DENR urged to review RE projects

A FISHERS’ group has called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to review several renewable energy (RE) projects, citing potential risks to marine and aquatic resources and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

In a statement on Monday, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) said traditional fishing grounds and coastal communities in various regions may be affected by RE projects implemented by local and foreign investors.

The group urged the DENR to reconsider granting environmental permits to projects facing opposition from residents and environmental advocates.

“A transition to clean energy should not trample socio-economic rights of the fisherfolk and coastal communities. Moreover, it should not lead to privatization and corporatization of communal fishing grounds,” PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson Fernando L. Hicap was quoted as saying in a statement.

PAMALAKAYA said some of the planned RE projects, which threaten coastal livelihoods, include offshore wind farm projects in Camarines Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Guimaras Strait; a wind farm project in Quezon Province; and a floating solar project in Laguna de Bay.

The fishers’ group said the Laguna project could affect more than 8,000 fisherfolk and over 2,000 individuals in the aquaculture sector. Meanwhile, offshore wind farms in Ilocos Norte may affect around 6,500 fisherfolk from the towns of Burgos, Pagudpud, Bangui, and Pasuquin.

The DENR did not immediately respond to a Viber message seeking comment. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel