DENR Employs Drone Technology for Enhanced Management of Central Visayas Protected Areas

CEBU CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now utilizing drone technology to advance its management of protected areas in Central Visayas, enhancing monitoring and enforcement capabilities to safeguard natural resources.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on Tuesday, drones are proving instrumental in several critical areas. They are used for monitoring wildlife movement, mapping forest health, and detecting illegal activities within the protected regions. This technological integration represents a significant step forward in environmental conservation efforts.

Additionally, the DENR is collaborating with local government units (LGUs) across Central Visayas to implement a 10-year solid waste management plan in accordance with Republic Act 9003, or the Solid Waste Management Act. This legislation mandates that each LGU’s plan must include a strategy to divert at least 25 percent of all solid waste from waste disposal facilities through reuse, recycling, composting, and other resource recovery activities. Furthermore, LGUs must set waste diversion targets, establish materials recovery facilities, and maintain disposal facilities. Out of 132 LGUs in the region, 118 have already developed their respective 10-year plans.

Director Fabre emphasized the urgency of compliance with these plans, particularly the elimination of open dumpsites by the end of the year, as part of broader environmental preservation efforts. He also called on LGUs to enhance their investment in environmental conservation and awareness campaigns to further protect the region’s natural resources.