DENR to hold environment summit in February

MANILA, Philippines – A summit will be held in Manila next month to address environmental problems in relation to sustainable development.

Slated on Feb. 9 to 11 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the “First Philippine Environment Summit: Breakthroughs and Innovations toward Sustainable Development” will be co-hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said at least 1,000 participants from various sectors are expected at the event co-organized by the Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy.

“Participants include representatives from government, academe, church groups, civil society and other environmental organizations,” he said.

The summit, with its theme “Greening Together, Growing Better,” will highlight the importance of concerted action to effectively resolve environmental problems, especially climate change, Paje said.

He pointed out that unity in resolving environmental problems was necessary to meet the global agenda affirmed in two major environmental events in 2015: the issuance of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment in June and the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris last December.

“The summit will showcase breakthroughs and innovations that contribute to environmental protection while encouraging collective action in addressing policy gaps,” Paje said.

The event will be composed of plenary sessions, an exhibit on outstanding environmental practices and technologies, and a recognition ceremony for eco-champions from local government units.

Three sessions will be held to feature working, sustainable and innovative programs. These are safe food, healthy environment and sustainable economy.

The session on safety will focus on food security and the effect of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on soil.

Topics include organic agriculture, safe food manufacturing, health and food, and urban gardening and solid waste management.

Meanwhile, the healthy environment session will discuss threats of climate change on ecosystem health, with topics on healthy land, water and air, and on climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk education and management.

A representative from the French embassy is also expected to give an update on the COP21 during this session.

The session on sustainable economy will discuss eco-friendly industries, eco-tourism, renewable energy and environmental governance to highlight how economic progress can be attained without compromising the environment.