TEHRAN, May 21 — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has underlined the need for national and international efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.

In his message on the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, he warned that between 30 and 35 per cent of critical marine environments are estimated to have been destroyed.

The full text of Ban's message, as released by the UN Information Center:

“Oceans cover almost three-quarters of the surface area of the globe.

"They are home to the largest animal known to have lived on the planet – the blue whale – as well as billions upon billions of the tiniest of microorganisms.

"From sandy shores to the darkest depths of the sea, oceans and coasts support a rich tapestry of life on which human communities rely.

"Fisheries provide more than 15 per cent of the global dietary intake of animal protein. Oceans and coastal areas provide invaluable ecosystem services – from tourism to protection from storms.

"Minuscule photosynthesizing plants called phytoplankton provide 50 per cent of all the oxygen on Earth.

“Yet, despite its importance, marine biodiversity – the theme of this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity – has not fared well at human hands.

"Commercial over-exploitation of the world’s fish stocks is severe. Many species have been hunted to fractions of their original populations.

"More than half of global fisheries are exhausted, and a further third are depleted.

"Between 30 and 35 per cent of critical marine environments – such as seagrasses, mangroves and coral reefs – are estimated to have been destroyed. Plastic debris continues to kill marine life, and pollution from land is creating areas of coastal waters that are almost devoid of oxygen.

"Added to all of this, increased burning of fossil fuels is affecting the global climate, making the sea surface warmer, causing sea level to rise and increasing ocean acidity, with consequences we are only beginning to comprehend.

“But, there is hope. A scientific review conducted in 2011 showed that, despite all the damage inflicted on marine wildlife and habitats over the past centuries, between 10 and 50 per cent of populations and ecosystems have shown some recovery when human threats were reduced or removed.

"However, compared to the land – where nearly 15 per cent of surface area is under some kind of protection – little more than 1 per cent of marine environments are protected.

“Lately, some progress is being made, particularly with the establishment of large-scale marine reserves and documenting areas of ecological or biological significance in open-ocean and deep-sea habitats.

"On this International Day for Biodiversity, as we look ahead to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June, we need to recommit to building on these advances.

“Rio+20 must galvanize action to improve the management and conservation of oceans through initiatives by the United Nations, governments and other partners to curb overfishing, expand marine protected areas and reduce ocean pollution and the impact of climate change.

"By taking action at the national, regional and global levels, including enhancing international cooperation, we can achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Target of conserving 10 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2020, a crucial step in protecting marine biodiversity for the future we want.” (PNA/IRNA) hbc/ssc

MANILA, May 21 – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 7 (DENR-7) office aims commencing this year its search for the greenest coastal resorts in Central Visayas (CV) to help raise anti-pollution efforts among such establishments for better environmental protection and sustainable tourism there.

DENR-7's plan complements the administration's 2011-2016 National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) which focuses on making Philippine tourism highly competitive, socially responsible and environment-friendly so the country can eventually become Asia's top must-see destination.

"The search will be a first for our country," said Dr. Al Orolfo, officer-in-charge Regional Technical Director of DENR-7's Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services.

He believes the search will also help boost public awareness and action against pollution which experts already cited as among threats to coastal and marine resources.

"There must be shared responsibility in protecting the environment," he said.

CV covers some 14,952 square kilometers of land and lies between Luzon and Mindanao islands.

Authorities reported CV's terrain is generally characterized by highlands with narrow coastal strips of arable land.

The region experiences dry season from March to May while remaining months of the year are relatively wet.

Natural wonders like marine biodiversity -including species found nowhere else -as well as waterfalls and Bohol's Chocolate Hills are among CV's top tourism draws.

Latest available data show CV has 13 resorts accredited by Department of Tourism (DOT).

Such facilities are in the provinces of Cebu (four resorts), Negros Oriental (two resorts), Bohol (six resorts) and Siquijor (one resort).

