The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) looks forward to mobilizing over $278 million or P15.5 billion worth of foreign-funded biodiversity and climate change projects that strengthen and make more resilient the various local government units (LGUs).
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga acknowledged the importance of securing foreign funds to bridge the financial gap in the successful pursuit of environmental programs in the country.
“Through strategic partnerships with multilateral and bilateral institutions, we can address environmental issues efficiently and effectively,” Loyzaga said.
The DENR chief said the Philippines has received grant funds for the purpose from countries likei Japan, Australia, United States, South Korea and Canada.
Loyzaga also highlighted the importance of partnerships with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Finance, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology and other agencies to accelerate LGU programs with global best practices in environmental management within the next five to six years.
The DENR is also in collaboration with development partners like the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the European Union (EU) to implement the Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution Integrated Program.
Other initiatives include the Green Economy Program funded by the EU which focuses on solid waste management and plastic waste reduction in sixty LGUs over five years and the enhancement of marine litter management in the Manila Bay.
The DENR said there are also plans to promote resource efficiency and circularity to reduce plastic pollution and the restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems’ health.
The agency also has collaborated with the World Bank on municipal solid waste management, recycling systems, and plastic circularity opportunities and strategies to combat the plastic waste crisis.
