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ADB Calls on Philippines to Seek Sustainable Forest Management

Posted on: Friday, 3 June 2005, 09:00 CDT

ADB calls on Philippines to seek sustainable forest management

MANILA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Thursday called on the Philippines to seek sustainable forest and other natural resource management to reduce poverty and ensure livelihoods in the country.

Speaking at the first Philippine Forestry Development Forum held at ADB's headquarters here, Shamshad Akhtar, Director General of ADB's Southeast Asia Department, said the Philippines faces an enormous challenge in maintaining and preserving its natural resources, including forests.

"Forest loss and poverty are mutually reinforcing and unless addressed in an integrated manner, will threaten both the livelihoods of the poor and the environmental security of the country," she said.

She said deforestation and mismanagement of forests because of demand pressure have caused a decline in sustainable wood supply and faster depletion and degradation of natural forests and production forests.

"Despite forestry projects implemented by various organizations and policies implemented by the government to slow forestry loss, the rate of decline in natural forests and associated biological diversity has continued," said Akhtar.

The two-day event is organized by the Philippine Wood Products Association and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The forum aims to promote forestry in national development and formulate solutions to problems in the industry.

It is attended by more than 200 participants including senior government officials, ambassadors, representatives from forest- based industries, scholars, government agencies and other stakeholders.

The Philippines' forest cover has fallen to less than 18 percent from 64 percent in 1920, according to an ADB estimate.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - CEIS

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