In a significant step for environmental conservation, the Philippine government has officially designated 10 new protected areas across the country. Spearheaded by Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, this landmark decision aligns with the Philippines' commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, calls for the protection of 30% of the planet’s land and marine areas by 2030. As a biodiversity hotspot, the Philippines is crucial to these international efforts. The creation of these 10 protected areas helps the country meet these global targets, ensuring the long-term preservation of critical ecosystems while working toward a nature-positive future by 2050.
Grassroots Advocacy and Leadership
The successful passage of these protected area bills owes much to the advocacy of grassroots organizations like Mangrove Matters PH, Oceana Philippines, and Youth for Blue Carbon. Their persistent campaigns highlighted the importance of safeguarding the country’s mangrove forests, coastal ecosystems, and marine environments. Senator Cynthia Villar's leadership in pushing these bills through the legislative process was pivotal, demonstrating the power of collaboration between policymakers and local environmental groups to create meaningful change.
The 10 New Protected Areas
The newly designated areas include:
- 1. Paoay Lake Protected Landscape
- 2. San Francisco Protected Landscape
- 3. Alibijaban Protected Landscape and Seascape
- 4. Taklong and Tandog Group of Islands Natural Park
- 5. Aurora Memorial Protected Landscape
- 6. Mt. Sawtooth Protected Landscape
- 7. Mt. Masaraga Protected Landscape
- 8. Panaon Island Protected Seascape
- 9. Mt. Gutom Protected Landscape
- 10.Sultan Naga Dimaporo Protected Landscape and Seascape
These protected areas cover a wide range of ecosystems, from pristine mountain landscapes to vital coastal and marine zones, all of which are critical for biodiversity conservation. This action ensures that these valuable ecosystems are safeguarded for future generations and contributes to the Philippines’ role in the global biodiversity movement.
Through the leadership of Senator Villar and the efforts of grassroots advocates, the Philippines is taking bold steps to protect its natural heritage, reinforcing its commitment to global conservation targets and a sustainable future.
