PHILIPPINE MINING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science Carlos Primo C. David discusses the need to align the Social Development and Management Program of the country’s mining sector to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for the Philippines to meet its specific targeted goals or metrics per SDG during the 2023 Mining Philippines International Conference and Exhibition. As an example, David cited SDG Target 2.4 (Food Production) of Primary Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) where internal food production in the host community should comprise at least 50 percent of food consumed by the community or better. To meet this target, he recommends that mining companies partner with local state universities to aid in farm development which will help the community develop other jobs and transition to other forms of livelihood by the time the mine’s life comes to an end. The SDG is a global plan to end poverty, reduce inequalities and protect the environment. It officially came into force in 2016. David was among the presenters for the Session on Leveraging Environmental, Social and Governance for Social Responsiveness during the conference held in Mandaluyong City. ###