DENR Central Luzon Forges Partnership with Private Sector for Extensive Bulacan Reforestation Effort
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Luzon has officially entered into a strategic collaboration with the private organization V On Wings, Inc. to undertake a significant reforestation initiative in the province of Bulacan. This partnership aims to rehabilitate and restore a substantial 32.51-hectare area located within the municipality of Doña Remedios Trinidad, marking a pivotal step in environmental conservation efforts across the region.
Memorandum of Agreement Seals Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
A formal memorandum of agreement has been executed between DENR Central Luzon and V On Wings, Inc., solidifying their joint commitment to this ambitious project. The designated site is a National Greening Program (NGP)-graduated area, indicating it has previously undergone initial reforestation efforts and now requires sustained care and management to ensure long-term ecological health and viability.
Under the terms of this agreement, V On Wings, Inc. will assume responsibility for adopting the 32.51-hectare parcel. The private group will lead comprehensive planting activities, introducing a diverse mix of fruit trees, indigenous forest species, and timber trees to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem stability. This multi-species approach is designed to create a resilient and productive forest landscape that supports both environmental and community needs.
Technical Support and Long-Term Maintenance Protocols Established
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) based in Baliuag will provide essential technical and scientific assistance throughout the project's lifecycle. This support encompasses critical areas such as nursery establishment, seedling production, and ongoing maintenance practices, ensuring that all reforestation activities adhere to best practices and scientific standards.
V On Wings, Inc. will oversee the rehabilitation, protection, and conservation measures necessary to implement the partnership effectively. The organization is tasked with managing planting operations, maintaining the site, and safeguarding it against potential threats. A key performance metric requires the private group to ensure a minimum 85 percent survival rate for all planted trees over a five-year period, guaranteeing the project's sustainability and impact.
Emphasis on Nature-Based Solutions and Climate Resilience
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo highlighted the project's alignment with broader environmental goals, stating that it actively supports nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction, as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. "The adoption of a graduated NGP plantation is a significant step toward ensuring continuity of care for reforested areas," Pablo explained. "It emphasizes not only tree planting, but also maintenance, protection, and long-term stewardship, which are crucial for achieving lasting environmental benefits."
This partnership exemplifies a growing trend of public-private collaborations in environmental conservation, leveraging private sector resources and expertise to complement governmental initiatives. By focusing on sustained stewardship beyond initial planting, the project aims to create a model for successful reforestation that can be replicated in other regions, contributing to national efforts against deforestation and climate change.
