Project Profile
PROJECT UPDATE
Project Overview
This initiative supported the Government of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to enhance the environmental impact assessment process of mining projects in climate-vulnerable and protected areas in the Philippines.
Project Profile
The Technical Assistance Partnership – Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM) and Canadian expert Kathy Adams collaborated with the Government of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to enhance its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) policy and guidelines for the mining sector, specifically mining projects in climate-vulnerable and protected areas, and built internal capacity of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
The initiative aimed to include a gender-sensitive approach and measures to safeguard vulnerable communities in extractive zones. These improvements aligned with the government’s roadmap to develop the mining sector, enhancing overall business readiness and ensuring compliance with international standards in the mining industry.
Kathy assisted the DENR in identifying vulnerabilities, implementing mitigation measures, and taking sustainable actions to protect and manage natural resources. In addition, her work included evaluating the effectiveness of existing guidelines for mining projects in essential ecosystems and protected areas, as well as identifying international best practices in addressing the challenging issues of mining, ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, and community resilience.
Key Deliverables
- Capacity Support and Training
- Conducted a second deployment of Canadian experts
- Facilitated a one-day workshop on gender, social inclusion, and human rights
- Led a one-day writeshop on proposed updates/additions to the Environmental Impact Assessment Screening (EIS) and Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP) Scoping and Screening Form for Mining Projects
- Facilitated a two-day writeshop on draft policy recommendations and strategies
- Delivered a gender and human rights webinar
- Presented the draft Departmental Administrative Order (DAO) on EIA policy for feedback
- Presented the draft DAO on EIA policy for the mining sector to industry stakeholders and collected feedback for revisions
- Technical Support and Knowledge Products
- Finalized and submitted the Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Checklist (EIS)
- Completed and formatted the Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP) Scoping and Screening Form
- Submitted the draft DENR Administrative Order for final review and approval
- Finalized and submitted EIA policy options and recommendations
Project Outcomes and Lessons Learned
The project strengthened DENR’s capacity to sustainably manage and oversee mining projects in climate-vulnerable and protected areas, while ensuring community inclusion. Establishing a technical working group improved coordination and stakeholder ownership of results, while the contribution of a national specialist helped tailor activities to the local context and enhance stakeholder engagement.
Direct Project Reach:
- 49 participants engaged through activities conducted and project deliverables
Public Engagement (Canada):
- 83 Canadians reached through outreach and engagement activities
Public Engagement Activities:
- Canadian expert Kathy Adams:
- Participated in the TAP Climate Action Forum in Halifax
- Published an Expert Profile for Earth Day
- Featured in the TAP “Canadian Changemakers” podcast series, Digging Deeper: Sustainable Mining & Global Collaboration in the Philippines
- Contributed to the article How working abroad helps support your community at home
- Contributed to the French-language article Comment travailler à l’étranger permet de soutenir sa communauté dans son pays d’origine
