Yes, the Philippines is beautiful! Those who have made time to see the country know that it was not a waste of time to go see the Philippines, perhaps one weekend of the year at a time.
Recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called attention to five of those beautiful spots, the Five GEMs (Green Economy Models) — El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Panglao and Puerto Galera.
DENR is working with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to preserve the biodiversity of the Five GEMs. Government agencies are closely monitoring these prime tourist destinations for their water resource management, solid waste management, land use planning and enforcement of easement zones, and public-private partnerships.
Biodiversity is not only important to keep a prime tourist spot pretty but it is important to preserve the ecosystems that support life.
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said the department has allocated ₱600 million for the agency's biodiversity management projects this year, specifically for the enhancement of the marine research station and the conservation of threatened species, such as the Philippine Eagle, Tamaraw, Dugong, Palawan Cockatoo, and marine turtles.
The importance of biodiversity to sustainability cannot be over-emphasized. It provides us with many products to sustain our survival – food, water, medicines, materials for shelter, protection from coastal erosion, and mitigation of climate change, with forests absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The World Wildlife organization puts it simply: “Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.”
Since the Philippines is recognized for its rich biodiversity, the DENR chief said that most of the foreign funding it receives is related to the preservation of biodiversity.
We know that biodiversity is linked to climate, linked to food, linked to water, Sec. Loyzaga emphasized.
One of the problems that the agencies have to deal with is plastic pollution especially in the tourist areas. It seems that the more visitors a beautiful place attracts, the bigger the problem of plastic pollution mostly coming from food and product packaging. If solid waste disposal remains mismanaged, beach areas will be at risk of being temporarily closed for rehabilitation, similar to the case of Boracay Island years ago. This concern was expressed by DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos during the meeting.
The five major threats to biodiversity have been identified as climate change, pollution, habitat loss, overexploitation of species and invasive species.
To keep the Philippines beautiful, especially its Five GEMs, more concern for a healthy biodiversity from the human population is needed to help the efforts of the DENR, DOT and the DILG.
The clarion call is for all local communities to participate in protecting our biodiversity and enhance the appeal of domestic tourist attractions in every corner of the nation.
