Manila: The Philippines and Japan have vowed to explore areas of cooperation on climate change and speed up climate action, including optimizing opportunities in green and gray infrastructure.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, in her speech during the opening of the 2nd Philippine-Japan Environment Week, emphasized that the partnership marks another milestone in addressing shared environmental challenges. She highlighted that the event is a testament to the commitment formalized in the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in December 2023, embodying the enduring friendship and shared ambition of both nations.
The event was attended by Japan's Minister of Environment, Kobayashi Fumiaki, Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, and various stakeholders. Loyzaga outlined the key areas of collaboration between the two nations, such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, pollution management, clean energy, and water accessibility. These areas will be discussed over the three-day event to explore concrete opportunities while addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Loyzaga stressed the Philippines' efforts to accelerate climate action through reforestation, multi-purpose water facilities, and investments in both green and gray infrastructure. She also mentioned the country's progress in enhancing its monitoring, reporting, and verification systems to better engage in carbon markets.
Additionally, Loyzaga shared updates on the DENR's work on disaster risk reduction, air quality monitoring, and integrated water resource management. She noted that the Philippines is undertaking over 200 water projects to improve water supply for underserved populations and enhance water security for agriculture and industry.
The DENR chief reiterated the country's commitment to advancing a circular economy by enhancing compliance with extended producers' responsibility in waste management, focusing on plastic pollution and marine litter. Loyzaga also highlighted the DENR's initiatives in hazardous chemical management, such as banning high-impact substances like lead in paints, asbestos, and mercury-containing products.
As both nations face unique challenges as archipelagic countries, Loyzaga noted that the Philippines plans to establish marine science stations across its marine biogeographic areas to advance scientific research and sustainable management of ocean resources.
On biodiversity conservation, Loyzaga reaffirmed the DENR's commitment to implementing the global biodiversity framework, addressing biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, and protecting indigenous peoples and local communities. She emphasized an ecosystem-based approach to securing and monitoring the health of terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems, which are vital for sustainable development and investing in a "blue future."
