Monday, October 12, 2015

Philippines: EDC Recognizes Importance of Reforestation to Geothermal Reservoir Recharge

DENR lauds the 10M in 10 project in Negros Island (Philippine Information Agency)

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Assistant Secretary Marcial Amaro Jr. commended the launch of the 10 Million in 10 (10M in 10) for Greener Negros project in this city recently.

The 10M in 10 project is developed by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the company that runs the geothermal power plant in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

It aims to grow ten million native trees and increase the dwindling forest cover of Negros island in ten years.

EDC president and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Richard Tantoco reaffirmed the company’s commitment to preserve the island’s forest covers. Tantoco emphasized that watersheds play a critical role in ensuring continued geothermal operations. He explained that geothermal energy comes from the steam that we extract from the water reservoirs that are heated by old volcanic magma chambers deep within the mountains.

He said it is only important that the firm plants trees to capture the rainwater that will charge the reservoir to replenish the supply of geothermal energy in the future.

“This is why we are committed to protect the forest. The geothermal energy is a primary example of how development can happen in harmony with nature and how our modern human needs can be met at the same time while protecting our environment,” Tantoco said.

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