Last week, I received images of maps prepared by the Environmental Science for Social Change showing the shocking shrinkage of Mindanao’s forest cover over the last 100 years.
The map in 1900 showed an almost green island of Mindanao except for some white spots indicating population centers.
The latest map circa 2002, prepared by the Malaybalay City-based advocacy group, showed an almost white island with specks of green representing what was left of the forest cover.
That image was 19 years ago and I shudder at the thought of what could be left of the dots of forest cover if there are no serious efforts to reverse the trend.
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has initiated the Green Mindanao Project which aims to raise awareness to protect and preserve our remaining forest cover, watersheds, headwaters and river basins.
Part of the advocacy is the introduction of high-value tree farming, especially the valuable Lapnisan or Agarwood, fruit tree farming in the denuded highlands and Bamboo Farming in the headwater sources and river banks.
The MinDA also advocates the review of several government programs like the Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA), the Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) and the SAPA which are actually being used to get around the forestry laws.
As Chairman of MinDA, I am issuing an appeal which could also serve as a warning to our national and local government agencies to heed the call to preserve and protect the remaining forest cover.
Our failure to act on this fast could spell disaster for the future generations of Filipinos.
(Images of maps were provided by ESSC through Director Joey Recimilla, MinDA.)
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