Stakeholders looking for sources of forest raw materials can now do this in the comfort of their home or office through the Forestry Investment Portal (FIP).
The portal run by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is a one-stop shop for everything one needs from the forestry sector, the agency said in a sustainable investments forum held earlier this month.
Launched in late 2021, the FIP is envisioned as a bridge between sources of forest raw materials and those who manufacture, develop, and utilize products from them.
The FIP features an interactive map dashboard that is user-friendly and accurate. Stakeholders can find location and topographical maps, directions, and accessibility options conveniently without actually going on site visits.
They can also find details of the current tenure holder and the yield and estimated output of each market, among other important details.
Earlier this year, it was reported that the DENR has laid down strategic plans and programs for the forestry sector, which offers strong potential for driving growth in the Philippines.
The FIP is part of the DENR’s aim to establish a conducive investment climate for the forestry sector by setting up a real-time, one-stop center that provides information and services about forestry investment and ready areas for development and utilization, according to a report by state-run PNA early this year.
The FIP has links to financial and credit facilities of partner financial institutions, including the Development Bank of the Philippines, which supports the DENR’s agro-forestry plantation program.
It also offers access to insurance packages of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. for selected tree species in developed forest plantations, PNA reported.
Today, the DENR oversees 15 million hectares of land classified as forest lands but only around 23% are reportedly covered by forests, down from a high of 70% coverage.
According to studies, reforestation and rehabilitation of forests in the Philippines are a most cost-effective option for producing valuable ecosystem services that many people depend on, especially given the uncertainties brought on by climate change.
Research has found that healthy forests can help reduce risks from climate change in the country by providing high-quality ecosystem services that contribute to more resilient communities. Crucially, forest ecosystem services are integral to the well-being of poor communities in the Philippines. According to the findings at one pilot site, people obtain about 7% of their annual cash income from selling forest resources like bamboo, charcoal, fish, and bush meat.