The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called on lawmakers to prioritize the passage of proposed measures strengthening the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said one of the major amendments is penalizing the crime of wildlife trafficking as a separate offense.
“It is high time to address the threats to biodiversity such as the proliferation of invasive alien species, destruction of natural habitats, unsustainable utilization of resources, illegal wildlife trade and environmental pollution. It is also time to consider in our plans and policies the sustainability and lifetime value of our country’s wildlife resources along with the ecosystem services that they yield not only to the nation but to the overall health of our planet,” said Loyzaga, in a statement.
Other amendments being pushed are: consider wildlife crime as a transnational offense, increase fines and penalties for wildlife violations, expand the role of other national government agencies and local government units to have more teeth in enforcing the wildlife law and mandate government agencies to control and manage invasive alien species, among others.
Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) sought DENR’s intervention on the continued reclamation activities that threaten the country’s marine biodiversity, fish stocks and livelihood rights of small fisherfolk.
Pamalakaya has been demanding for the revocation of 21 environmental compliance certificates for reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
“Destruction of marine biodiversity for reclamation projects should be a non-negotiable for the DENR,” said Ronnel Arambulo, Pamalakaya national spokesperson, in a statement.
Pedro Maniego, Jr., Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities senior policy advisor, said “businesses and organizations must do more than comply” to environment rules and create value not only for their companies but also for the society over the long term.
“They must not only be sustainable, but (must) aim to be regenerative, so as to not deplete the planet’s continuously declining resources,” Maniego added, in a forum last week.
Maria Victoria Tan, Ayala Corp. risk management and sustainability unit head, said businesses must integrate climate change in their strategies in order to future-proof operations apart from investing in people.
Amabelle Asuncion, Manila Water chief legal officer, said public-private sector partnerships are important, especially in the implementation of sustainability laws and regulations.
“It is not enough government regulates and comes up with legislation. You need the buy-in of the private sector because after all, they are the ones who have to make sure that the policies embodied in these laws are actually followed,” Asuncion said.
