Community-based forestry agreements restored

Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes yesterday reversed the order of his predecessor, Michael Defensor, that had canceled community-based forestry management agreements (CBFMAs) nationwide.

In a memorandum, Reyes ordered all Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional directors to reassess all CBFMAs and submit their reports and recommendations to him within 30 days.

He also instructed DENR regional offices to provide technical assistance and support the operations of holders of CBFMAs and regularly evaluate their performance.

Reyes said the CBFMA had been adopted since 1995 as a national strategy to ensure sustainable development of forest lands and resources.

"It acknowledges and supports the capacities of local communities and indigenous peoples to protect, rehabilitate and manage forest lands and resources following the principles of social equality, sustainability and community participation," he said.

Reyes said the policy was reinforced by Executive Order No. 318 issued by President Arroyo, which identified CBFMA as "the primary strategy in all forest conservation, development and related activities.

"Henceforth, make sure that the implementation of CBFMAs in your respective areas of jurisdiction is properly monitored and supervised," he said.

Last Jan. 5, Defensor ordered the cancellation of CBFMAs after discovering that their holders were allowing them to be used by illegal loggers. — Katherine Adraneda