(Delivered by DENR Undersecretary Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr.)
Happy International Day for Biodiversity!
As we celebrate this day with the theme, “Be Part of the Plan,” we are reminded of our interconnectivity and that by working together, hand in hand, with shared goals and one vision of natural resources properly managed and a healthy environment, meaningful and powerful changes are possible.
We are enjoined to be part and commit to the work to realize the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s (KMGBF) four goals by 2050 which are to protect and restore, to prosper with nature, to fairly share the benefits, and to invest and collaborate, and to fully participate in decision-making, engagement, policy, or action for biodiversity towards the achievement of the Framework’s 23 targets by 2030.
The Philippines is one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world with two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and 70% to 80% of the world’s plant and animal species. Our country ranks fifth in the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the world’s flora.
On the other hand, the DENR’s vast office consists of 30 million hectares of land, 15 million hectares of classified forests, over 7 million hectares of Protected Areas, 36,000 kilometers of coastline and 2.2 (million) square kilometers of territorial seas which we have the mission to protect.
Heading to the second year from the Framework’s adoption in December 2022, we must keep the momentum to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, and to take part in the global outreach campaign to communicate the Plan to various stakeholders promoting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
By doing so, we generate a bolder response from government, civil society including women and girls, youth, and indigenous peoples. We involve local communities, non-governmental organizations, business and financial institutions, and lawmakers.
As we add to the projects, programs, policies, and other initiatives that engage people, the local implementation of the Plan also carries cooperation and partnerships for the reinforced protection, conservation, and sustainable management of our biodiversity.
Among the initiatives that we would like to highlight is the Sukat ng Kalikasan framework and toolkit that was successfully developed and created by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and national government agencies including the DENR, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Statistics Authority, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Sukat ng Kalikasan, translated as “Measurement of Nature,” is a product of our collective action to measure the country’s ecological, socio-economic and cultural values and baselines. Its approach improves the accuracy of determining conservation targets and measuring ecosystem services. In cooperation with USAID’s Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscapes or SIBOL project, Sukat ng Kalikasan was developed to, for the first time, account for the value of our country’s rich natural resources. Customized for the Philippine context, its objective is to appreciate the values that our ecosystems provide, so that we are in a more resilient position to manage our natural resources sustainably while achieving our development goals.
As we launch the Sukat ng Kalikasan framework and toolkit today, we reiterate our call for the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Bill’s signing into law, (we understand this has been submitted to the Office of the President two months ago; we will cross our fingers, in due time it will be signed by these agencies) which will institutionalize the use of Sukat ng Kalikasan, allowing for more effective natural resource management to reduce biodiversity loss; increase private sector engagement and investment; and make more resilient communities and a more resilient economy.
We recognize that the full adaptation of the Sukat ng Kalikasan framework will take time, but we commit to be “part of the plan” to ensure the effective application of this innovative approach. In this regard, we also commit to continue working with USAID SIBOL and other government agencies to implement the framework effectively.
With nature-positive outcomes to consider, the DENR also renews its pledge for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, ecosystem restoration, and environmental justice.
When we are responsible and accountable for our biodiversity, we create sparks of change that will definitely go beyond the Global Biodiversity Framework’s goals and targets.
Through this weeklong celebration, we hope to become our own keystones in long-term sustainable changes and encourage more stakeholders to be part in setting an ambitious pathway towards the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
Muli, isang makakalikasang araw sa ating lahat! Maraming salamat. ###
