Framework for DENR-LGU strategic partnership for natural resources management

KEYWORD: Community-based Natural Forest Management, Asia. Asia, Philippines, sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, watershed, accountability, co-management, contracts, forestry department, institutional collaboration, institutional strengthening, policy, communication, community participation, case study, planning document. SUMMARY: This report considers partnerships for participatory natural resource management by the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) and local government units (LGU). The partnerships are intended as a mechanism for strengthening local institutions and increasing resource management effectiveness. Their progress has been hindered by the lack of transparency in community-government relations, policy impediments and DENR capacity. The author provides a framework for establishing formal DENR-LGU relationships, describes challenges for development of this institutional mechanism, and relates the process to national goals of decentralization and sustainable resource use. The author argues that DENR-LGU partnerships are critical to sustainable watershed management goals and that USAID should continue to work with DENR to develop this mechanism.