DENR-6 observes IDF 2020 amid COVID-19 threat

PRIOR to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), field offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Western Visayas were able to conduct activities in observance of the International Day of Forests 2020.    

The International Day of Forest (IDF) is an annual celebration held every 21st day of March to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security. This year’s theme: “Forest and Biodiversity” has given emphasis to the importance of the forest as a whole and the biodiversity found within them.

The DENR Region 6 field offices managed to celebrate IDF days before its actual celebration prior to postponement of environmental events due to the unexpected pandemic caused by the COVID-19.

In Aklan, the Provincial ENR Office (PENRO) had conducted a small group discussion with the youths who are the future eco-warriors in Brgy. Ma. Cristina, Madalag, an area covered by the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve (ARWFR). The small group discussion informed and educated the eco-warriors on the importance and benefit of our forests, especially the ARWFR around them.

In the province of Antique, the PENRO team discussed the importance of forests and why we celebrate the International Day of Forests in their radio program aired over DYKA 801 AM.

Other activities of PENROs were foregone while the nation is trying its best to contain and stop the local transmission of COVID-19.

“This global pandemic is rooted on the fact that we have changed the land uses of many forestlands, of humans either invading territories that belong to the wildlife or engaging in illegal wildlife trade, thereby putting a heavy toll on biodiversity and our lives in general,” noted DENR 6 regional executive director Francisco E. Milla, Jr.

“Forests and biodiversity go hand in hand. You cannot destroy one and expect the other to thrive. When we destroy our forests, we destroy its biodiversity – the very resources that sustain our existence such as food, clean water, clean air and even our medicines. They are too precious to lose,” he emphasized.

The United nations General Assembly proclaimed 21st of March as the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each IDF, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.

“While staying at home amidst this crisis I encourage each and everyone to start their own garden or plant-on-pot and decorate it in the four corners of your home. This is a good stress reliever and a good oxygen-giver too. DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu had emphasized the importance of the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) and while people are advised to stay at home, let us make use of the “enhanced” greening program in our home,” RED Milla said.(DENR 6/PN)