MEDIA ADVISORY

October 12, 2017

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) would like to invite your good office to a media coverage and press conference for the 53^rd Annual Session of the Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP) and the 69^th Steering Committee Meeting. The events will run from October 16 to 20, 2017 in Cebu and Bohol.

The Philippines’ hosting will promote the country in the international geoscientific community, and a chance for us to showcase the country’s best practices in terms of mining development and our geohazard initiatives. It may also pave way for a strong prospect to firm up possible foreign funded/supported projects and bilateral agreements.

The meetings will be participated by distinguished delegates from 14 member countries (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam), 14 cooperating countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russian Federation, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States of America), and 14 cooperating international environment and geoscience organizations.

CCOP’s programs are aligned with the member countries’ needs. The program structure of the CCOP comprises of the following: geohazard prediction and mitigation; environmental geology, water resources integrated management, energy and mineral resources sustainable development and geo-information.

Considering the recent geological events, this year’s thematic session will discuss on “The Role of Geoscience in Safeguarding Our Environment”. Each country will present a country report, sharing Earth science data and information to enhance economic productivity and generate other significant benefits for all the member countries.

The CCOP also acknowledges the fact that mining is a temporary land-use and that the final land use option is a collaborative discussion with the local community and the mining industry. CCOP is now coming up with a book project – a compilation of Best Practices on Mine Decommissioning and Rehabilitation in the CCOP Region which may be a guide for the mining companies in the East and Southeast Asia region.

We are attaching the Event Schedule for your kind attention. We look forward to your participation in this significant activity. Thank you very much!