The DENR-BMB successfully held the National Consultation on the Updating of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City last August 6-7, 2024. The event brought together approximately 188 participants from various sectors, including civil society organizations (CSOs), national government agencies (NGAs), academic institutions, the private sector, indigenous peoples, local government units (LGUs), DENR, and development partners.
The Keynote address of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga was delivered by DENR Undersecretary Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, the message highlighted the vital connection between biodiversity and the Philippines’ economic progress and emphasized the need for collaborative action to safeguard the country’s natural wealth.
Senator Loren Legarda’s message was also delivered by USec Teh, stressed the critical importance of preserving biodiversity and urged all sectors to advocate for environmental protection. She also emphasized the need for concrete data and measurable outcomes to secure adequate funding for these initiatives. Sen. Legarda’s authored legislation, the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) law, is a crucial step towards recognizing the monetary value of our limited natural resources and making informed decisions for their sustainable management.
In the opening message of DENR Undersecretary Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, she emphasized the urgent need to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. She highlighted the significant funding gap and called for increased investments to protect the country’s natural heritage.
Key discussions during the national consultation covered a wide range of topics, including the development of indicative targets and indicators, updates on PBSAP Target 3 and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), the promotion of biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices, community consultation through OECM and private sector initiatives on biodiversity conservation.
The event also celebrated the groundbreaking turnover of the first Indigenous Peoples Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IPBSAP) and Indigenous Community Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCAT), recognizing the vital role of Indigenous Peoples on biodiversity conservation.
A proposed Executive Order on the adoption of the PBSAP was hailed as a crucial step towards a unified approach to biodiversity conservation.
Notable contributions from all stakeholders were highlighted, including efforts to enhance ecosystem resilience through ecological restoration and the implementation of effective conservation strategies.
Prior to this national consultation, five (5) cluster consultation workshops were also conducted in Cebu, Pagadian, Legazpi, Pampanga, and Davao, which provided a platform for sharing best practices and developing strategies to protect and restore the country’s biodiversity.
Participants from various sectors actively engaged in discussions on updating the PBSAP, with a focus on setting ambitious yet achievable targets and indicators.
Through these events, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Let’s work together to build a resilient and biodiversity-rich Philippines!
