Tuguegarao City (October 12) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 02 recently launched the Integrated Coastal Resource Management (ICRMP) Project which aims to protect the coastal and marine resources in the region.

The project is a six-year initiative which will adopt a holistic approach to coastal management by integrating terrestrial and coastal environments, strengthening of policy and institutional frameworks, developing local government capacity and reducing pressures on coastal resources.

To strengthen local government institutional capability, the project will develop a policy and institutional strengthening and development strategy.

Meanwhile, to protect the coastal ecosystems in threatened areas, the project will conduct various biodiversity conservation activities and promote basic ICRM practices. This will include pollution control, environmental management, resource-use licensing and management of foreshore beaches and mangroves.

The project will also develop livelihood enterprises for the fisherfolk. DENR will assist the various communities in developing business plans and to link them with credit facilities.

In addition, DENR will also assist the LGUs in addressing the social and environmental needs of the municipality and develop support systems to mitigate coastal pollution and degradation of resources.

Beneficiaries of the project are municipalities of Sta. Ana, Gonzaga, Buguey, Sta. Teresita, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Pamplona, Calayan, Sanchez Mira, Claveria and Sta. Praxedes; all towns of the province of Cagayan.