Samar last December 12 with the goal to preserve biodiversity in Samar Island and reduce poverty in upland communities.

Director Mundita Theresa S. Lim, DENRs Director of Protection of Wildlife Bureau and National Director of Samar Island Biodiversity Project said that the headquarter will be the instrument in achieving their goal to preserve biodiversity, protecting the forest of Samar island and setting Samar island as the center of biodiversity in the country for the future of the children.

UNDP Director Renaud Meyer said that the headquarter will not only set as the physical base for the protected area but also venue of different stakeholders to converge for information exchange for dialogue and for promoting innovation and conservation and development effort.

“This structure will be the site for conservation of biodiversity not only for Samar Island but also for the entire Visayas region,” he added.

He added that UNDP hopes that the SIBDP will not remain into documents but continues to educate and promote biodiversity conservation to protect the environment for the benefit of children’s future.

The island was declared as a protected area last August 13, 2003 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 442 creating Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). With a total land area of 333,330 hectares and a buffer zone of 125,400 hectares, a thirty eight species of mammals, two hundred fifteen species of birds, fifty one reptiles, 26 amphibians and over one thousand species of plants will be supported by the park

And through SINP soil erosion, sedimentation of rivers and coastal waters will be minimized and occurrence of destructive flashfloods will also be reduced. There will be sufficient and continuous supply of clean water for domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial uses to all samareños. There will also be sustainable livelihoods for upland communities through sustainable farming systems, harvesting and utilization of non-timber products and community base eco-tourism, local communities will also be empowered in resource management.

Personalities that were present during the inauguration are UNDP Director Renaud Meyer, DENR Undersecretary Mauel D. Gerochi, DENR Region 8 Director alfred Pascual and National Project Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and the local officials of Paranas.