‘We know that we need the resources. What we have tried to explain to all sectors involved in environmental protection and in extraction is that there is a need to optimize the use of minerals in order for society to actually move forward.’
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga highlighted the value of convergence among government agencies, as well as all other stakeholders to effectively manage natural resources while balancing environmental sustainability with socio-economic needs.
Speaking at the 12th annual International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2023) in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Loyzaga emphasized the importance of trans-disciplinary work and cross-sector communication in optimizing resource extraction while protecting the environment.
"We know that we need the resources. What we have tried to explain to all sectors involved in environmental protection and in extraction is that there is a need to optimize the use of minerals in order for society to actually move forward. The idea here is to understand that there are cost-benefits to every action — and individual interests must be balanced against group interests and sectoral interests," Loyzaga said.
"The mitigation hierarchy that we established states that the first principle is do no harm — we do need to extract the natural resources but we must avoid harm. If harm cannot be avoided, then it must be reduced or minimized; if it cannot be reduced or minimized, then there must be compensation or offsetting. This way, we cut across the private sector, non-government organizations, different civil society groups, as well as the local governments and national government agencies."
Key strategies
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The DENR chief noted key strategies essential for effective communication of sustainability and resource development. These include consciously removing communication biases, consideration of various community communication dynamics and building trusted leadership that is able to translate the messages of our sectors — globally, nationally and locally, at different levels.
Loyzaga added that collaboration among government agencies is key to getting all sectors to understand the Philippine Development Plan and the adoption of a natural accounting system to enable more effective strategic planning for sustainable development and climate and disaster resilience.
"There is real progress due to the convergence in the work of different departments of government in realizing shared values and shared goals identified in the Philippine Development Plan. We do have a Philippine Development Plan that is, in turn, translated into local development policies and actions, and that is communicated effectively by each and every department that has a role in achieving these goals. Climate change, biodiversity, food, energy and water are inextricably linked with public health. We are all at a point of working at a convergence in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and our multinational environmental commitments."
With the theme "Today's Resources…Tomorrow's Wealth," IGCF 2023 tackled the role of government communication in managing a country's resources over four main pillars: natural resources; non-material resources of culture, arts, sports and human capital; technology and data. The two-day conference featured 90 main discussions, seminars, and activities with 250 thought leaders, thinkers and experts in government communication.
Aside from Loyzaga, speakers included Chinese economist David Daokui Li, director of the Center for China in the World Economy at Tsinghua University; Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi, general coordinator for Negotiations and head of the Negotiating Team of the Gulf Cooperation Council; and Ambassador Marco Suazo, director at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
