Philippines – Assistance for Resource Monitoring & Information/Multi-Sectoral Environmental Monitoring Project (ARMI/MSEMP)

Working to Ensure Enviromental Sustainability

ACDI/VOCA launched the Assistance for Resource Monitoring and Information/Multi-Sectoral Environmental Monitoring Project (ARMI/MSEMP) in February 2000, with partners the Bohol Integrated Development Foundation, the Kinaiyahan Foundation and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation. The project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, focused on sustainable development of natural resources by promoting environmental management systems, preventing further pollution, encouraging the use of cleaner production technologies and collaborating with local institutions and governments to build a healthier, cleaner environment. A major achievement of the project was the creation of councils that brought together representatives from state and local governments, businesses and nongovernmental organizations to develop plans to halt environmental degradation. In each of the project areas, Bohol, Cebu and Davao, the councils advocated for appropriate environmental laws and promoted the adoption of environmental monitoring systems and cleaner production practices. ACDI/VOCA staff was instrumental in these efforts, providing technical assistance in project management, coalition building and environmental monitoring.