(Eagle News) — Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu recently underscored the need to invest in nature to provide cost-effective solutions to the country’s most pressing water challenges in the wake of environmental issues facing the world-famous Boracay Island.
Cimatu, in a statement, said it is high time the Philippines invest in the so-called green infrastructure, an approach which protects and restores natural ecosystems that provide security to nearby communities.
“Countries highly vulnerable to natural disasters, like the Philippines, need to invest more in green infrastructure,” Cimatu said.
“Integrating green with grey or traditional infrastructure creates cost-effective, climate resilient communities,” he added.
Cimatu stressed that more people should spend more time and effort to clean up rivers, lakes and beaches and to safeguard the country’s aquifers.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) observed on March 22 the World Water Day, highlighting the event with the awarding of “water champions” – individuals and institutions which have made a difference in protecting water resources.
The annual awards recognize individuals, institutions and programs that made strides in achieving water and environment sustainability in the Philippines. It is the highlight of the local celebration of World Water Day.
World Water Day is observed yearly to raise awareness about the importance of water and sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Nature for Water” emphasizes the potential for nature-based solutions (NbS) to address mounting water-related problems facing the planet.
Cimatu described the event as “very timely” as he spearheads government efforts to rehabilitate the pollution-challenged Boracay.
“Had the good practices of today’s awardees been replicated in Boracay, that world-famous tourist destination would not have been a cesspool,” Cimatu said.
The DENR chief also stressed that “solid waste management, which has a direct impact to water, is also our top priority.”
Cimatu said the government will not waver in its efforts to protect and conserve the country’s water resources through continued implementation of vital environmental programs, including the National Greening Program (NGP), the government’s flagship reforestation program.
“This massive replanting will go far beyond creating new forests as carbon sinks to mitigate climate change; it will also create livelihood and reduce poverty, provide habitats for biodiversity, recharge watersheds, protect topsoil from erosion, and boost food security,” Cimatu said.
After the awarding ceremony, Luna, on behalf of Cimatu, together with other government officials and representatives from the private sector, signed a commitment document in support of the United Nations resolution on the International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028.
This decade for action aims to further improve cooperation, partnership and capacity development in response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. (with a DENR release)
