Working Together to Keep Bohol’s Waters Cleaner
BOHOL - Bohol continues to promote marine conservation through collaborative coastal activities, including the Duero-Guindulman-Jagna-Anda (DUGJAN) Marine Protected Area Network Scubasero Activity in Guindulman. Conducted as part of the International Coastal Cleanup celebration, the activity brought together technical personnel from the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office–Coastal Resource Management (BPEMO-CRM), partner agencies, volunteers, and representatives from the local government units of Duero, Guindulman, Jagna, and Anda. Their participation demonstrated how coordinated efforts can help address marine debris while encouraging communities to take an active role in caring for coastal resources.
Removing Waste That Can Threaten Marine Life
The cleanup recovered a variety of discarded materials from coastal waters, including fishing lines, ropes, fishing nets, clothing, tires, a motorized boat, and other debris. Items such as these can create hazards for marine habitats and wildlife when they remain in the water. Removing them is one practical way communities can contribute to cleaner coastal environments, while activities like the Scubasero initiative also provide an opportunity to increase awareness about responsible waste disposal and the importance of protecting marine areas. The involvement of several municipalities further shows how environmental concerns can extend beyond individual coastal communities.
Protecting Bohol’s Coastal Heritage Through Community Action
Beyond the physical removal of marine debris, the activity highlights the value of community participation in long-term environmental stewardship. Bohol's coastal resources form part of the island's wider natural and cultural landscape, making their protection important for residents, fisheries, tourism, and future generations. Through initiatives involving local governments, environmental personnel, volunteers, and other partners, conservation becomes a shared responsibility. These efforts also complement the province's broader goals for environmental sustainability and the protection of ecosystems within the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark.
