CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City may soon prohibit the cutting, removal, and earthballing of native and endemic trees in key biodiversity areas under a proposed ordinance that seeks to institutionalize urban biodiversity conservation and establish protected local conservation areas across the city.
Councilor Mikel Rama authored the proposed Cebu City Urban Biodiversity Management Ordinance, which has been included in the agenda for the City Council’s regular session on July 21.
The measure aims to establish a long-term framework for protecting the city’s remaining green and blue spaces while integrating biodiversity conservation into urban planning and development.
The ordinance cites rapid urbanization and land conversion as major threats to Cebu City’s ecosystems, noting that the city currently has only about 147.615 hectares of green spaces, with just 6.4 hectares allotted to major parks such as Plaza Independencia and Fuente Osmeña Circle.
READ: Cut, move 113 trees: Steps in Butuanon River flood control project
