Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Akmad Brahim underscores the region’s environmental achievements during the Bangsamoro State of the Brown Environment Address on Wednesday, Nov. 06, 2024, held at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), Cotabato City. (Cominie Ali/BIO)
COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Government showcased its key environmental initiatives and progress, reaffirming commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation during the 2024 Bangsamoro State of the Brown Environment Address held on Nov. 6 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC).
Through its Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), the achievements demonstrate a proactive approach to environmental challenges, aimed at fostering a sustainable and resilient environment within the region.
MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim acknowledged the complexity of environmental issues facing the region.
“We are faced with a complex array of environmental issues that poses significant challenges to both the ecosystem and our communities”, highlighting the overall success and importance of the environmental programs,” he said.
NEnvironmental achievements highlighted included:
-Widespread Reforestation: Thousands of hectares of deforested land have been replanted with native tree species, improving biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change.
-Bangsamoro Urban Forest for Ecological Restoration (BUFFER): The program has successfully produced and planted 507,625 seedlings across the provinces of BARMM.
-Integrated Bangsamoro Greening Program (IBGP): 1,212 hectares of deforested land were reforested and rehabilitated in BARMM in 2024.
-E-Permitting System: A digital platform simplifying environmental permits and clearances.
-Permits and clearances: Since 2020, the ministry has targeted the issuance of 559 environmental permits and clearances. However, through collective effort and continuous IEC campaigns, a total of 1,480 clearances and permits have issued.
“These permits ensure that economic activities are balanced with environmental protection and conservation,” Minister Brahim said.
-Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring: The Ministry installed its first real-time monitoring equipment at MENRE Building. The public can access the real-time air quality index at any time via the MENRE’s official website.
-Adopt-an-Estero Program: Ministry and its partners this which private companies voluntarily adopt a body of water under its care and maintenance. A total of 11 waterways were enrolled in the program.
-Pollution control and compliance: 533 projects were monitored for their Environmental Compliance Certificates, and 59 Notices of Violation were issued.
“Aside from technical assistance, MENRE is taking a proactive approach by providing LGUs with financial and material assistance in the form of garbage trucks, garbage bins, and subsidies for the safe closure of open dumpsites”, Brahim pointed out.
Accordingly, out of 125 Local Government Units (LGUs), 44 have approved Solid Waste Management Plans, while 49 are under evaluation.
Minister Brahim also underscored that by continuing to prioritize environmental conservation and community engagement, BARMM can serve as an inspiration for other regions striving to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
“This region has endured much in its history, and we must now ensure that environmental degradation is not added to the list of burdens our people carry”, said Brahim. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
