DENR, partner to protect 6 wildlife species

Manila, Philippines -  Six wildlife species will be protected under an agreement between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Energy Development Corp. (EDC), the country’s leading producer of geothermal energy.

Under the adoption agreement, the wildlife species to be protected are those found in various geothermal project sites like the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in Mindanao and Leyte; large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and golden crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) in Albay and Sorsogon, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental; Philippine warty pig (Sus philippensis), Philippine brown deer (Cervus marianus) and the Philippine eagle owl (Bubo philippensis) in Albay and Sorsogon.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said EDC’s participation in the Adopt-a-Wildlife Species program will further boost efforts to protect and conserve the country’s wildlife and other biological resources, particularly endemic species and those declared as endangered.

Instituted in June 2010 through DENR Administrative Order No.16, the Adopt-a-Wildlife Species program seeks to provide an avenue for local governments, the private sector, non-government organizations, civil society groups and other entities to participate in the national biodiversity conservation program for endangered species and keep them from extinction.

The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) is implementing the program through a five-year adoption scheme.

Paje signed the memorandum of agreement with EDC president and chief operating officer Richard Tantoco.

“Wildlife conservation is an integral part of our biodiversity program in all our project sites. The status of the flag species is our indicator of the health of the forest habitat and therefore, the sustenance of our water-based operation,” Tantoco said. “Our aim is the harmony of our geothermal operation with the natural cycle.”

Under the agreement, EDC will provide an initial amount of P1.3 million for the first year of project implementation to develop a detailed work and financial plan for the project in coordination with the PAWB.

The DENR will be responsible for the issuance of permits needed in the conduct of project-related activities, as well as monitor and evaluate the implementation of the project.

Paje said the project duration is five years starting from the signing of the agreement. It can be extended subject to mutual written consent of both the DENR and EDC, he added.