To safeguard and manage the country?s protected areas, Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza stressed the accountability of all members of the protected areas management boards nationwide.

During the first National Summit of Protected Area Management Boards held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila, Atienza said that all members of the PAMBs nationwide must also be responsible and, at the same time, liable for environmental degradation in their respective jurisdictions.

The summit was convened by the department, as chairman, to identify issues and concerns that continue to hinder the effective care and management of our protected areas, thus provide measures to address these problems.

Atienza explained that protected areas are essential components in national and global biodiversity conservation strategies. They provide a range of goods and ecological services while preserving natural and cultural heritage. They can also contribute to poverty alleviation by providing employment opportunities and livelihood to people living in and around protected areas.

Atienza said the creation of PAMBs ?is a strong indication that we are working for the sustained management of our protected areas. Preserving these so-called ?last frontiers? will not be as difficult if we continue to entail partnerships and continued joint effort among all stakeholders.?

The summit was highlighted with the covenant signing led by Atienza to forge a stronger partnership between the agency and the local government units, non-government organizations, peoples? organizations and the indigenous peoples.

Key personalities and organizations present at the event include former Environment Secretary Angel Alcala; Vice Gov. Alex Calingasan of Bukidnon; Mayor Constantino Navarro of Del Carmen, Siargao Island; Mayor Omarkhan Aripin of Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi; USaid; and Conservation International-Philippines.