Eco-friendly attitudes

We have always respected the mission of the Earthsaver’s Movement; as we do with any organization and people that dedicate their lives to supporting and preserving the environment. What we have always liked about the Earthsaver’s Movement, though, is their use of cultural activities to further their mission. For example, they have the Dream Ensemble — a cultural group that is comprised of disabled children. In advancing their cause and getting the word out about the environment they also provide opportunities for those who otherwise may not be able to express themselves artistically.

The Philippines is currently ‘celebrating’ Global Warming and Climate Consciousness Week (November 19 to 25). In light of Ondoy and Pepeng, this week has more significance. Pollution in our streams and rivers, illegal logging and the denuding of our forests, poor sustainable development and urban planning all played major roles in the twin calamities. Our poor environmental planning, coupled with intensifying typhoons likely caused by climate change, speak to the need for real reform and change in how we approach the environment. This not only covers government, but the private sector as well. Fixing this country’s environmental woes cannot be accomplished by just one sector of Philippines society.

As part of the week, the Philippines will be hosting the 3rd East Asian Seas Congress. The conference is being organized by the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources. From their website (www.pemsea.org/seascongress): “Carrying the theme, ‘Partnerships at Work: Local Implementation and Good Practices,’ it will highlight initiatives and good practices covering key aspects of coastal and marine resource management…” The conference will help to monitor progress on a regional blueprint for addressing issues in ocean resources and management. We hope that conferences like this will lead to actual concrete actions and not just more public relations sound bites.

Global Warming and Climate Consciousness Week is an admirable pursuit and we applaud its development. But, for the events to be truly beneficial for the country we hope to see less public relations talks and more discussions on the actual state of the environment in the Philippines. Climate change is a global issue, yes, but management of natural resources can be handled on a national level. The fact is, the Philippines is fairly isolated from other countries; in terms of pollution and waste management we are masters of our own fate. We must do a better job of protecting and conserving our natural resources. This means stopping illegal logging and the pollution of our rivers, estuaries and surrounding ocean. We have always been a country blessed with eco-diversity. But that diversity is being sorely threatened. There is an old saying, if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. This holds doubly true for environmental issues.

A few weeks ago it was reported that a dead butanding was found in Manila Bay. Our endangered species list includes: the tarsier, tamaraw, spotted deer, crocodile and the Philippine eagle (among others). We talk about having reforestation projects, and these are great and should be pursued. But you cannot replace destroyed virgin rainforest and their attendant biodiversity. At the end of the day, only people can save the dying species and forests. We destroyed their natural habitats, the least we can do is, first, try to preserve the species affected by the destruction; second, save what forest remains and attempt to reforest what has been lost.

We have many laws on the books geared towards protecting the environment. While protecting and preserving the environment is a multi-sector job moving forward there is a simple solution to halt (or at least slow down) the current erosion of Philippine ecosystems: start enforcing the laws.

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