Asian forum tackles environment related risks

Representatives from Asian countries who were selected from the graduates of Training on Risk Management on Community Development Planning held in Sweden are participating in a follow-up workshop at Shangrila Hotel, EDSA, Mandaluyong City, from June 1 to 9. The 12 countries represented are: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

The workshop is the result of a letter of agreement signed by Undersecretary Rolando L. Metin and Jim Sandkvist, representing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the organizer, SSPA Sweden AB, respectively. It is being implemented by the organizer composed of Sandkvist, Christina Backman and Bjorn Forsman, in joint efforts with the Human Resource Development Service, DENR, headed by Director Adeluisa G. Siapno.

During the opening held June 1, Sandkvist, said the main objective of the workshop is to evaluate the results and outcomes of this program which started in 1994. He said the activity will serve as an avenue for the exchange and sharing of information/insights on managing risks from various natural and man-made environmental disasters in their respective countries through effective community development planning.

Regional Executive Director Primitivo Galinato Jr. said our wealth of experiences in promoting and adopting community participation in planning and implementing natural resources and environmental projects prompted the organizer to select DENR to host the workshop. — Benny Enriquez