The Bangsamoro Government’s focused actions on combatting deforestation have led to significant achievements, including the reforestation and rehabilitation of 2,600.66 hectares and 606.98 hectares of forestland respectively, as reported by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) on February 16, 2024. (Morsid Kadir/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government’s resolute effort to combat deforestation and restore the local ecosystem have yielded successful results through reforestation and forest rehabilitation initiatives.
On February 16, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) reported that a total of 2,600.66 hectares have been reforested and rehabilitated, while 606.98 hectares of forestland has been rehabilitated with various tree planting program.
“We have been protecting and conserving the environment, we are thrilled to see the positive impact of our reforestation efforts and we are even more dedicated to spending more years doing the same and even better,” said MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim.
Accordingly, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) environmentalists are responsible for forest restoration which plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, increasing biodiversity, and improving the quality of the natural environment.
“It is our moral and social responsibility to protect and nurture our planet,” the Minister remarked.
He shared that a total of 448,335.70 hectares of forest area was protected from fires, pests, and diseases and helped restore its ecological balance.
“It has always been my advocacy to promote collective environmental action. By restoring the forest landscape and promoting biodiversity, we are contributing to the long-term health and sustainability of our environment,” Brahim added.
The Ministry continues to conduct environmental projects such as planting native tree species, implementing sustainable forestry practices, and working closely with local communities to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the forest ecosystem.
The commitment to sustainable forestry practices is in line with BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s 8th priority in the Enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda, highlighting the region’s determination to strengthen environmental protection, conservation, and rehabilitation initiatives. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
