Two cooperatives operating in South Cotabato in the Philippines were recently charged for violating several provisions of their respective environmental compliance certificates by the country's environment department.
Both cooperatives violated a compliance certificate condition that required a buffer zone of at least 20 metres from major rivers or waterways with normal water flow, Saikol said. The buffer zones should be planted with appropriate tree species.
T'boli Multi-Fruits Grower Cooperative and Laconon 100 Multi-Purpose Cooperative, who are marketing partners with pineapple giant Dole Philippines, were charged with about us $2,000 each.
Datu Tungko Saikol, regional director, Environmental Management Bureau, recently issued the order based on complaints filed last year by the Coalition of Social Development Organisation in South Cotabato.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.