Philippines: Moratorium on Manila Bay Land Reclamation Urged

Last week, President Benigno S. Aquino was urged by the various groups to impose a 10-year moratorium on all reclamation projects slated to be done by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).

They noted that the total coverage of the national reclamation plan slated for the next three years is 38, 272 hectares, mostly in the Manila Bay area.

According to punto.com, this moratorium is “to allow experts and other independent groups to determine the impacts of large-scale reclamation on fishing areas and coastal people’s livelihood.”

“A 10-year moratorium period is necessary to undertake a major study on the impact of large-scale land reclamation in Manila Bay and other areas. There are many major and minor concerns that should be addressed and this require an ample period of time,” stated Pamalakaya vice chairperson Salvador France.

[mappress]

Dredging Today Staff, October 2, 2012