Resort is "any place or places with pleasant environment and atmosphere conducive to comfort, healthful relaxation and rest, offering food, sleeping accommodation and recreational facilities to the public for a fee or remuneration," DOT said in its guidelines on granting and cancelling accreditation of resorts and other establishments offering accommodation.

DOT Accreditation Division Chief Inspector Joey Tolentino said among the documents DOT requires proponents of new resort projects to submit are respective DENR environmental compliance certificates.

Compliance with such requirement will enable DOT to endorse the proponent concerned to Board of Investment (BOI), he noted.

"Such proponent will have the opportunity to avail of BOI initiatives," he said.

Orolfo said DENR-7 aims finalizing the search's guidelines as soon as possible as this office wants to formally recognize the greenest CV resorts during Coastal Clean-up Month this September.

"We'd like to make resorts more environmentally responsible," he said.

Orolfo noted that profit must not be the sole goal as establishments' operations will have long-term impact on the environment and people.

DENR-7 believes the search can bring forth a domino effect, encouraging other establishments to adapt respective environmental protection measures.

"Recognizing CV's greenest resorts can inspire other similar establishments to truly undertake respective environment-friendly initiatives including those on pollution," noted Orolfo.

DOT's available preliminary data show CV hosted in 2010 some 2.36 million local and foreign tourists including 20,307 overseas Filipinos.

Such travellers there accounted for 12.37 percent of the country's total 19.13 million tourists that year, DOT noted.

Earlier, DOT said the Philippines' 2011 visitor arrivals "reached unprecedented height of 3.9 million as it surpassed the target for the year," growing 11.2 percent.

The Philippines aims attracting in 2016 some 45.5 million international and domestic tourists, NTDP shows.

Government's NTDP target is to also boost the Philippine economy with tourism gross value-added wealth of some P1,061 billion that year.

NTDP likewise aims creating in 2016 tourism-related employment for nearly seven million people nationwide. (PNA)

LDV/CJT/mec

CAIRO, May 21 — Egypt's presidential candidates finalized on Sunday their electoral campaigns two days before the historic vote.

All forms of electoral campaigns by the candidates during the 48-hour silence period are banned. They cannot hold any meetings or participate in rallies to promote their programs or appear in media interviews.

Former Arab League chief Amr Moussa, who concluded his last trails to gain more votes, told a conference in Behirah Governance, north of Cairo that "the Egyptians are moving to cast their votes not only for choosing a person whom they can trust his nationalism, experiences and ability to lead the country, but also to determine their destiny and choose a way for democracy, freedom and dignity. "

"The choices are clear, either to put Egypt on the right path of achieving the uprising's goals, transform Egypt into a real democratic state with competitive economy, or to enter the vortex of regional and domestic disputes due to wrong concepts and methods," he added, calling on all the citizens to vote and participate in choosing a future for Egypt.

Moussa added that "I can see the future of Egypt, a strong country with Muslims and Coptics, men and women without discrimination or marginalization, a country which can eliminate poverty, and break the vicious circle of illiteracy, unemployment".

Ex-Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq, a candidate from ex-President Hosni Mubarak's era, pledged to create constant security, comprehensive justice and balanced development in the middle class.

Attacking Muslim Brotherhood (MB) movement, Shafiq said, "Egypt is a moderate country with an Islamic reference which emerges from Azhar institution," criticizing the extremist movements which try to drag Egypt to the old ages.

Shafiq reiterated although the Islamists got their chance in the parliament, but it was obvious now that MB wants to control all powers and institutions.

He criticized those who call for a president on a religious base, "We are all Muslims and Christians believing in God, and the simple Egyptians don't seek a president to teach them religion but a president who can create jobs and provide food."

Shafiq played down the counter campaigns which said his candidacy will bring demonstrations to Tahrir square, considering it a weak publicity of other competitors who seek chaos in Egypt.

In intensified efforts of the last hours to gain trust of more voters, MB's political arm Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) chairman Mohamed Morsi addressed a popular assembly in Port Said, north Cairo, saying "Egyptians will choose their president with freedom and will, and no body will dare to hinder the people's will."

