The 10 Million Trees in 10 Years for a Greener Negros Movement on Thursday on its fourth anniversary reported an 85 percent survival rate of the millions of indigenous trees it has planted on the island.
This is a positive development considering that in the past four years, 10M in 10 partners have planted some 7.7 million trees in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental way ahead of schedule, said Frances Ariola, public relations specialist of geothermal power leader, Energy Development Corp.
EDC initiated the greening movement in 2015, partnering with the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, other government agencies and non-government organizations and private institutions to embark on a massive forest restoration by planting native trees, she said.
To mark their fourth anniversary this year, the movement honored partners whose contributions have allowed the greening project to reach almost eight million native trees planted in less than half the number of years targeted to attain its goal.
In a media release, the Project Management Office of 10M in 10 also said that a ceremonial planting of a Katmon tree was held at the Provincial Capitol grounds in Bacolod City.
“The partners’ commitment and continuous tree-growing efforts are the reason behind the Movement’s deeper roots. Our shared re-greening experiences within the past four years, along with the increasing amount of groups and individuals who express their interest to be part of 10M in 10 only reflect that the idea of uniting for a greener Negros has taken root within each of us,” Pinky Medina, 10M in 10’s Project Management head was quoted as saying.
Around 100 partners attended the celebration, representing various stakeholder groups such as government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, businesses, media, non-government organizations, and other concerned groups and individuals.
Prof. Marlo Mendoza and Prof. Pastor Malabrigo, Jr. from the College of Forestry & Natural Resources of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños graced the event.
To demonstrate how the movement’s call for collaboration has taken root in Negros, partners from San Carlos City, Transcom Bacolod, the Bacolod City Water District, the Negros Oriental State University, and the Negros Oriental ROTC Association of Corps Commanders shared their experiences and insights about their tree-growing activities with the other partners.
The results of this year’s monitoring and evaluation activities were also shared during the event.
The highlight of the celebration was the recognition of the 10M in 10 partners, who planted more than 10,000 trees this year as their contribution towards achieving the Movement’s three main goals: to help protect and restore the watersheds, improve biodiversity, and build resilient communities in Negros Island.
Certificates were also granted to partners who were able to maintain at least an 85 percent survival rate of their planted trees.
10M in 10 is a private sector-led movement that aims to unite, inspire, and encourage people to plant, grow, and protect 10 million trees in 10 years to re-green Negros Island, according to its Project Management Office. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
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