19 November 2014 – The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) hosted the 15th Informal ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Environment (IAMME) from October 27 to 31 at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The meeting was chaired by Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Noulin Sinbandhit.
Assistant Secretary Corazon Davis of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) headed the Philippine delegation which included representatives from the local government units of San Carlos City, Cebu, and Davao, and from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity based in the University of the Philippines, Los Baños.
The meeting focused on regional cooperation on a number of environmental issues, such as Climate Change and Global Warming, Transboundary Haze Pollution, and Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, among others. The ministers discussed actions taken on environmental sustainability under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint, and presented new initiatives to further promote regional environmental cooperation.
During the meeting, the ministers approved the nomination of Tubattaha Reefs Natural Park as the 35th ASEAN Heritage Park. This means that the Tubattaha Reefs will fall under the projects of the AHP Program, which serves as a regional network of national protected areas of high conservation importance. The AHP Program aims to preserve a complete spectrum of representative ecosystem in the region to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of ASEAN’s rich natural heritage.
Meanwhile, the Philippine cities of San Carlos and Davao were recipients of awards at an awarding ceremony for the 3rd ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities (ESC) Awards and the 2nd ASEAN Certificate of Recognition for Clean Air, Clean Water, and Clean Land Awards. These awards are given by ASEAN Environment Ministers to selected cities in ASEAN member countriesto recognize exemplary initiatives in keeping cities clean, green, and livable even as these continue to develop as centers of economic activities. San Carlos City won the ESC Award, while Davao City was handed the Certificate of Recognition for Clean Air, Clean Water, and Clean LandAward.
On hand to receive the awards were Councilors Clint Mansueto and Rommel Debulgado for San Carlos City and Engr. Elisa P. Madrazo and Atty. Jesus Melchor V. Quitain for Davao City. Assistant Secretary Davis noted that the awards were very prestigious given that not all ASEAN countries were recognized. END