Loren tackles sustainable development at Beijing meet

BEIJING, China – Former senator Loren Legarda presented a paper on sustainable development in the Philippines at the start yesterday of the three-day 21st Century Forum here.

As the lone Philippine representative to the forum tackling problems that affect human development, Legarda outlined 21 specific programs she envisions as necessary for the Philippines to achieve sustainable development in the field of the environment and human development.

Among the measures Legarda discussed were the initiation of a crash program for massive reforestation, revival of dying river systems, strict implementation of anti-pollution laws, establishment of rural enterprises and efficient transport systems, and supporting frontier housing technologies such as the use of earthenware for mass housing in Central Philippines.

"I think the programs I have laid down would also be applicable in several Asian countries with environmental and economic conditions similar to the Philippines," she said.

Noted government, academic and institutional leaders are attending the conference, including former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatmir Mohamad whom Legarda interviewed recently, former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, former Brazilian President Jose Sarney, former French Premier Pierre Maurey, former Mozambique President Alberto Chissano and former US National Security Assistant Sandy Berger.

Also in attendance are Earth Policy Institute founder Lester Brown, Goldman Sachs adviser Joshua Ramo, Hong Kong Trade Development Council chairman Peter Woo and University of Tokyo president Hiroshi Komiyama.

Legarda also batted for the establishment of a legal support system to help individuals and institutions fighting for environmental causes and promoting environmental issues.

Legarda was invited by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference to attend the meet which will address fundamental problems that affect human development, including environmental degradation, income disparity among nations and the widening "North-South gap."

In accepting the invitation, Legarda said that the Philippines and other developing countries will have to band together, "act fast and with a sense of urgency for the cause of sustainable development."