Philippines

The Philippines is the world’s third largest English-speaking country, with a rich history combining Asian, European and American influences. The Philippines is not a significant contributor to global carbon emission totals but is nevertheless concerned about the effects of climate change. After a series of landslides in the 1980s, the government instituted a ban on timber harvesting. The government is also taking steps to educate the public and to institute sustainable policies. Increased generation of geothermal and hydro resources has lessened the country’s dependency on imported fuels while rural electrification efforts focus on the widespread use of renewable energy sources such as solar, micro-hydro, wind and biomass.

The Global Day of Conversation

In conjunction with the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA, the Global Day of Conversation will illustrate the commitment of millions to make the natural environment a priority for 2010 and beyond. Through these conversations, local officials will help bridge the gap that exists in public engagement through education and a course of action. Ultimately, this day will elevate the collective voice of local governments and communities in a national and international environmental dialogue.

The Global Day of Conversation marks the third year that mayors and local government elected officials hold conversations in their communities with their constituents to deepen understanding of the paramount environmental issues facing humanity today. The first two conversation initiatives were held in cities across the United States. In 2010, Earth Day Network is eager to work with cities and local governments around the world to advance engagement by citizens and communities to implement positive actions to mitigate environmental impacts and advance the green economy in the 21st century.

Earth Day Celebration

According to Earth Day Philippines April 22, 2010 in correlation with the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, there will also be a celebration commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Earth Day Philippines organization. This stresses the importance of celebrating and advocating for Mother Earth this year.

Biodiversity

The Philippines contains an amazing natural wonder, Luzon, the Philippines largest island. It has been formed by the Taal Volcano over millions of years. Taal Lake is in the southwest corner of Luzon Island and contains its own island, Crater Island, which contains Crater Lake, which contains its own island, Vulcan Point. Confused? Check out this slide show to see this unique natural wonder.

The Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

The following discusses Philippine's plans for biodiversity nationwide:

The Philippines’ coastal and marine habitats comprise at least 4,951 species of plants and animals. 1,396 species are economically important, 403 species are flagship species, 145 species are under threat, and 15 species are listed as endangered. In addition, 16 fish species are endemic to the country. The coral reefs, home to 3,967 species, are particularly diverse. Sea grass beds contain 481 species and mangroves contain 370 species. The country ranks second in coral and coral reef fish diversity with its 381 coral species and 1,030 species of fish. The Philippines also rank second in terms of sea grass species richness (16 taxa). The country’s wetlands possess rich flora (1,616 species) and fauna (3,308 species). Moreover, 1,210 species of plants are said to be important for agriculture.

The Philippines have supported indigenous and local communities in undertaking field studies to determine the status, trends and threats related to traditional knowledge, innovations and practices. The component called “Capacity Assessment for the Preservation and Maintenance of Biodiversity-Related Knowledge of Indigenous and Local Communities” attempted to document biodiversity-related knowledge of indigenous and local communities. A few capacity building measures have been created. Relevant provisions are contained in the 1987 Philippine Constitution: 1) to recognize and promote the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development; and, 2) to protect, subject to the provisions of the Constitution and national development programs, the rights of indigenous cultural communities to their ancestral lands to ensure their economic, social, and natural well-being. The Philippine Congress enacted the Indigenous People’s (IPs) Rights Act in 1997, which is the embodiment of the long struggle for the recognition of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples to their ancestral domain, cultural identity and to protect their rights to exclude others in exploiting natural resources within their ancestral domain.

Source: Convention on Biodiversity