In past issues, this column has devoted a lot of space on the green economy, covering green cities, industries and agriculture.
In today’s column, the focus is environment and natural resources. The participants in the Consultation on Sustainable Development held last November in Tacloban City pointed out some interesting regional aspects of the green economy as it pertains to the Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).
An element of the green economy states that the ENR sector should ensure environmental integrity and ecological resilience by enhancing and sustaining ecosystem goods and services thereby improving economic security.
The participants agreed that the above element is important but it recommended: gender equality, improving human and economic security, social acceptance and that the green economy should not be confined to defining it as low-carbon economy in the Philippine context since the Philippines has more carbon sequestration than emission.
Another element states that environmental and social safeguards (e.g. rights based approach and equitable benefit sharing) are in place.
The participants recommended the review of the Mining Act (e.g. payment for environmental services). Also, it is necessary to ensure that government instrumentalities actively protect the environment. The group recommends a strict enforcement of environmental laws.
Another element is that Payment for Environmental Services (PES) is institutionalized and operationalized.
The group recommended that User Fees be collected from the use/exploitation of natural resources for ecosystem protection (e.g. watershed protection and biodiversity preservation).
It also recommended the setting up of Environment and Natural Resources Offices in all Local Government Units (LGUs).
It can be gleaned from the above that much still has to be done in the environmental and natural resources sector to ensure the operationalization of the green economy.
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Designed by: Vicky O. Abestros; Date Modified: January 11, 2012