DENR aims to plant 3M trees in UMRBPL, target 43% forest cover by 2028

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to fast-track reforestation in the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL) by planting three million trees over the next three years, aiming to nearly double its current 24.99 percent forest cover.

Currently, just under 25 percent of the UMRBPL's more than 26,000 hectares are forested, with the agency targeting a 43 percent increase by 2028.

The initiative aims to preserve biodiversity, protect watersheds, and ensure sustainable management of natural resources, including endangered wildlife species like narra and red lauan trees.

Lawyer Ray Thomas Kabigting highlighted that a healthier forest cover contributes to climate resilience by mitigating climate change and conserving biodiversity essential for ecosystem health and agricultural productivity.

The reforestation efforts also involve private sector participation through the adoption of graduated plantations, with 45 companies and organizations partnering since 2021 to adopt 743 hectares in the UMRBPL.