February 2013 – denr meeting – Manila, Philippines

After the successful meeting in Baguio a few weeks back, Reef-World was asked to come to the main office in the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) to confirm decisions made about the production and distribution of educational Green Fins materials (Member Packs) to the current and future project locations around the entire country. It was extremely pleased to see the commitment of the government who there and then agreed to a budget to oversee the production in Manila and subsequent distribution. This is often one of the biggest hurdles for Green Fins and we were pleased to see a more hands on approach from the Government adopting the project.

Green Fins awareness raising activities started in the Philippines in 2004 and the initiative was then officially launched in 2010. Green Fins Philippines is implemented by the Coastal and Marine Division under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) with support from NGOs including Batangas Community Divers, The El Nido Foundation and Marine Conservation Philippines.

About DENR

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of the public domain, as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural resources as may be provided for by law in order to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived therefrom for the welfare of the present and future generations of Filipinos. Its vision is a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and a clean and healthy environment. Its mission is “to mobilise our citizenry in protecting, conserving, and managing the environment and natural resources for the present and future generations.”