PH to roll out real-time forest alert system under new DENR-JICA project

The Philippines is set to strengthen its fight against illegal logging and forest degradation with the rollout of a near real-time monitoring system under a new partnership with Japan.

In a statement, it is said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed an agreement for a four-year project aimed at improving forest protection and management.

The project will introduce a near real-time forest disturbance alert system that can detect threats such as illegal logging and forest fires as they happen, allowing faster response from authorities.

It will be implemented in key watershed areas in Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija, which are critical to water supply and disaster risk reduction.

Addressing long-term forest loss

The initiative comes as the Philippines continues to face significant forest decline.

Data cited in the project showed forest cover dropped from around 60% in the 1930s to just 24% today, mainly due to logging, land conversion, mining, and fires.

This loss has increased the risk of flooding, landslides, and reduced water capacity in major river basins, directly affecting communities.

The new project builds on an earlier JICA-supported program that ran from 2012 to 2024, which established over 71,000 hectares of tree and agroforestry plantations.

Officials said continued monitoring is needed to protect these areas and sustain restoration efforts.

The new alert system will be integrated with the government’s existing Lawin forest monitoring system, which tracks biodiversity and forest threats.

JICA experts will work with DENR units to improve data use, field operations, and policy planning, alongside training programs for personnel.

Officials said strengthening forest monitoring is key not only to conservation but also to protecting communities from climate-related risks.

Healthy forests play a critical role in preventing disasters and supporting water systems, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.

The project also highlights deepening environmental cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, as both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Authorities said the initiative reflects a shared push for climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and long-term ecosystem protection. — LA, GMA Integrated News