Regional director Lormelyn Claudio of the Environment and Natural Resources yesterday called on all coastal cities and towns in Negros Occidental to establish their Coastal Resource Management Council to protect the marine resources of the province.

During the opening of the 15th Provincial Environment Week, Claudio said that DENR's coastal resource management program aims to provide technical services to the local government in their plan to rehabilitate and protect all the coastal resource in their area.

She reminded the public that the sea is not only an important source of food but also the end tunnel of all waste through in its tributaries.

Claudio lauded the activities lined-up during the environment week celebration but said the clean-up of the barangays must include the shorelines of Bacolod City.

She also urged the local government units in the province to be vigilant on industries that emits their water affluents to the sea.

"Be sure that they have the necessary environment clearances and they comply with the wastewater treatment requirements before you allow them to operate," Claudio said.

She said that everyone should be worried about the climate change and unusual weather patterns as these manifest a "sick earth".

Quoting former U.S. vice president Al Gore, Claudio said that global warming is the most dangerous crisis the world has to face.

She said that the Philippines was not spared from tragic weather disturbances and everyone should take active involvement in the protection and conservation of the environment.

Meanwhile, Gov. Joseph Marañon challenged those who attended the opening rites of the environment week to do their share in protecting the environment.

He said that a healthy environment is the best legacy the next generation will inherit from their forebears.*NB

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