Manila Bay Dolomite Now In Sea Says International Ocean Conservators
MANILA BAY DOLOMITE – OCEANA, an international ocean conservation and reservation organization says the dolomite used in Manila Bay is now in the sea.
The Manila Bay dolomite beautification project had been full of controversy. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, millions of tax-payer’s money were used to “beautify” the beach. Meanwhile, when asked to shift the budget to help those affected in the pandemic, the government said it was already allocated for the project.
As such, the project continued. However, storms, heavy rains, and large waves have eroded the dolomite. With this, the government continued to put more dolomite to compensate.
Meanwhile, for environmental lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos, the government’s decision to dump more dolomite was a “band-aid” solution. Ramos, the vice president of OCEANA Philippines stated: “We wish the government would be responsive to the needs of our time“.
Furthermore, OCEANA, the world’s largest ocean conservation and advocacy group urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to immediately stop the dumping of new loads of crushed dolomite on Manila Bay.
Additionally, Ramos emphasized how the projects was a waste of the people’s money. According to OCEANA, the dolomite dumped last year from September to December were already reclaimed by the sea.
Moreover, the dolomite that was added from December to February had eroded by at least 300 square meters. Still, the government continues to refill and even extend the area.
Instead of dumping dolomite, she recommended that true rehabilitation of Manila Bay can be achieved through the following:
• Reduce organic and plastic pollution
• Install water treatment facilities
• Ban mangrove-cutting
• Rehabilitate degraded areas
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