The Biodiversity Corridor Project of the DENR in partnership with UNDP and GEF has concluded its first inter-agency technical working group (TWG) meeting following its Inception Workshop the week before.
The BD Corridor Project, otherwise known as the Integrated Approach in the Management of Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines, will be focusing on the integrated management principally of the Central Mindoro and Eastern Mindanao biodiversity corridors from 2021 to 2027.
To note, the project aims to generate multiple benefits including the effective conservation of globally threatened species and high conservation value forests.
The biodiversity corridors in Regions 4B and in Regions 11 and 13 have been cited for their critical importance as centers of endemism and as biodiversity hotspots, as well as for their economic significance, vulnerability and extent of extractive industries and land use conversion, infrastructure development and land degradation.
The main objective of the first TWG meeting was to provide a brief overview of the Project and an opportunity for TWG members to understand their roles, functions, and responsibilities within the project’s decision-making structure.
The other objectives of the TWG meeting to include:
- Validating the results of the National Inception Workshop particularly the Project Results Framework (PRF), Multi Year Work Plan (MYWP), Annual Work Plan (AWP) 2022, and
- Secure confirmation of the 2021 AWP, and finalize the AWP 2022 and MYWP for endorsement to the NPB
In general, the BD Corridor Project aims to demonstrate how a network approach involving multiple stakeholders can enhance the management of the Protected Area system at the corridor level, as aligned with the strategic priorities of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (PBSAP) 2015-2028.
Moreover, the BD Corridor Project is in line with the attainment of the UNDP Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 15 (Life on Land) on sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, ceasing and reversing land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss.
The BD Corridor Project specifically aims to directly address threats to sustainable forest management, thereby helping deliver ecosystem benefits to the affected population in the two biodiversity corridor pilot sites. (Mitch R. Confesor)