Northern Negros Park Celebrates 19th Year of Conservation

The Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) marked its 19th Biodiversity Conservation Anniversary with a four-day celebration from Aug. 12-15, 2024.

Held at San Carlos City’s Park Marina Activity Area, the event, themed “Our Home, Our Species,” highlighted the park’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, while emphasizing the importance of biodiversity preservation.

Various activities were organized to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and local communities involved in protecting the park.

These included a Mountain Trail Run through the NNNP, creative dance contests, games, and the Bantay Bukid Brigade’s (Forest Rangers) Tawag sang Lasang, a competition aimed at raising awareness about forest conservation.

PENR Officer Joane Nathaniel Gerangaya stressed the importance of cooperation in safeguarding the park.

“Having a firm relationship with each NNNP stakeholder will help us achieve our goal of firm environmental protection and law enforcement. NNNP is a precious jewel to us, and we are willing to do what is necessary to protect this jewel,” she said.

DENR Region 6 OIC-Regional Executive Director Raul Lorilla echoed this sentiment, praising the efforts of the stakeholders.

“NNNP is the last frontier of Negros Island and the lung center of Negros Occidental, thus we are committed to defend and preserve the natural beauty of NNNP against any violators.”

NNNP, located in northern Negros Island, spans 70,826 hectares and covers 11 municipalities and cities, including Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto, Talisay, and San Carlos.

It was declared a protected area in 2005 under Presidential Proclamation No. 895.

The park plays a crucial role in preserving the island’s biodiversity and ensuring the region’s environmental sustainability. (DENR-6)