Germany provides Php 170 Million for Green Economy project

Germany continues its support for climate-smart development and green growth in the Philippines with a new commission of up to Php 170 Million. This was assured by German Parliamentary State Secretary from the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Mrs Gudrun Kopp, on Wednesday 2 May 2012 during the political meeting with Secretary Paderanga (National Economic Development Authority NEDA) Enlarge image (© www.picture-alliance.com)

Green Economy as a way to advance economic and social development through sustainable use of natural resources is an emerging concept in the Philippines. In the framework of “inclusive growth”, it is seen as the overriding concern of the 2011 – 2016 Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of the Aquino Government.

The Philippine Climate Change Commission, with support from Germany among others and the assistance of relevant government agencies and non-governmental organizations, has drawn up the NCCAP (National Climate Change Action Plan) to serve as a road map to address the causes and effects of climate change, including its impact on the economy.

This plan makes “Climate Smart Industries and Services” a strategic priority, with the creation of green jobs expected and focus placed on sustainable consumption and production and supporting “green growth”.
The new project on the topic of “Green Economy” to be implemented on 2013 onwards by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) aims at supporting the execution of the Philippine five-year development plan on helping small and medium-sized enterprises to cope with climate change and mitigation requirements while still remaining competitive. With about 98 % of all registered business establishments in the country being micro, small and medium enterprises, they play a crucial role in the greening of industries and services. Furthermore, they provide many employment opportunities and thus great potential to alleviate poverty in the country.

The new program can build on the established links between Germany - through GIZ -and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), mandated for micro, small and medium enterprise development, as well as a number of departments dealing with environmental and climate relevant issues.

In the meeting between NEDA and BMZ it was discussed how greater resource efficiency will enhance competitiveness and “green products” can open new markets.

2 May 2012