The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) participated in the Joint Consultation Meeting on High Conservation Value Area (HCVA) and Reference Ecosystem held at the MGB Multi-Purpose Hall, Diliman, Quezon City on January 23, 2025. The said meeting was also attended by representatives from the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), Forest Management Bureau (FMB), Biodiversity Corridor Project, and the USAID Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscapes (SIBOL) Project, with discussions focusing on policies and guidelines related to conservation and mine rehabilitation activities.
In his opening remarks, Engr. Marcial H. Mateo, Chief of the MGB - Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD), underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in strengthening environmental policies, particularly in addressing conservation challenges within mining-affected areas.
During the meeting, For. Christian Kevin A. Latiza, Chief of the Mine Environmental Management Section, MGB-MSESDD, presented updates on the Draft Supplemental Guidelines on the 5% Reference Ecosystem (RE) requirement under DAO No. 2022-04, re: Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Protection in Mining Operations. For. Latiza also highlighted the issues and concerns identified during the initial implementation of the DAO, particularly the criteria and procedures for selecting REs. Participants agreed that there is a need to assess the implementation of RE establishment, with the results therein to be presented during a stakeholders' consultation with mining companies in the first quarter of 2025. This initiative aims to identify and address any gaps, issues, and concerns on the implementation of DAO No. 2022-04.
For. Paul J. Cuadra of ERDB – Forest Ecosystems Research Division presented the Draft Rehabilitation Guidelines for Mined-Out Areas, outlining an activity plan and a manual for mine rehabilitation. He emphasized the importance of conducting regional-level consultations, which are also scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. The preparation of the said rehabilitation guidelines is supported by the USAID-SIBOL Project.
Mr. Ryan A. Cuanan, OIC Chief of BMB-National Parks Division, shared insights on Sukat ng Kalikasan: High Conservation Values - Natural Capital Accounting on Protected Areas, focusing on integrating HCVA into conservation planning. It was agreed that ERDB would take the lead in developing the HCVA guidelines, ensuring alignment with existing environmental policies. BMB and MGB will also hold a separate meeting to discuss issues related to mining operations in protected areas, including other concerns that emerged during the consultation.
The joint consultation meeting reaffirmed the DENR’s commitment to strengthening environmental policies, through active engagement of MGB, FMB, BMB, and ERDB to support integrating conservation measures into mining regulations.
Participants from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Biodiversity Management Bureau, Forest Management Bureau, Biodiversity Corridor Project, and the USAID Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscapes (SIBOL) Project during the Joint Consultation Meeting on High Conservation Value Area and Reference Ecosystem.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division