Save RP forests, says ADB

Sustainable forest and other natural resource management must be tackled to reduce poverty and ensure livelihoods in the Philippines.

Speaking at the first Philippine Forestry Development Forum hosted at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently, Shamshad Akhtar, director general of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department said the Philippines faces an enormous challenge in maintaining and preserving its natural resources, including forests.

"Forest loss and poverty are mutually reinforcing and unless addressed in an integrated manner, will threaten both the livelihoods of the poor and the environmental security of the country," Akhtar said.

She added: "Deforestation and mismanagement of forests because of demand pressure have caused a decline in sustainable wood supply and faster depletion and degradation of natural forests and production forests. Despite forestry projects implemented by various organizations and policies implemented by the national government to slow forestry loss, the rate of decline in natural forests and associated biological diversity has continued." The forum was organized by the Philippine Wood Products Association and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

It aimed to promote forestry in national development and formulate solutions to problems in the industry. It was attended by more than 200 participants including senior government officials, ambassadors, representatives from forest-based industries, academe, government agencies and other stakeholders. The country’s forest cover has fallen to less than 18 percent from 64 percent in 1920.

Thus the forum was timely as renewed and urgent efforts are called for in resource management. "We are open and ready to take on board recommendations of this forum," Akhtar told participants, especially at this time when the ADB is formulating a new country strategy program for the Philippines.

ADB has assisted the Philippines forestry sector through five major forestry development projects and programs supported by five loans amounting to a total of $311 million, and technical assistance grants with a total amount of more than $9 million.

ADB has supported upland development and protection of watersheds, critical ecosystems, and promoted private sector and community-based forest production management. These projects also supported policy and institutional reform measures to facilitate a participatory process in sustainable forest development, enhance coordination of sector investment activities and strengthen institutional capacity of the DENR.

It has given support to capacity building watershed management, biodiversity conservation and wood industry development, and has supported the preparation of the Philippines’ 25-year Master Plan for Forestry Development, which she laments has fallen short of its targets. – TPT