The Department is the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of the public domain, as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural resources as may be provided for by law in order to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived therefrom for the welfare of the present and future generations of Filipinos.

To accomplish this mandate, the Department shall be guided by the following objectives:

1. Assure the availability and sustainability of the country's natural resources through judicious use and systematic restoration or replacement, whenever possible;  

2.  Increase the productivity of natural resources in order to meet the demands for forest, mineral, and land resources if a growing population;  

3.  Enhance the contribution of natural resources for achieving national economic and social development;  

4.  Promote equitable access to natural resources by the different sectors of the population; and  

5.  Conserve specific terrestrial and marine areas representative of the Philippine natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations.

A nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and a clean and healthy environment.

To mobilize our citizenry in protecting, conserving, and managing the environment and natural resources for the present and future generations.