Makati city: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is calling on banks, businesses, and development partners to invest in community-based forest enterprises, emphasizing that stronger livelihoods for upland communities are crucial to safeguarding the country's forests.
According to Philippines News Agency, during an investment forum organized by the DENR-Forest Management Bureau (FMB) in Makati City, the agency showcased eight Community-Based Forest Management People's Organizations (CBFM-POs), highlighting their essential role in sustainable forest management. Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, represented by Undersecretary Jonas Leones, emphasized the crucial partnership these CBFM-POs have played in protecting and managing the nation's forest resources.
Cuna stated that only 7,226,394 hectares of forest remain in the Philippines, with 30.7 percent being closed forest, 65 percent open forest, and 4.3 percent mangrove forest. He noted that 20 million Filipinos live within these forests, underscoring their importance not just as numbers on a map but as active participants in forest conservation.
The DENR aims to promote inclusive investments and partnerships, as well as sustainable financing for community forestry, through this forum. The initiative aligns with the 'Forests for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028 Program,' which seeks to attract investments that empower upland communities while preserving forest ecosystems.
Leones shared his experiences as a forester, noting the challenges communities face in protecting forests and sustaining their families. He highlighted that while CBFM-POs have reduced illegal activities, stable income sources are necessary to sustain these efforts. The forum aims to connect community organizations with investors and markets, exploring potential collaborations for forest protection.
Cuna affirmed that people's organizations have demonstrated their capability to manage forest resources and are prepared to become investment partners. Since 1995, the DENR has issued 2,000 CBFM agreements covering 1.66 million hectares, benefiting over 167,543 CBFM stewards. A significant portion of these agreements overlaps with Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles, emphasizing the recognition of indigenous and community rights.
From 2007 to 2025, these organizations have produced over 52.6 million seedlings, engaging in agroforestry, bamboo, rattan, ecotourism, and other forest-based industries. Cuna acknowledged the challenges faced by many organizations due to limited financing and market access, but he stressed that investments could bridge these gaps, leading to sustainable production and improved rural incomes.
Cuna reiterated the DENR's long-term goal of fostering self-sustaining community enterprises and emphasized the importance of empowering CBFM communities. He also expressed gratitude to the people's organizations for their efforts in protecting the forestland.
During the forum, the DENR introduced the Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA) Module under the Frontline Services Transaction System (FSTS), a new digital platform designed to streamline the processing of forest land management agreements, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for stakeholders.
