Fighting Deforestation: DENR's Efforts to Protect Philippine Forests | Weather HQ

Summary

This interview discusses the critical issue of deforestation in the Philippines, focusing on efforts to address the ongoing environmental challenge. Assistant Director Ray Thomas Kabigting from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) elaborates on the decrease in forest cover, government initiatives like the National Greening Program, and the potential for reforestation to become a viable business model. Key topics include the role of carbon credits, sustainable forest management, and the innovative tree-hugging campaign that combines advocacy with mental health benefits. The DNR’s broader goal is to plant 3 million trees by 2028, collaborating with both the public and private sectors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deforestation is a major environmental concern in the Philippines, with a 7.6% decrease in forest cover from 2001 to 2022, equating to 1.42 million hectares.
• 😀 From 2010 to 2020, the Philippines experienced a 5% increase in forest cover, reaching 7.2 million hectares.
• 😀 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) continues its National Greening Program, which is expected to rehabilitate over 1.5 million hectares by 2028.
• 😀 DENR is launching a new initiative to offer 1.2 million hectares for investment opportunities, focusing on reforestation and forest rehabilitation as a business model.
• 😀 Sustainable Forest Management is emphasized as a way for businesses to profit while also ensuring that forests are replanted and rehabilitated.
• 😀 The Philippines is exploring carbon credit generation and aims to establish a domestic carbon market by the end of the year to tap into both local and international markets.
• 😀 The main causes of deforestation today include migration to forest lands, illegal logging, timber poaching, and agricultural mismanagement.
• 😀 Land use mismanagement occurs when people farm in areas meant to be maintained as forests, disrupting ecosystems and contributing to deforestation.
• 😀 The 'Tree Hugging Campaign' was started in 2022 by DENR as a way to raise awareness about forest conservation and boost mental health during the pandemic.
• 😀 DENR is planning a 3 Million Trees Campaign to plant and sustain trees in five provinces, with the support of private sector partners, by 2028.

Q & A

What is the current state of deforestation in the Philippines?

From 2001 to 2022, the Philippines experienced a 7.6% decrease in total forest cover, amounting to around 1.42 million hectares. However, there has been an increase in forest cover from 2010 to 2020, with a 5% growth in the forest area.

What is the National Greening Program, and what are its goals?

The National Greening Program is a government initiative aimed at reforesting the country. It is set to end by 2028, with a goal of rehabilitating and starting the rehabilitation of over 1.5 million hectares of forest.

Can reforestation be a viable business model?

Yes, reforestation can be a viable business model through sustainable forest management, where businesses harvest only what is needed and reinvest in replanting and rehabilitation. This model can also involve carbon offset and carbon credit generation, which is becoming a significant market.

What steps is the Philippines taking to implement carbon trading and offsetting?

The Philippines aims to establish a domestic carbon market by the end of the year. This will align with the Paris Agreement and allow both domestic and foreign investors to participate in carbon credit generation within the country.

What are the primary causes of deforestation in the Philippines today?

The main causes include migration to forest lands for settlement, timber poaching, and mismanagement of forest areas. Many people convert forested areas into agricultural spaces without proper land use planning, which disrupts ecosystems.

How has the Philippines' approach to deforestation changed over the years?

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Philippines was a major timber producer for export, but now deforestation is driven more by settlement encroachment, illegal logging, and agricultural expansion. Timber poaching and land mismanagement continue to contribute to the issue.

What is the Tree Hugging Campaign, and what inspired it?

The Tree Hugging Campaign started in 2022 as part of the Forest Management Bureau's efforts to raise awareness about deforestation and promote forest rehabilitation. It was inspired by a similar movement in India and was launched during the pandemic to encourage mental well-being through nature.

How does the Tree Hugging Campaign help with mental health?

The campaign encourages people to hug trees or engage with nature, which has been shown to reduce stress and boost happiness hormones, supporting better mental health and emotional well-being.

What is the 3 Million Trees Campaign, and what are its goals?

The 3 Million Trees Campaign aims to plant and sustain at least 3 million trees by 2028. The project focuses not only on planting but also on the long-term care and growth of these trees in partnership with the private sector.

Which areas are being targeted for the 3 Million Trees Campaign?

The campaign will focus on five provinces: Ilocos Norte, Leyte, Bohol, Lanao del Norte, and Rizal. Additional areas may also be considered based on potential for reforestation.