DO YOU know that June 5 is World Environment Day? It is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment and biodiversity conservation.
We need to take greater action to protect the delicate ecological balance among man, animal and nature. It is incumbent upon us humans, who are the stewards of the Earth, to be more responsible as most of our actions are the very threats to our ecology. The degradation of Boracay Island is a classic example.
Biodiversity loss is caused mainly by habitat destruction and wildlife trade. To address this, the full force of the law must be applied on all wildlife smugglers, while treading the sustainable development path would help preserve species and natural habitats. The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 (Republic Act 9147) aims to maintain ecological balance and enhance biological diversity through the conservation and protection of wildlife species and their habitats. It regulates the collection and trade of wildlife, especially protecting threatened or exotic species under domestic law pursuant to international conventions.
The conservation of the country’s protected areas is crucial, too. Take a look at Boracay. Again. Establishments have encroached wetlands there. Wetlands are protected under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and any activity that disrupts or destroys the habitat is prohibited.
The Philippines is a mega diverse country, but it is also one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, with a large number of species either endangered or threatened of extinction. There needs to be stronger convergence among government agencies and local government units and collaboration with the private sector, civil society and all our citizens, to protect our wildlife species and conserve our biodiversity.
