DENR backs nickel project tree-cutting plan in Palawan

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has defended tree-cutting activities linked to the Berong Nickel Project in Palawan, saying strict safeguards, phased implementation and replacement measures are in place.

“We assure the public that no tree is authorized for removal without strict legal basis, environmental safeguards and long-term rehabilitation requirements,” the DENR said in a statement on Monday.

Under the Berong Nickel Project’s tree-cutting and earth-balling permit, authorities have approved the cutting of 26,617 trees, along with the earth-balling and transplanting of 43,743 saplings.

“Importantly, the cutting of trees in Berong will not occur in one instance. It will be implemented in phases and each phase will proceed simultaneously with the planting of replacement trees to ensure continuous ecological recovery,” the DENR said.

According to the agency, the project is subject to some of the strictest environmental mitigation requirements in the country.

Replacement

It includes a mandatory replacement ratio of 100 indigenous seedlings for every tree cut, amounting to an estimated minimum of 2,661,700 seedlings.

The DENR noted that these must be native and mangrove species, such as Pagatpat, Api-api and other DENR-approved trees suitable for rehabilitation.

“Beyond planting, the proponent is required to maintain all planted seedlings for at least three years to ensure survival and successful establishment and to continue long-term protection and stewardship of the rehabilitated areas thereafter,” it added.

Local communities and families will also be engaged in planting, maintenance and protection efforts, with DENR validation required before any payments are released to ensure transparency and quality implementation.

Buffer zones

The project also enforces 20-meter buffer zones along rivers and waterways, rehabilitation of nonmining and protection areas, submission of geo-tagged monitoring reports and strict compliance measures.

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DENR foresters and a Multipartite Monitoring Team composed of government agencies, local government units, communities and civil society groups will oversee project compliance.

These measures, similar to those applied in the Quirino Avenue case, are intended to ensure accountability, transparency and sustained environmental recovery.

Prior to the DENR’s statement, the Save Palawan Movement urged Congress to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation into tree-cutting permits and applications connected to mining operations in Palawan.

The group also called for full public transparency, including the release of all relevant permits, data on affected areas, tree inventories, maps, endorsements and other related approvals.