Monday, December 12, 2016

Napocor, USAID forge partnership to strengthen forest-protection measures



By Lenie Lectura -

The National Power Corp. (Napocor) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish cooperation in strengthening the forest-protection programs of each agency.
Napocor President Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita said the agreement is highly beneficial, since both parties share a common interest for the Philippines’s natural forests.
With the MOU, both agencies will be able to share their respective expertise, strengths, resources, technologies and methodologies in protecting the forest.
“We at Napocor manage 11 watershed systems that support hydro and geothermal power facilities, while the USAID supports forest protection and biodiversity conservation in the country through its Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience [B+WISER] program,” Sta. Rita added.
Napocor’s watershed management will also be empowered with the use of Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System. Lawin, which is a program developed by the USAID with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, combines science-based planning, technology-aided monitoring and indigenous knowledge to protect the forests. It uses open-source technology that is accessible to communities, private sector and the government through a smartphone or tablet application. 

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