The DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it is preparing investment targets for reforestation projects that are taking place in an area of 1.2 million hectares.
Environment Secretary, Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, told reporters on the sidelines of the Japan-Philippines Environment Week that the reforestation area will be directed to potential foreign investors who need to reduce their pollution.
“We expect that there will be interest on the part of foreign companies that are willing or need to end their emissions. Our overall goal is to plant forests,” he said.
“What we want to do is that within this administration we have developed our way in releasing up to 3 million hectares for reforestation, reforestation, for other uses related to the sustainable use of our forest land,” he added.
Regarding the environmental programs involving Japan, Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga said she is looking forward to Japan’s participation in developing the e-waste management system in the Philippines.
“We don’t have an e-waste system in place,” he said.
He also added that there will be technical discussions that will be held so that the Philippines can deal with its solid waste problem, from waste to energy.
According to the World Bank, waste-to-energy solutions have been identified as a sustainable alternative to landfilling.
Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones added that the DENR is currently finalizing the framework between the DENR and the Ministry of Environment of Japan.
“We’re just revealing the details of the partnership,” said Mr. Leones.
Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga added that the Japanese government is willing to provide technical assistance, scientific cooperation, financing, and official development assistance.
“We are looking at how all of these can achieve our goals in terms of energy reduction, sustainable communities, and environmental protection, through different technologies and interventions,” he said. – Adrian H. Halili
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