The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will launch two major information systems to strengthen the data sharing and accounting of the country’s natural resources.
In a statement, Jonas Leones, DENR undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs, said a geospatial system will manage readily available data which can be useful in the implementation of government projects.
Leones said the system will be helpful in the government’s reforestation program, application of geohazard maps, conduct of mining operations, monitoring of industry compliances with environmental regulations, land administration and supervision of protected areas.
The database is expected to bolster decision-making and collaboration with other government agencies.
Leones said the database will also be useful in identifying geo-hazard risks and in accounting the environmental and natural resources.
Leones said the DENR is focused on building the capacity of local government units and on strengthening the protection of indigenous species and their habitats.
“If we can harness our native knowledge, these have the potential to also boost our economy,” Leones said, adding that some countries and foreign companies come to the Philippines to learn from indigenous peoples particularly in managing natural resources.
The DENR official cited the need to climate -proof programs to ensure risks and climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies are integrated especially for the enhanced national greening program; clean air; intensified forest protection and anti-illegal logging; geo-hazard, groundwater assessment and responsible mining; and the Manila Bay cleanup.