DENR reactivates task force to protect Eastern Visayas forest
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Loading... - Touki Yuma
- 30 Aug 2024
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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas has reactivated a regional task force aimed at combating deforestation and safeguarding the region's critical forests and wildlife. The regional anti-illegal logging task force brings together officials and personnel from the Philippine National Police, the Aviation Security Unit, the Philippine Coast Guard, as well as the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices.
On Wednesday, the DENR convened these partners in Tacloban City to brief them on their roles in protecting the region’s remaining forest cover, in light of climate change and various environmental laws. The gathering also discussed the current status of Eastern Visayas' forests and wildlife resources.
DENR Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio emphasized the importance of collaboration in the fight against illegal logging. "We are thankful because our partners in law enforcement have been helping the DENR. It’s time for us to work together as one, because we cannot do it alone. Help us strengthen our advocacy on anti-illegal logging,” Claudio stated during the meeting.
The task force will prioritize setting up 24/7 checkpoints manned by DENR and law enforcement personnel. It will also focus on developing a comprehensive database to support anti-illegal logging efforts and ensuring the task force is well-equipped to fulfill its mission.
According to a 2022 report from Forest Foundation Philippines, the Eastern Visayas region has a total forest cover of 505,796 hectares, with the majority located in Samar. Samar’s forests are notable for being some of the largest unfragmented tracts of lowland rainforest in the Philippines, providing a critical habitat for a diverse range of species. The region is home to 38 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles, and 26 species of amphibians, as well as over 1,000 species of plants, 53 percent of which are endemic.
