Environmental Scan Report For Video Production on Unsustainable Charcoal/Fuelwood Production and Use

The program, implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to address various environmental threats, including the illegal collection and production of fuelwood and charcoal. A key threat identified in the 2015 assessment of threats to natural forests conducted by the program is the unsustainable charcoal and fuelwood production and use. In response, the B+WISER Program is implementing a Communication Plan to raise awareness and induce positive behavior toward decreasing unsustainable charcoal and fuelwood production and use. To inform the development of a video aimed at raising awareness and promoting sustainable charcoal and fuelwood production, an environmental scan was conducted in two B+WISER sites: the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape and Kaliwa Watershed Forest Reserve in Rizal, and the Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve in Negros Occidental. The research team conducted desk research, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions to gather data on awareness, perception, practices, and emerging concerns related to the issue. The environmental scan reveals that there is a perception among provincial- and municipal-level DENR officials and Protected Area Superintendents that the problem of illegal charcoal-making is declining. However, they still view it as a threat to the Protected Areas and acknowledge the need for more human and financial resources to address the issue. Community residents who engage in charcoal production cited lack of alternative livelihood sources as the primary reason for their involvement in the activity. Charcoal production and fuelwood collection are complex threats deeply rooted in poverty, requiring not only alternative options for sustainable production and effective environmental law enforcement mechanisms but also addressing supply and demand and consumer attitudes. The findings of the environmental scan highlight the importance of promoting sustainable charcoal production and raising awareness among consumers about the availability of alternative sources of fuel that pose fewer threats to the environment. Local government units (LGUs) should be encouraged to promote sustainable charcoal production programs in their respective communities, not only to promote environmental care but also to provide easier, safer, and reliable sources of income for their constituents. The research team identified several concerns related to the implementation of sustainable charcoal production, including the difference in retail price between traditional charcoal and charcoal briquettes, the reception of the target market, and the difficulties and opportunities presented by alternative sources of charcoal and fuel. These concerns should be addressed in the video to effectively promote sustainable charcoal production and reduce the unsustainable charcoal and fuelwood production and use in the Philippines.