Feature | Nikka Macasa
Amidst the pandemic, biological diversity in the Philippines continues to decline and degrade. To raise awareness on the issues and initiatives surrounding biodiversity conservation, the UP Association of Biology Majors conducted a webinar entitled, “Biodiversity in Adversity,” in line with the International Day of Biological Diversity on May 22.
Eighty-five percent of biodiversity in the country can be found in indigenous territories, however, they are also considered hotspots. Case in point — as Adyron Javier, operations manager of the Center for Conservation Innovations Ph, Inc. presented — is the Mangyan from Mindoro who maintains the most suitable areas for flora and fauna to flourish despite the overwhelming rate of deforestation in the region.
Indigenous people are models of conservationists who protect and sustain forests with utmost consideration of future generations. They do so using knowledge cultivated from centuries of observation and interaction with nature, from which they also derived their respect for the oneness of nature and humans. As such, Javier said they must be involved in the discourse surrounding biodiversity conservation, not only as a cautionary tale of what the rest of the population will experience should dire conditions prevail, but as agents of change as well. She emphasized that it is the duty of scientists and government leaders to partner with them and incorporate them in decision- and policy-making. “Protecting the environment is not an intellectual exercise; it is a sacred duty of us.”
Underscoring the intersectionality of conservation issues and efforts, Billie Dumaliang, advocacy officer and trustee of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, shared the challenges and initiatives of the foundation in maintaining the rainforests of Rizal. With the primary goal to protect the karst formations, the foundation launches online and on-ground information campaigns to boost monitoring capacities for documentation of both wildlife and violations and strengthens community solidarity through different activities and coalitions. These extensive and inclusive undertakings come from the recognition that the Masungi karst ecosystems are not only rock formations, but are also habitats of wildlife and communities that rely on their resources which service 20 million other Filipinos.
However, with the onset of the pandemic, threats like land grabbing, quarrying, illegal land conversion, timber poaching, and coordinated burnings persisted, with violators taking advantage of the shifted focus of authorities. Still, the volunteers remain steadfast in their goal, and with the help of local communities and allies beyond Rizal, they continue to collectively campaign for conservation, education, research, protection, and sustainable development.
Moving onto oceans, Diovanie De Jesus from OCEANA discussed the wonders of the oceans and the threats they face, as well as their organization’s calls to action in line with the commemoration of the Month of the Ocean this May. As the “center of the center of marine biodiversity,” the Philippines boasts of several thousands of diverse and endemic marine species and ecosystems. Their economic, recreational, and cultural importance to the country warrants utmost attention and action on issues that pose risks to marine life. Some of which are reclamation projects, like the establishment of the New Manila International Airport and the dumping of dolomite onto Manila Bay, that could induce geomorphological impacts and endanger several species and livelihoods of coastal communities. There is also the need to launch campaigns against policies that allow potentially hazardous practices, such as commercial fishing in municipal waters, and a need to support those that aim to preserve national treasures, like the Benham Bank and Panaon Island. De Jesus stressed that whether on social media or on the streets, speaking up about these adversities is key to saving the oceans and feeding the world.
Humanity, as De Jesus stated, can be likened to a chambered nautilus.
“We are all chambers connected to each other and what we’re doing right now will affect our future,” he said, emphasizing the theme of this year’s celebration — we’re all part of the solution.