He affirmed the "renaissance project" which he adopts is not a dream but an applicable plan.

Meanwhile, according to the independent local polls Sunday, Ahmed Shafiq ranked the first, followed by Moussa and then Abdel- Moneim Abul Fotouh. Sabahi came in the forth place, followed by Mohamed Morsi. The first presidential vote, after the fall of ex-President Hosni Mubarak in February 2011, is set to be held on Wednesday and Thursday. However, due to fierce competition, it is unlikely to produce an outright winner in the first round. A run-off will be held in mid June.

Secretary General of the Higher Presidential Election Commission (HPEC), Hatem Bagato, said Saturday the commission has finalized all arrangements to facilitate the electoral process.

He added HPEC granted licenses to three foreign organizations and 49 local ones to observe the upcoming elections.

There are more than 50 million Egyptian voters inside the country. The commission will deploy 14,500 judges nationwide in addition to 65,000 public servants to monitor the process.

The police and the armed forces are closely coordinated to secure the voting process with strict measures to prevent cheating.

The commission has pledged the vote will be free and fair. The final results will be announced on June 21, and the military rulers will transfer power by June 30. (PNA) DCT/mec

LEGAZPI CITY, May 21 -– Catanduanes is ready to deploy highly-trained marine environmental protection and water search and rescue operatives to look over safety at sea and coastal resource protection in the island province.

Trained by the Philippine Coast Guard in cooperation with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils of the province’s 11 towns, the operatives are composed of 78 selected volunteers from different barangays.

These volunteers have passed the five-day Marine Environmental Protection and Water Search and Rescue training conducted recently, according to Joel Garcia, the PCG regional commander for Bicol based at the Naval District III headquarters in Barangay Rawis here.

The activity pursues the Memorandum of Agreement entered into between the provincial government of Catanduanes and the PCG Bicol regional headquarters.

It provides for a program for water safety and coastal environment protection.

The program aims to bring down water safety measures at the barangay level to empower local constituents in minimizing the loss of lives of marginal fishermen and fishing implements during inclement weather at sea, he explained.

It also seeks to establish WASAR teams at the barangay levels to enable coastal villagers to respond to emergencies and render first-hand rescue services.

Garcia said the recent WASAR training was the second conducted in the province. The first was in November last year wherein 57 participants from five municipalities passed the training.

One component of the WASAR is the need to protect the local coastal waters from oil spill or any forms of contaminants and toxic substances which may endanger the marine’s flora and fauna.

To institute preparedness and enhance the emergency response capabilities of the local folks, MAREP training was also conducted.

Catanduanes which lies at the Philippine Sea and separated from the Bicol mainland by the Lagonoy Gulf and Maqueda Bay has been a recipient of the project “Saving Lives and Marine Resources thru Safety Practices” introduced by the 905th Auxiliary Squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The project being implemented in partnership with the municipal government of Bato, Catanduanes trains local fishermen and seafarers on survival and life saving techniques when caught by offshore tragedies.

The project also undertakes a program designed to protect marine resources in the light of the continuing degradation of the marine environment of the province.

The project, according to Garcia was conceived by the PCG because Catanduanes is situated at the path of typhoons developing over the Pacific Ocean and the rising number of marginal fishermen and travelers lost at sea during inclement weather conditions.

It also considers the protection and restoration of the island’s coastal vegetation and other marine resources as a way to combat the life threatening impacts of climate change, the PCG regional chief said.

The project carries with it three components—the mandatory registration of fishing vessels three gross tons and below; conduct of training-seminars on basic safety, life-saving and survival measures, weather and typhoon dynamics and navigation; and “ways to save the ocean”. It also provides survival kits and life jackets to fishermen.

The PCGAS has been active in supporting local governments and the local PCG unit in implementing activities concerning marine environmental protection, maritime search and rescue, maritime safety administration, community development and youth development.

