DENR set to launch USAID-funded technical assistance program for natural resources

The ECOGOV, a technical assistance program granted by USAID with DENR as implementing agency will be launched in Nueva Vizcaya, on Dec. 6, 2002, according to its program manager Samuel C. Songcuan. The Code of Conduct for Good Environmental Governance will be presented/launched simultaneously.

The occasion will be highlighted with signing of memorandum of agreement on the effective implementation of program. Expected to grace the launching are former Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Heherson T. Alvarez, officials from local government units (LGU) and non-governmental organizations (NGO) representatives from Region 2 and selected areas of Central and Northern Luzon, ARMM, and Regions 9, 10 & 12.

ECOGOV or EcoGovernance program aims to promote and ultimately institutionalize good governance practices in DENR and the LGUS on environment and natural resources management, and reduce threats to the sustainable use of the country’s forests and coastal resources and deliver efficient integrated solid waste management service.

The sectors covered by this program are forestry (particularly upland), coastal/marine, environment, and good governance. The program hopes to solve the threats to the country’s environment and natural resources specifically over-fishing, illegal fishing and coastal habitat destruction, illegal cutting and conversion of natural forests, and insufficient local capability to implement integrated solid waste management.

The DENR’s role in the program is to facilitate and mobilize technical and other assistance to its field offices, LGUs, and related stakeholders in order to improve environmental policies and practices.

Western and Central Mindanao and ARMM are priority areas of the program because of two major reasons, namely: being demographically sensitive area and severe poverty. ECOGOV statistics show that in these areas the population is almost 10 percent of the national total in the year 2000, but growth rate is higher than national average.

Its poverty situation, except Region 10 has been increasing with ARMM posting the highest increment. These conditions pose a serious threat and pressure to the environment.

On the other hand, Central Visayas and Northern Luzon also belong to priority areas because of high illegal fishing practices and overfishing in the Visayas and high ecologically valuable forest cover in Luzon. Mindanao, too have areas vulnerable to human induced pressures/theats. While these areas were declared priorities, participation is open to other LGUs.