The Negros Occidental provincial government, in collaboration with local representatives and stakeholders, has broken ground for the construction of a Biodiversity Conservation and Nature Tourism Center in Talisay City last March 31.
The center aims to promote sustainable development, environmental awareness, community empowerment, and forest protection. It will also provide livelihood sources for partner communities through eco-tourism development.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, 3rd District Rep. Kiko Benitez, and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz in Sitio Pulak-Pulakan, Brgy. San Fernando, Talisay City.
The center will have a multi-purpose hall, observatory tower, livelihood center, bamboo treatment facility, materials recovery facility, and wildlife research area.
Gov. Lacson emphasized the importance of a systematic, scientific, and evidence-based approach to achieve genuine environmental stewardship. He also thanked the USAID Safe Water Program for their support and acknowledged the collective effort of the provincial government, LGUs, local community, development partners, and other stakeholders in building a more sustainable future.
The Biodiversity Conservation and Nature Tourism Center in Talisay City will serve as a hub for promoting ecological conservation and awareness, providing educational programs and facilities, and supporting social entrepreneurship through eco-tourism development.
The bamboo tree-growing activity that followed the groundbreaking ceremony symbolizes the center’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.
