DENR targeting 1-M trees in mining areas

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is targeting the planting of one million trees this year in its bid to intensify its regreening program.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Elisea Gozun said that through the heightened campaign for the "Adopt-a-Mountain, Adopt-a-Mining Forest" program, the government’s goal of revitalizing the mining industry might just come true.

She said the mining sector is currently maintaining about 1.7 million trees planted over 3,876 hectares of land in various parts of the country.

These areas, either reforested or afforested by the mining industry, include mined-out areas, slopes, decommissioned tailings ponds, causeways and waste dumps and vacant lots inside or nearby mining communities.

Among the trees planted in these places are agoho, gmelina, acacia, narra, molave, pine and mahogany, and fruit-bearing ones.

The "Adopt-a-Mountain, Adopt-a-Mining Forest" program mandates mining companies to conduct reforestation and afforestation within or outside their respective areas.

This order is in compliance with Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

"Unknown to many, the minerals industry has been a consistent partner of the DENR in its regreening program," Gozun said.

Through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, she said the compliance of mining companies "is ensured by regular monitoring and evaluation by our environment officers."

The compliance of mining firms are evaluated based on five criteria: long- and short-term development plan, nursery operation, extent of planted areas in relation to disturbed areas, maintenance, and protection.

Other factors such as services to communities and diversity of species to maintain the local biodiversity are also considered.