DENR adopts development plan for forest carbon-credits market

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it adopted a roadmap to guide the development of a carbon-credits market for forestry projects.

In a statement, the DENR said Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla signed a Department Administrative Order (DAO) formally adopting the framework known as “Roadmap to Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market (2026-2030).”

The market will allow trading in carbon credits generated by forestry projects to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.

The DENR said the roadmap provides a national strategic framework to position the Philippines as a high-integrity destination for forest carbon investments.

“It aims to unlock the economic value of the country’s carbon sinks while ensuring that forest protection and restoration initiatives support the nation’s climate goals under its Nationally Determined Contributions and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities,” the DENR said.

According to the DENR, the plan harmonizes rules governing forest assets and develops data analytics and digital infrastructure, including a National Forest Monitoring System and a Forest Carbon Credit Database, to ensure environmental integrity and prevent double counting.

Under the DAO, the Forest Management Bureau was designated the lead agency for terrestrial forest carbon initiatives, while the Biodiversity Management Bureau will oversee blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrass beds.

“In consultation with the Department of Finance, the department will explore sustainable financing mechanisms, including a potential Trust Fund to reinvest carbon revenues directly into forest management and protection,” the DENR added. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel