26 November 2015 - The Philippines’ experience in applying an ecologically friendly and sustainable system in a town in Palawan has been lauded by a Seoul-based international organization promoting a balance of economic growth and environmental sustainability at a recent meeting held at the Korean capital.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Assistant Director General Kenneth V. Tanate led the Philippine delegation to the 8th Council Session and 4th Assembly Meeting of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) held from November 18 to 19 at the Grand Hilton Hotel in Seoul.
Assistant Director General Tanate expressed appreciation for the GGGI’s steadfast support, noting the excellent partnership between the Philippines and the GGGI in the formulation of the Philippines’ Country Planning Framework for 2016 to 2020 and the conceptualization and implementation of the Eco-Town Framework Project in San Vicente, Palawan.
Under the Eco-Town Project, climate resilient green growth planning was integrated in San Vicente’s economic development.
He also conveyed the Philippine government’s continuing commitment to pursue the twin objectives of inclusive growth and improved climate resilience.
The GGGI sessions were led by the former President of Indonesia, Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in his capacity as GGGI Council Chair. In attendance were ministers and senior officials from GGGI’s 24 member countries as well as observers representing the European Union, China, Germany, Hungary, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Nepal, Peru, Uganda and Colombia.
In his opening remarks, GGGI Council Chair Yudhoyono emphasized that the GGGI has made significant strides in promoting the new paradigm of green growth in developing and emerging countries by seeking a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
GGGI Director General Yvo De Boer welcomed the active participation of member countries in the GGGI Council and Assembly sessions emphasizing the importance of these high-level discussions in charting the future direction of the GGGI.
On this occasion, GGGI Director General De Boer announced that the Inclusive Green Growth Partnership would be formally launched on December 07 during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
This initiative aims to support developing countries in identifying green growth opportunities and investments and in finding new finance solutions to support developing countries to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and Intended National Determined Contributions.
The project focuses on adaptation measures such as the modernization of farming practices, introduction of climate-resilient crops, establishment of sea walls and dikes, setting up of an early warning system and creation of livelihood opportunities.
Climate Change Commission Planning Officer III Arnold Grant S. Belver and GGGI Philippine Representative Kim Hyo-youl briefed the GGGI Council on the Philippines’ Country Planning Framework and its importance in the attainment of the GGGI’s vision of a resilient, strong, inclusive and sustainable growth as enunciated in the GGGI’s Strategic Plan.
During the briefing, they emphasized that the Philippines is working on replicating the success of the Eco-Town Project in 300 municipalities and in scaling it up to the provincial level from 2015 to 2017. Several countries commended the Philippines for its solid achievements and expressed interest in replicating the Eco-Town Model in their towns/municipalities.
Since its inception in 2012, the GGGI has focused on supporting the transition of its member countries towards a green growth model by developing and implementing strategies that simultaneously achieve poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
To date, the GGGI has 27 projects in 19 member countries dealing with the promotion of inclusive economic green growth and climate change resilience. END