DILG issues guidelines for LGU coastal greenbelt establishment

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued new guidelines directing coastal local governments to establish, reforest, and protect coastal greenbelt zones.

These guidelines recognize local government units (LGUs) as frontliners in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, emphasizing their role in implementing localized strategies for coastal greenbelts.

The DILG order advises LGUs to assess areas that can be declared as coastal greenbelt zones, collaborate with agencies and civil society groups, and formulate management plans.

Coastal towns are urged to remove illegal structures within easement areas and consider municipal waters when establishing these zones to prevent jurisdictional conflicts.

Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio of Oceana Philippines emphasized that local communities should not accept the impacts of climate change passively and highlighted the importance of coastal greenbelt zones in protecting against storms and other hazards.