The Province of Negros Occidental received a Special Citation for being the first province in the country to have established the First Network of Coastal Greenbelt Zones.

The award was given by Oceana Philippines and Marine Protected Areas Support Network (MSN) during the 2023 Para El Mar held in Cebu City last Sept. 28, 2023, which recognized the best performing marine protected areas in the Philippines.

Para El Mar celebrates the efforts and achievements of Philippine MPA and Network Champions who are working hard to protect and restore the sea for the benefit of the present and future generations.

Para El Mar is a Spanish phrase, which means “for the sea”.The said event was hosted by MSN, a coalition of over 20 organizations that promote effective management and science-based governance of marine resources.*##SustainableEnvironmentalManagement#AbanseNegrense