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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY?The government of France is keen on working directly with local government units on environmental protection projects and social conflict resolution, especially in areas in the Philippines where French nationals are involved in business enterprises.
?We are paying much attention concerning the need to respect the environment. We are thinking of a cooperation project and it will be nice to have such a bilateral cooperation,? France?s Ambassador to the Philippines Thierry Borja de Mozota told the Philippine Daily Inquirer during the visit here last week by the French frigate Vendemiaire.
The 93-meter French Navy warship called at the port of Puerto Princesa as part of a diplomatic tour of key Philippine ports which included Cebu and Davao.
Asked about the ongoing conflict between fishing communities in southern Palawan and a French-Filipino company that cultures pearls, De Mozota said the French Embassy was willing to ?help resolve conflict issues.?
?Palawan is the only place in the world where you can find the golden pearl and that is being cultured by Jewelmer,? the ambassador said.
Fishermen on the island of Bugsok where the Jewelmer pearl farm is located have been at odds with the French company, protesting the designation of no-take fishing areas.
De Mozota said there was a need to balance protection of the marine environment with the livelihood benefits resulting from initiatives such as the pearl farm.
?We have a lot of protected areas creating some problems with fishermen. But at the same time we need to be able to protect the environment. There is a need to balance. We are willing to find solutions. Those pearl farms are creating many jobs so we have to define our priorities,? he said.
