VALENCIA, Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands-Nickel Asia Corporation affiliate Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC) led its employees in a company-wide coastal cleanup in celebration of the World Ocean Day on June 8.

Through the Environmental Department, CMC personnel picked up trash along the seashore beginning at the Post 1 going to the Is-isan area.

Anchored on the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” this year's World Ocean Day aims to raise awareness on the destructive impact of plastic materials to the oceans and marine life.

Paolo Amadeo, CMC marine biologist, said this is the reason why the company is engaged in several important initiatives to protect the marine life surrounding its mine site.

Amadeo cited CMC's own Coastal Resource and Management Program (CRMP), which includes the adoption of a marine protected area (MPA) where all marine species can thrive.

Located in the Gaas Bay, the company's adopted MPA is a sprawling 80-hectare conservation area that is home to different species of fish, corals, mangroves and other marine life.

Last year, CMC installed artificial coral reefs as alternative habitat for fish and other marine life.

Valencia Barangay Chairperson Renieboy Tillo underscored CMC's contribution to preserve and maintain a healthy, balanced marine ecosystem within the MPA.

"Valencia and its marine resources are safe and secured because of CMC's consistent care and protection in the area," Tillo said.

CMC Community Organizer Mary Jean Litang also pointed out that on top of the technical assistance, the company also helps provide security to keep poachers and illegal fishers away from Gaas Bay.

“We have Bantay Dagat Association to oversee our MPA and the company has provided honorarium in the past years and now a livelihood program,” Litang said.

Most importantly, Amadeo said the company has taken extra care that its mining activities do not affect in any way to the health of the marine life surrounding its mine site.

Aside from the regular coastal clean-up, Amadeo said CMC's settling ponds are equipped with engineered geotextiles to filter silt and other wastes that may negatively impact water bodies around the mine site.

CMC's focus on marine life preservation, he said, is rooted in its commitment to protect the community's main source of livelihood: fishing.

Although many of the residents have already abandoned fishing for gainful employment at the company, CMC continues to preserve the area's marine resources for the future generations.