SunStar February 19, 2021 THE Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR)-Davao Region might order the closure of Mount Apo to trekkers if environmental laws and health protocols will not be strictly observed.
In an issued notice to all stakeholders dated February 17, DENR-Davao Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco ordered the officials to further intensify the enforcement of environmental laws within the mountain.
Evasco, together with selected officials and personnel from Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur, recently conducted a trail and camp assessment from February 11 to 14, passing Sitio Paradise Digos trail to Camp Gudi-Gudi then to the summit.
The monitoring team noted the non-observance of proper waste disposal along the trails and campsites, sanitation, and health protocols.
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SunStar
Photo by Lymarc Roble February 17, 2021 THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Davao Region is pushing for stricter trekking rules in Mount Apo after its monitoring team observed trash, vandalism, and traces of drug substances in the mountain.
In a statement, DENR-Davao said the monitoring and assessment team, led by Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco, along with some officials and protected area conservationists, went on trekking during the long weekend to personally observe and assess the condition of the mountain. The goal is to assess the trail conditions and campsite situation in order to determine and strengthen preservation and conservation mechanisms for Mount Apo, which was hailed as an Asean Heritage Site in 2011, DENR-Davao said, adding that it is considering putting up facilities for a more convenient trekking experience.
(Photos courtesy of DENR Davao/ MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement on Monday, Feb.15, the DENR-XI said Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evaso, along with some officials and protected area conservationists, climbed Mt. Apo during the long weekend to “assess the trail conditions and campsite situation in order to determine and strengthen preservation and conservation mechanisms.”
“Observations during the activity also led to pushing for stricter trekking rules because trekkers seemed to ignore the existing policies,” the DENR-XI said.
“Trails and campsites were not just left with traces of footprints – so were empty soda and water bottles, face masks, and all other kinds of trash. Disappointingly, liquors and traces of drug substances were also observed in the area,” it added. It said even boulders were vandalized.
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