Group pushes coastal greenbelts

MANILA, Philippines — Science advocates on Thursday called on the government to develop “coastal greenbelts” to protect people from strong typhoons.

The Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (Agham) opposed the decision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) not to allow residents of Siargao to return to their coastal homes.

Agham asked the DENR to instead build “coastal greenbelts” containing either mangrove forests, beach forests or even seagrass beds.

Agham scientists cited reports that said that mangrove reforestation in the island’s town of Del Carmen was able to protect residents from the effects of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai).

—DEMPSEY REYES