The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is again teaming up with Green Convergence Philippines to hold the second Philippine Environment Summit slated for February 20-22 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.
With the theme, “Mainstreaming innovations for sustainable development,” DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the summit will serve as a perfect venue to celebrate the initiative and creativity of organizations and individuals who contribute to social and economic growth, while protecting the environment.
“With this summit, we can showcase the handiwork of those who have contributed to social and economic advancement while encouraging everyone else to work together for environmental protection and sustainable development,” Cimatu said.
Hundreds of participants are expected to attend the event that will feature renowned leaders of government, the church, environment, civic organizations and the academe as plenary and resources speakers in breakout sessions and as exhibitors.
Climate advocate and former United States Vice President Al Gore, Convention on Migratory Species deputy executive director Bradnee Chambers, and Energy Development Corp. chair and CEO Federico Lopez were among those invited as resource speakers.
Aside from Cimatu, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and Green Convergence president Angelina Galang will deliver messages during the opening ceremonies.
It will be followed by the launch of Green Convergence’s virtual library and inauguration of exhibit featuring programs on renewable energy, organic agriculture, safe food manufacture, native trees reforestation, ecological solid waste management, climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, and ecotourism.
Green Convergence is a large coalition of environmental and developmental organizations, networks, faith-based groups and individuals championing food safety, healthy environment and sustainable economy.
In the afternoon of the summit’s Day 1, there will be simultaneous breakout sessions on plant-based manufacturing industries, environmental technologies, organic agriculture, advocacy strategies and solid waste management success stories.
On Day 2, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones will speak on the Sustainable Development Goals and the environment aspects of the Philippine Development Plan, while Senator Cynthia Villar will discuss sustainable environmental programs to attain a “triple bottomline” for social, economic and ecological gains. Deputy Ombudsman Gerard Mosquera, meanwhile, will talk about the challenges in enforcing the country’s environmental laws.
Topics for the afternoon’s breakout sessions will be environment-friendly enterprises, the “Green Church,” eco-governance, tools for resiliency, and eco-friendly and sustainable schools.
On Day 3, Gore will tackle the significant strides in the climate change movement during plenary sessions. After him will be Chambers and Lopez.
Breakout sessions will cover the following topics: preserving the heritage of native trees; landscape and seascape governance; environmental architecture; renewable energy; and the university’s role in caring for the environment.
The three-day event will culminate in the signing of symbolic partnership agreements on Butuanon River and watershed in Mandaue City, the crafting and implementation of the Sierra Madre Biodiversity Framework, renewable energy for a Green Church, and providing Binhi seedlings for partner schools.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones will deliver the closing remarks.
The DENR also collaborated with Green Convergence in organizing the first Philippine Environment Summit held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City in February 2016.
The first environment summit highlighted Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment entitled “Laudato Si,” and the adoption of landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change in December 2015. # Source – www.denr.gov.ph
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