CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, – About 200 forest officers of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently participated in a training that was meant to enhance the protection and conservation of forestlands in Central Luzon.
It was highlighted by the application of the Landscape and Wildlife Indicators (LAWIN) System, which combines science-based planning, user-friendly technology, and indigenous knowledge to protect forests and biodiversity.
“This technology will allow us to effectively monitor the actual situation on the ground and facilitate timely response to any threats observed by patrollers in our forest ecosystems and wildlife species like forest fire, timber poaching, landslide, and charcoal-making,” DENR Regional Director Francisco Milla Jr said.
The system uses a mobile application called CyberTracker, which enables patrollers to monitor and collect data about forest and biodiversity conditions, including threats and geo-referenced observations by taking photos and videos.
“LAWIN system also uses spatial monitoring and reporting tool for analysis of data, mapping and generation of reports, which provide decision makers with a basis for identifying and implementing adequate responses for addressing threats, including identification of conservation areas,” Milla added.
“This technology will provide correct data on forest and biodiversity conditions in the country and will hasten the skills of DENR’s forest protection officers to effectively protect the fragile biodiversity in Central Luzon,” DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Joselin Marcus Fragada said.
The Forest Management Bureau led the training with the support from the United States Agency for International Development and the Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience Program.
Records show that 70 percent of the Philippines’ natural forest has been lost during the last century.
Moreover, 46 percent of species found in the Philippines exist in no other country and 15 percent of them are threatened.
In Central Luzon, forest cover is placed at 589,489 hectares or 62 percent of the total forestlands.
The region also has 33 protected areas covering 330,710 hectares./CLJD-PIA 3