The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has launched a new policy allowing private partners and organizations to manage forestlands for up to 50 years under the Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA).
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the policy aims to protect forests, create green jobs, and support upland communities historically burdened with forest conservation.
The SFLMA consolidates and streamlines forest tenure rules, enabling cooperatives, local enterprises, and private partners to invest in forest-based industries like agroforestry, ecotourism, and sustainable plantations.
Long-term management under the agreement also incentivizes maintaining forest cover, restoring degraded lands, and safeguarding ecosystems against floods, landslides, and droughts.
DENR officials say the policy empowers communities, attracts investment, and provides economic stability while strengthening environmental protection across upland and rural areas.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 22, 2026
DENR SETS 50-YEAR GUIDELINES FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
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