MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday, February 17, issued an administrative order requiring mining firms to include biodiversity conservation and climate action in their social development management programs.
The DENR noted in a statement on Monday, February 17, that in the past, these particular programs were not required in mining firms’ plans.
Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga said they are also looking at “labor practices, gender equity, social services along with reforestation, rehabilitation, restoration of ecosystems to address biodiversity loss.”
“The goal is to ensure that the wealth generated from mineral extraction is shared equitably, that ecosystems are protected, and that local communities gain empowerment,” Loyzaga said.
Mining firms are required to come up with a five-year development program to improve the living standards of their host communities. This usually includes the construction of schools, hospitals, and housing projects.
The extractive industry, associated with environmental damage, plays a critical role in the world’s transition to clean energy technologies. There is rising demand for critical minerals like copper, nickel, cobalt — used in manufacturing electric vehicles, battery storages, and wind turbines, among others.
The department order requires mining companies to incorporate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which aim to eradicate poverty by 2030.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 18, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) welcomed the order from the DENR, saying they have been “long…ahead of the curve” in sustainability policies.
In 2023, for example, PNIA said its members invested P4.3 billion in development projects “including the planting of nearly 4.3 million trees.”
“As the Philippines continues to be a major player in global nickel production, PNIA reaffirms its commitment to responsible mining practices and to advancing the SDGs,” the business group said.
The UN set the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, replacing the Millennium Development Goals adopted in 2000. These include ending poverty and hunger; ensuring good health, quality education, clean water and energy; promoting decent work; building resilient infrastructure; reducing inequality; making sustainable cities and communities, among others.
In 2024, the UN reported that the world was “severely off track” in achieving the SDGs.
“It finds that only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are on track, nearly half are showing minimal or moderate progress, and progress on over one-third has stalled or even regressed,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The report attributed delays in progress to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and armed conflicts.
In keeping with its commitment as a member-state, the Philippines integrated the SDGs into the Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028.
Likewise, there have been efforts to encourage the private sector to align investments with the SDGs, including the UN Development Programme’s investor map launched in 2024. – Rappler.com