House resolution pushes national roadmap to protect 30% of Philippine land and seas by 2030

MANILA (November 14) — A measure filed in the House of Representatives is urging the government to draw up a comprehensive national roadmap for biodiversity protection — a landmark move that would safeguard at least 30% of the Philippines’ land and marine areas by 2030.

The resolution, introduced by Rep. Brian Poe, seeks to localize the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework into actionable national policies, aligning conservation efforts with the country’s goals for climate resilience, food and water security, and disaster risk reduction.

“30×30 is not just about drawing lines on a map — it’s about protecting watersheds, mangroves, reefs, and ancestral domains that keep our communities safe from floods and storm surges, replenish our fisheries, and secure clean water for our farms and cities,” Poe said.

The proposed roadmap directs the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and other agencies, to:

• Produce a national biodiversity map highlighting forests, watersheds, mangroves, and coral reefs;
• Set measurable 2030 protection targets with a clear timeline;
• Recognize and support Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities’ conserved areas (ICCAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs);
• Secure sustainable financing from government budgets and public-private partnerships;
• Ensure regular monitoring and public reporting on progress;
• Strengthen inter-agency and LGU coordination;
• Intensify public education and participation; and
• Link nature protection with climate and disaster resilience, including tree-planting and mangrove restoration.

Poe emphasized that the Philippines, being a megadiverse nation with a high number of endemic species, has both a global responsibility and a national interest to lead in achieving the 30×30 goal.

“If we protect the right 30% well — our key biodiversity areas, critical watersheds, mangroves, seagrass beds, and reefs — we protect our people, our food supply, and our future,” he said.

The measure is co-authored by Reps. Faustino Michael Dy III, JC Abalos, Florabel Co Yatco, Kristine Singson Meehan, Ferdinand Hernandez, Ma. Georgina De Venecia, and Maria Rachel Arenas.

Environmental advocates have lauded the move as a “timely and unifying” step toward meeting international biodiversity commitments while strengthening the country’s resilience to the worsening effects of climate change.