Our French Connection to Sustainable Development
"Our French Connection to Sustainable Development"
On July 1, 2008, France assumed the Presidency for six months of the Council of the European Union (EU). Two of the four priorities of the EU during this period are focused on environment and sustainable development. These include the protection of the environment and the EU energy policy, with the "climate/energy" package (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, increase of renewable energy sources, improved energy efficiency, all by 20% by 2020) and the revision of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy for addressing the food crisis.
Why should we care about this development? Well, those priorities have potential impacts on the Philippines and on the rest of the world. And although few Filipinos speak the French language and will not understand that écouter means "tune in," the ties that bind the Philippines and France are strong.
France has been actively involved in both multilateral and bilateral initiatives on environment and sustainable development in the Philippines. The multilateral initiatives include support to EU programs in the country and to international and regional organizations, e.g., Asian Development Bank and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), which are hosted by the Philippines and are helping in the country's sustainable development.
On the other hand, the bilateral programs of France in the Philippines cover vulcanology, renewable resources, aquaculture, water management, and marine biodiversity.
Hear more about the "French connection" of the Philippines to sustainable development in Kalikasan, Kaunlaran! (KK!), DZRH-AM radio, on July 16, 2008, Wed., 7:30-8:30 PM. Guests are His Excellency, Gérard Chesnel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines, and Dr. Gil Saguiguit, Jr., Deputy Director, SEAMEO SEARCA (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization - SEARCA). Dr. Cora Claudio, President, EARTH Institute, will moderate the discussion in English and Tagalog, with at least two French greetings…"Bonsoir!" and "Bonne soirée!"
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KK! is co-produced by EARTH Institute Asia, Inc. and DZRH, with the cooperation of the MAP, GREEN Army, PFST, TOWNS, PBE, AIJC, PEIA, DENR, MabuhayRadio, SanibLakas, various egroups, and others. It is at 666 kHz in Metro Manila and at other kHzs in other areas nationwide. It is globally accessible through http://dzrh.tripod.com or www.mabuhayradio.com (click DZRH)
Join also KK!'s roster of partners-sponsors, such as, Unilever, Unilab, and Toby's Sports. Providing in-kind support this month are Delbros Supply Chain Solutions, MAP, Brahma Kumaris, Nokia, and Arch. Paulo Alcazaren.
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