French environmentalists cite ‘Albay Green Economy’

MANILA, Philippines - French environmentalists have cited a pioneering economic program on sustainable development and poverty alleviation that hinges on the protection of the environment.

Dubbed Albay Green Economy, the program was conceptualized in 2009 and has gained the following for the province: “zero casualty” during disasters, increased forest cover by 88 percent, bigger coverage of mangrove areas (from 700 hectares to 2,400 hectares), and higher rice production (from 147,291 metric tons in 2008 to 200,088 MT in 2013).

Despite typhoons that hit the province, Albay, through the green program, has also contributed 250 megawatts of geothermal power to national power resources, invested more in environment programs, and enhanced ecotourism, which hiked foreign tourists inflow from 8,700 in 2006 to 339,000 in 2013.

On invitation of the French embassy, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda presented the program at a state dinner hosted by President  Aquino at Malacañang for French President Francois Hollande, who was on a two-day state visit to the country on Feb. 26-27.

Hollande, a leading environmentalist, congratulated Salceda for his achievements as climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction champion and for Albay’s “outstanding zero casualty” records during disasters.

During the event, Salceda told Hollande he was elected Green Climate Fund (GCF) chair in Paris in October 2013 and thanked him for making France the second largest contributor of $1 billion to the GCF during his term. The governor represented Southeast Asia and developing countries in the GCF.

CCA campaigner and 2008 Oscar Best Actress Marion Cotillard and other French environmentalists also praised Albay Green Economy.

“The green economy (program) is a solution to climate change, that is not only possible but imperative,” Cotillard, who was with Hollande’s delegation, said.

Government officials also lauded Salceda for transforming Bicol into the fastest growing region at 9.4 percent growth rate in 2013. The governor is the head of the Bicol Regional Development Council.