RIGHTS OF NATURE PH launches ‘Rescue Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans’ initiative to protect key water ecosystems and push for the passage of Rights of Nature Bill.
The initiative is supported by 28 different organizations and coalitions, led by the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), Caritas Philippines, Diocesan Social Action Center Calapan, Katutubo Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre, Silang Sagip Kalikasan, and Renacimiento Manila.
“The ‘Rescue Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans’ campaign is more than just a movement; it is a collective call to protect the environment for the survival and well-being of all communities,” PMPI said in a statement.
During a two-day general assembly, Rights of Nature PH called on lawmakers to prioritize several key environmental legislations, notably the Rights of Nature Bill. This bill seeks to recognize the intrinsic rights of ecosystems, ensuring their protection for future generations.
The bill is also said to be crucial for the country’s response to the climate emergency.
The environmental group also pushes for other legislations like local and national declarations of “State of Climate Emergency,” systemic protection of environmental human rights defenders, and the signing and ratification of the universal declaration of ocean rights.
Meanwhile, during the general assembly, representatives from various groups expressed concerns over anthropogenic activities impacting water ecosystems.
Bea Dolores, co-founder of Renacimiento Manila, expressed concerns over what she described as ‘destructive’ projects in Pasig River and Manila Bay.
Nature-based solutions are needed that are humane and climate-appropriate, which will help reduce the effects of climate change and preserve our heritage, she added.
The controversial Kaliwa Dam has also received condemnation from a youth indigenous group over aggression in indigenous territories “Nagkakagulo sa komunidad ng mga katutubo dahil sa mga hindi katutubo o dayuhang nagpupunta sa kanila dahil sa mga proyektong kanilang pinapasok… Malaki na ang naapektuhan ng Kaliwa Dam sa kasalukuyan [There is unrest in the indigenous community due to non-indigenous or foreign individuals coming to them because of the projects they are undertaking… The Kaliwa Dam has already significantly impacted them at present],” Kristel C. Quierrez, youth advocate of Katutubo Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre said.
Panelists at the assembly also emphasized the need for continuous dialogue with government agencies and holding corporate entities and public officials accountable for environmental destruction.
They also urged Environment Secretary Maria Antonia ‘Toni’ Yulo-Loyzaga to engage directly with environmental advocates as she continued to refuse, emphasizing the need for transparent leadership.— Edg Adrian A. Eva