With a very strong spirit of volunteerism in the heart of every 905th CGAS member, it has continuously sustained its mission despite limited resources, said Garcia. (PNA)

hbc/LAM/DOC/cbd

BELGRADE, May 21 — Nationalist opposition leader Tomislav Nikolic has won Sunday’s presidential election runoff in Serbia, with his opponent liberal EU-oriented ex-President Boris Tadic conceding defeat.

I congratulate Tomislav Nikolic on an honest and deserved victory. I wish him great luck at this very difficult post,” Tadic said in an address to his election headquarters.

Early predictions showed Progressive Party leader Nikolic was gaining about 49 percent of the vote, and Tadic some 47 percent.

Democratic Party leader Tadic said he has not yet decided what he was going to do in the future.

“I will definitely not be the new prime minister,” he said, adding that Serbia’s course for EU integration should be continued.

The first round of Serbia’s presidential election was held on May 6, with Tadic gaining a slight advantage of 10,000 votes or 0.26 percent over Nikolic.

Tadic, who has already served two terms in office, stepped down in early April in order to run in the election. He said Sunday’s runoff was a referendum on whether Serbia is headed to the EU membership.

Nationalists blame the ex-president for Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence in February 2008. (PNA/RIA Novosti) DCT/mlc

DAGUPAN CITY, May 21 — About 250 youth leaders across the country will converge starting Tuesday (May 22) at the CSI Stadia here to participate in the five-day 20th National Youth Congress on Drug Abuse Prevention Education.

Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Antonio Villar Jr. said that the congress, which will last up to May 25, is designed to provide an open and comfortable atmosphere for fun, real work and innovative strategic planning to combat the drug menace in the country.

A team of trainers and facilitators shall provide participants the opportunity for positive discussions/dialogues, structured learning activities, workshops and inputs.

Villar added that the gathering will address new issues of concern to young people throughout the country, mindful of the emerging new drug trends and consequent problems faced by the youth.

He lauded Dagupan City Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez for hosting the opening ceremonies as part of her anti-drug abuse advocacy.

“There are very few leaders in the local government who have the same zest, enthusiasm and dedication to fight illegal drugs as Vice Mayor Fernandez,” Villar said.

During the Congress, participants will share their knowledge, skills and experience in upholding the ideals of a drug-free country. They are expected to be anti-drug abuse advocates and potent partners of the government.

But delegates will also have their days of fun, part of which is to personally experience actual bangus harvest in a fishpond through the Amazing Race Team Challenge, Search for Mr. and Ms NYCC Ambassador 2012, the Talentadong Grupo Edition, among others.

This Youth Congress is a joint project of the DDB, National Youth Commission, City Government of Dagupan, National Youth Coordinating Council Drug Abuse Prevention Education in cooperation with the Inter Agency Council on DAPE. (PNA) DCT/FFC/LVM/rma

MANILA, May 21 — An agreement allowing gainful employment for family members of diplomatic and consular officials and staff of the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv has been signed between the Philippines and Israel.

Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Erlinda F. Basilio signed the arrangement for the Philippines and Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, Menashe Bar-On, signed for Israel during the 6th Philippines-Israel Joint Commission Meeting in Manila held in early May.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Ruth Kahanoff, Deputy Director General and Head of the Asia and Pacific Department, led their respective delegation as witness to the signing. (PNA) DCT/GJB

LEGAZPI CITY, May 21 — Through the Climate Change Academy at the Bicol University here, the Albay Provincial Government recently launched its handbook on effective resource management for climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The guidebook is the first of its kind by a local government unit.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the Albay Sustainable Development Guidebook (ASDG), was published with the help of the Manila Observatory, a leading scientific research institution, and Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings, Inc. (CGPHI). The book project was pursued under a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed in 2010.

The ASDG book launch at the Bicol University here, was attended by Executive Director Antonia Loyzaga of the Manila Observatory and Tiwi Geothermal Field Asset Manager Wilson Clemente of the CGPHI.

The Climate Change Academy, also a first of its kind in the country and in Asia, was inaugurated by President Noynoy Aquino in December last year.

