BIODIVERSITY and political will—whew! Two broad and heavy terms to grasp.
The question is: how do we connect the two to achieve effective biodiversity conservation and preservation so that life on earth remains sustainable?
I had the privilege of covering the four-day 32nd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium at Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City last August 12–15. The gathering focused on how to promote effective awareness campaigns so the public can genuinely appreciate biodiversity conservation and preservation.
For scientists, conservationists, advocates, and educators, this topic is undeniably essential. But for the youth, politicians, and even indigenous peoples (IPs)—who are also major stakeholders—biodiversity often feels like a “thesis” that demands research, interpretation, and deeper understanding before it becomes truly “tangible” to them.
As a journalist, I also struggle to fully grasp the concept. Yet I know I must remain relevant to the times. Thankfully, I found a lifeline in Sir Errol Gatumbato, a respected conservationist and one of the country’s foremost authorities on biodiversity conservation.
Errol’s Wisdom
The first thing I asked Sir Errol was: what is the Hiligaynon word for biodiversity? His answer: “Nanari-sari nga klase sang kabuhi—tawo, sapat, tanum” (the diversity of life—humans, animals, plants). That certainly made things clearer.
Biodiversity, he explained, falls into three categories: genetics (plants and animals), species (wildlife—flora and fauna), and ecosystems (the environment).
I became particularly interested in ecosystems, which, according to him, cover forests, waters, and coastal or marine environments. Simply put, damaging our ecosystems is equivalent to damaging our own lives.
Sir Errol’s candid explanation stuck with me: ecosystems, through biodiversity conservation, act as our life-support system. They allow us to live more sustainably on this planet. It makes sense—an unhealthy ecosystem endangers not only wildlife but us humans as well.
For context, Sir Errol currently serves as one of the top officials of the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (PhilBio).
The Crucial Role of Politicians
Enter Philippine politics and its role in the quest for biodiversity conservation and preservation. My research led me to two key laws:
* Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act)
* Republic Act No. 11038 (Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act)
But the pressing question remains: are these laws effective?
Perhaps not.
This was emphasized by the symposium’s keynote speaker, Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim, adviser of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity. She underscored the need for strong political will to enforce these statutes effectively.
And why is that? Because, frankly, some politicians are the very violators of these laws. By building mansions, rest houses, and resorts in protected areas—or pushing projects that cause forest denudation and marine destruction—they become the biggest lawbreakers themselves.
“Kebs!”
Worse still are some of today’s millennial politicians. Many are simply “kebs” (keber, or apathetic) when it comes to biodiversity conservation. Instead, they prefer being “selfie stars” on Facebook and other social media platforms, banking on online clout to fuel their political survival.
That is why they need constant reminders—again and again—about their crucial role in preserving biodiversity not only for this generation but for future ones. It may be tricky to get through to them, but it remains a necessity.
A ‘Noblest Mission’
Amid this, the Lopez-led Energy Development Corporation (EDC)—the country’s leader in geothermal power and renewable energy—has taken on what it calls a “noblest mission”: caring for wildlife.
Beyond producing clean energy from geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro sources, EDC has dedicated itself to protecting endangered, critically endangered, and threatened species. In Negros, this commitment is most evident through its flagship BINHI Program.
What is BINHI?
It’s EDC’s ambitious and extensive environmental program aimed at rescuing and propagating threatened native and indigenous tree species in the Philippines. Ambitious, yes. Tedious, absolutely. But also highly meritorious.
Running for 17 years now, BINHI has already saved more than a hundred native tree species. For Maria Nancy Ibuna, head of Corporate Relations and Communications at EDC, the mission is more than inspiration—it is a statement of the company’s devotion to preserving Philippine native trees that form part of our environmental heritage.
Genuine Comprehension
Knowing the basic facts about biodiversity conservation gives us a priceless understanding of why we must protect “nanari-sari nga kabuhi sa aton palibut”—the different forms of life around us. We are, after all, dependent on other living things, whether plants or animals.
To maintain a balanced relationship with nature, we must embrace biodiversity in our daily lives. It must not only be understood intellectually but also felt—“nearest to our bituka” (gut)—because ignoring it would spell disaster.
No one can afford to disregard biodiversity. Doing so would mean collective misery.
As I close this piece, I want to highlight a quote from American politician John Dingell that struck me deeply:
“Living wild species are like a library of books still unread. Our heedless destruction of them is akin to burning the library without ever having read its books.”
A sobering thought we would do well to take to heart./PN
