Successful implementation of the Ridge-to-Reef/Watershed Ecosystem Management (R2R/WEM) approach is the goal of a national policy forum conducted on June 26, 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.
The R2R/WEM approach, according to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), is a holistic watershed ecosystem approach to the sustainable management and development of land, water, biodiversity, and other natural resources. UPLB adds that it strongly emphasizes the connection between ecosystems in a watershed that include forests, agroecosystems, rivers, lakes, urban, coastal, and marine ecosystems among others.
Conducted by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and UPLB, the policy forum aims to identify policy and institutional actions needed to be undertaken to promote a more robust application of the R2R/WEM approach to Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP). It also hopes to deepen the understanding and appreciation of provincial and local planners and concerned national government agencies on the R2R/WEM approach to local land use and development planning.
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director, during his opening message. Image Credit: ACD-PCAARRD
The national policy forum was conducted to commemorate DOST-PCAARRD's 12th anniversary.
“DOST-PCAARRD is delighted to organize and conduct this National Policy Forum on the Ridge-to-Reef approach. We have carefully selected this topic to commemorate our anniversary by virtue of Executive Order No. 366 on June 22, 2011, as it brilliantly highlights the significance of consolidating the DOST Councils dedicated to agriculture and forestry -- the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), and one focused on aquatic and marine resources and affairs -- the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD),” said Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director, during his welcome message.
Dr. Ebora also emphasized DOST-PCAARRD’s recognition of the importance of the Ridge-to-Reef approach and the Council’s commitment to supporting its implementation for a more comprehensive and coordinated land-use and development planning.
The following were the topics discussed during the forum:
- Key Issues and Concerns in the Updating of CLUP using R2R/WEM approach to CLUP presented by Dr. Ricardo M. Sandalo, Dean, College of Human Ecology, UPLB;
- The River Basin Master Plan as basis for the updating of PDPFP presented by For. Nelson V. Gorospe, Executive Director, River Basin Control Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-RBCO);
- The New PDPFP Guidelines: Salient Provisions and Perceived Challenges to Robust Preparation and Implementation presented by Mr. Mic Ivan V. Sumilang, ENP. Division Chief, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (DHSUD-ELUPDB);
- R2R/WEM Approach to PDPFP: Potential Benefits/Outcomes and Essential Enabling Conditions presented by Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, Professor Emeritus & NAST Academician, UPLB; and
- Policies on the vertical alignment of plans from PDPFP to CLUP and Comprehensive Development Plans (CDP) presented by Dir. Anna Liza F. Bonagua, Director, Bureau of Local Government Development, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-BLGD).
DOST-PCAARRD and UPLB seeks to establish partnerships among the local government units, national government agencies, academe, and civil society organizations to support the adoption of reforms being pushed by the project, “Watershed Integrated Area Land Use Planning Towards Resiliency (WILUP).”
The forum is conducted through UPLB’s “Institutionalization of Guidelines on WILUP” project funded by DOST-PCAARRD.