The Philippine Northern Negros Geothermal Project: Transformation from Forest vs. Power Conflict to Forest and Power Coexistence

Abstract

The Northern Negros Geothermal Project in the Philippines is the government’s solution to the projected power crisis by year 2011 in the Negros Island. The geothermal resource is however located within a buffer zone at the edge of the Kanla-on Natural Park resulting in strong opposition of some sectors of society. The paper discusses the conflict resolution process undertaken by Energy Development Corporation to turn around the “power vs. forest” issue into a situation of coexistence by: a) securing local permit for firm regulatory framework, b) stakeholder mapping, c) proactive engagement of stakeholders, d) communication plan using a robust database, e) building confidence in EDC through its track record in forestry, f) imposition of stringent permit conditions, g) assurance through an operation beyond environmental compliance and h) transparency via third party monitoring through an oversight body. Lastly, the issue of social acceptability of power projects in forest environments is examined in detail.