Manila, Sep 18 (DPA) The World Bank said Friday it has approved a $6.3-million grant for a project that aims to protect the seas and forests in the southern Philippines.

It said the project was part of the second phase of a rural development programme designed to reduce poverty and promote growth in the southern region of Mindanao.

'The grant is another example of the World Bank's commitment to support the government in realising its goal of inclusive growth through better natural resource management,' said Bert Hofman, the bank's country director.

The World Bank said the project aims to boost fish populations in 11 municipalities by as much as 30 percent, reduce silt and sediment by 10 percent and coral, and build up live coral and sea grass cover by 10 percent.

'It is also designed to expand the number of protected mangrove areas in the covered municipalities and heighten public awareness and community participation in protecting endangered species by 20 percent,' the World Bank said in a statement.