The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is ramping up efforts to prioritize reforestation and sustainable land use, marking a pivotal move in its partnership with Japan. Among the key focus areas this year is the designation of 1.2 million hectares of classified forest land as prime investment zones for reforestation, agroforestry, and other forest-related development initiatives.
In her address at the 2nd Philippines-Japan Environment Week in Makati City, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized the importance of these efforts for climate resilience, underscoring that both nations are committed to addressing pressing environmental issues. The memorandum of cooperation, signed last December, serves as the foundation for this partnership, with an emphasis on climate change mitigation, pollution control, clean energy solutions, and access to innovative technologies and financing.
“Investing in reforestation is critical to our climate action goals,” said Loyzaga. “These efforts will not only help reduce carbon emissions but also improve biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods.” The 1.2 million hectares identified for reforestation offer significant potential for enhancing the country’s forest cover, a vital component in climate adaptation strategies, including disaster risk reduction and flood management.
The partnership also seeks to accelerate the Philippines’ readiness for participating in the global carbon market, with backing from organizations like the Asian Development Bank. “We are working to enhance our capacity to tap into carbon market mechanisms, creating new opportunities for environmental and economic sustainability,” Loyzaga explained.
Additionally, the DENR is focusing on improving air quality monitoring, expanding flood and landslide risk mapping, and advancing pollution reduction technologies. These initiatives align with Japan’s expertise in environmental science, offering opportunities for cross-collaboration and technical capacity building.
By investing in forest restoration and ecosystem management, the DENR aims to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate change, while fostering long-term environmental stewardship. With continued collaboration between the Philippines and Japan, these efforts signal a commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection for future generations.
