Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga announced Monday that she has signed a new department administrative order mandating mining companies to incorporate the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into their Social Development and Management Programs (SDMPs).

An SDMP is a five-year comprehensive plan required of a mining company to sustainably improve the living standards of its host and neighboring communities where it operates.

Unlike in the past, mining must now include programs for enhancing biodiversity conservation and protection and institutionalizing climate action of host and impact communities, among others.

“We’re also looking at labor practices, gender equity, social services, along with reforestation, rehabilitation, restoration of ecosystems to address biodiversity loss,” Loyzaga disclosed.

PBBM’s call

The environment chief added that this initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to utilize the nation’s natural resources for sustainable development.

“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,” she said.

Mining contractors and permit holders will have the responsibility in ensuring that SDGs are achieved within their host and neighboring communities.

The 17-point UN SDGs include no poverty; zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality, clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnership for the goals.

These interlinked goals were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.

Global blueprint

Comprised of 169 specific targets, the SDG serves as a global blueprint to end extreme poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet by 2030.

Under Republic Act 7942, otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995”, which is implemented through DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21 or the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, mining contractors and permit holders are mandated to designate 1.5 percent of their operating expenses towards the SDMP.

SDMP allocation

The SDMP allocation is directed towards the host communities of the mining projects and is utilized by LGUs in the form of community development projects.

Specifically, 10 percent is reserved for information, education and communication efforts, 15 percent is allocated for the advancement of mining technology and geosciences and 75 percent is designated for projects directly implemented by the LGUs such as roads, water supply, health centers, school buildings and scholarships and livelihood projects, to name a few.