Silago mayor showcases ‘ridge-to-reef’ conservation model in Germany

TACLOBAN CITY – The mayor of Silago, Southern Leyte, showcased the municipality’s “ridge-to-reef” environmental governance and food security initiatives before global leaders at an international sustainability conference in Hamburg, Germany.

Mayor Lemuel Honor presented the town as a model for balancing natural resource conservation with community development.

He represented the Philippines at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, held from June 28 to July 1, where government officials, development organizations, businesses, and civil society groups from around the world gathered to discuss practical solutions to global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems, and inclusive economic growth.

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During the conference, Honor shared how the coastal municipality has strengthened the protection of its forests and marine ecosystems while ensuring food security for its more than 17,000 residents.

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“Our campaign is from ridge to reef,” Honor said in an interview on Sunday, July 5.

“Protecting our environment means safeguarding everything—from our mountain forests to our coastal waters,” he added.

Located on the eastern coast of Southern Leyte facing the Surigao Strait and the Pacific Ocean, Silago is considered one of the province’s ecologically rich municipalities.

Its interior is dominated by the forested slopes of the Leyte Central Highland Range, including Mt. Nacolod, one of Southern Leyte’s highest peaks, and Mt. Hingatungan. These mountains serve as vital watersheds and are home to diverse wildlife, rivers, and remaining tropical forests.

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Along its coastline, Silago’s coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and productive fishing grounds support thousands of fisherfolk and provide food and livelihood for coastal communities.

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Recognizing the close link between healthy forests and productive seas, Honor said his administration adopted a comprehensive “ridge-to-reef” approach by strictly enforcing laws against illegal logging in upland areas and illegal fishing in municipal waters.

“This really takes political will on my part,” he said. “Because of this campaign, I lost some friends who asked favors from me. But I told them I cannot give special treatment—not even to friends or political allies. I have to implement the law.”

Honor also said illegal logging and illegal fishing had long been treated as ordinary practices in some communities, making law enforcement one of the local government’s biggest challenges.

To strengthen marine conservation, Silago joined seven other coastal municipalities bordering Silago-Cabalian Bay in forming the Pacific Alliance of LGUs for Marine Resources Development (PALMDev).

The alliance seeks to protect marine ecosystems and improve fisheries management for the benefit of more than 10,000 fishermen who depend on the bay for their livelihood.

PALMDev is supported by Rare Philippines, an international conservation organization implementing the Fish Forever program, which partners with local governments and fishing communities to restore fisheries, improve livelihoods, and promote community-led marine conservation.

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Stephanie Villaceran, Rare Philippines’ project head in Southern Leyte, expressed confidence that the initiative would achieve its objectives because of the strong commitment shown by both local government leaders and coastal communities.

“This is a five-year program that started in 2023, and we are optimistic that we can achieve our goal of protecting and conserving the marine resources of Silago-Cabalian Bay,” Villaceran said.

Apart from environmental conservation, Honor also highlighted Silago’s food security program, which encourages every household to establish backyard vegetable gardens.

He said the initiative has significantly increased vegetable production in the municipality, enabling local farmers not only to meet household food needs but also to supply neighboring towns.

“In fact, we now have an abundant supply of vegetables, and we are already selling them to nearby municipalities,” he added.

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Honor said Silago’s experience demonstrates that protecting forests and marine ecosystems while investing in food security can improve both environmental sustainability and the quality of life of local communities, a message he shared with fellow delegates at the international conference. /mcm