U.S. launches Php24M Environmental Justice Program with Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), will deliver technical and practical training to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) to address wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, and other environmental crimes on the island of Palawan.

The two-year, Php24-million ($500,000) project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of PCSD and its national law enforcement partners to combat and prevent environmental crimes – from apprehension to prosecution.

During an official launch meeting on Tuesday, June 29, PCSD Director TJ Matta noted that this U.S. government support would be beneficial to building the capacity of the organization, as it looks forward to the passage of legislation that would equip PCSD with the authorities necessary for success.

“Together, we can galvanize the engagement of the local, national, and international justice community to counter environmental crime,” said INL Director Kelia Cummins.

This project is one component of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ comprehensive program to counter wildlife trafficking.