Silliman University will host to the State of Nature Assessment or Green SONA 2016 on Tuesday, April 9.
The Green SONA 2016 will focus on Philippine Contribution to Climate Change: Carbon Sources and Sinks, said Dr. Angelina Galang, president of Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment & Sustainable Economy.
Green Convergence is an environmental coalition of networks, organizations, and individuals committed to build a synergy of the green movement in the Philippines.
The State of Nature Assessment is an annual event organized by Green Convergence since 2007.
Using a particular lens most relevant to the current national and/or global context, SONA gathers environmentalists and invites the general public to listen to resource persons and join the discussion on the chosen perspective. Attendees come from all sectors – academe, business, grassroots communities, religious, indigenous peoples, etc. Government officials, especially those with responsibilities pertinent to the topic are likewise invited to attend the event and contribute to the discussions.
Green SONA 2016 aims to: discuss the state of sinks and sources of climate change and gather recommendations to address related issues; listen to the reactions of newly- appointed officials and facilitate a productive dialogue among the various stakeholders; continue developing a critical mass of citizens across the country working to decrease carbon sources and increase carbon sinks and influence decision makers towards policies that promote socio-economic development balanced by environmental protection.
Meanwhile, three Cabinet members will be in Dumaguete -to attend the Green SONA 2016: Environment Sec. Gina Lopez, Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol, and Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi, formerly with the Philippine Ports Authority. Silliman University President Dr. Ben Malayang III will deliver the welcome remarks, while Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo will give the closing remarks. (PNA)