“With the guidebook, we hope to address key climate change issues and disaster preparedness in the localities. This will be our primary tool in building the capacity and capability of Albay in terms of managing natural disaster risks”, Salceda said.

He explained that the ASDG combines climate and geo-hazards technical studies with socio-economic data to provide the local government with planning and development inputs. “Specifically, it assesses water resource and geo-hazard concerns and sectors that are likely to be affected by future climate changes,” he stressed.

The governor added that other provinces, cities and municipalities can use the ASDG as a template for designing their own planning tools in CCA and DRR.

Albay has pioneered CCA and DRR programs in the country. It has sponsored national conventions and conferences in the past six years, and institutionalized these programs into its LGU organization. For his efforts, the United Nations has named Salceda as its Senior Global Champion in CCA and DRR, and Albay as its global model.

In the 2010 agreement, the Manila Observatory was tasked to undertake a 20-month study of the geological, climate, disaster risks, and socio-economic indicators specific to Albay, and recommend possible solutions and measures to address the risks identified.

The study focused on the area spanning the critical Malinao watershed and Tiwi coast, which have recently become prone to heavy flooding. Interdisciplinary analysis was used in the study guided by the need to address the peculiar dynamics and complexity of sustainable development. (PNA) DCT/FFC/JCN/mec

GENEVA, May 21 — The 65th World Health Assembly (WHA) opened here on Monday. Nearly 3,000 delegates from 194 member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) attend the annual meeting.

During the one-week session, one of the most important topics is the appointment of WHO Director-General. Current Director-General Margaret Chan was norminated for a second term by the WHO Executive Board in January and the normination will be submitted for approval by the WHA on Wednesday afternoon. She is the sole candidate for the post.

Chan was elected as director-general on Nov. 9, 2006 and her current term runs through June 2012. If approved by the assembly, Chan's new term will begin on July 1, 2012 and continue until June 30, 2017.

Other issues also on top of the agenda include the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases; monitoring of the achievement of the United Nations millennium development goals and WHO reforms. (PNA/Xinhua) DCT/ssc

DAVAO CITY, May 20 — Archbishop Romulo Valles will be installed as the new head of the Archdiocese of Davao in ceremonies Tuesday morning, May 22, at the San Pedro Cathedral.

To preside over the canonical installation of Archbishop Valles is Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Guessipi Pinto.

Members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) led by president Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma will also witness and assist in the installation.

Archbisop Valles, 60, will formally replace Archbishop Fernando Capalla, 77, whose resignation due to health reasons had been accepted by the Pope Benedict XVI.

Monday evening, May 21, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Pinto and Archbishop Palma will preside over a CBCP meeting at the Bishops' Palace where Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte are among the invited guests.

On Wednesday, May 23, Archbishop Valles and CBCP members will be in Batobato, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, where the new archbishop started his priesthood, for a Thanksgiving Mass.

The 60-year old archbishop’s appointment was announced in the Vatican and by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Pinto in Manila on February 11, 2012.

Prior to his new assignment Archbishop Valles for more than five years served the Zamboanga archdiocese, including the Prelature of Ipil and Isabela, Basilan and the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo.

Valles was born on July 10, 1951 in Bohol province’s Maribojoc town. He was ordained a priest on April 6, 1976.

On the other hand, Archbishop Capalla, former CBCP president, said he would have no dull moments after retirement.

In his homily Sunday in televised Mass at the St. Jude Parish, Archbishop Capalla said he will spend his retirement days at the Bishop's Palace here in Davao City.

He said he will continue to serve in "non-paying" jobs as a figure in the Bishops-Ulamas Conference, a key player espousing inter-faith cooperation in the quest for peace in Mindanao, the Davao City-based SOS Foundation that is helping children in crisis.

He will also serve as consultant to the Cocofed Federation, which is pushing coconut farmers' right to the government-held multi-billion peso Coco Fund, and the Bangkok-based International Conference of Bishops and Ulamas. (PNA) DCT/RMB/ldp