Philippine Rainforests

Rainforests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions based on a minimum normal annual rainfall of 1750-2000 mm (68-78 inches). The monsoon trough, alternatively known as the intertropical convergence zone, plays a significant role in creating the climatic conditions necessary for the Earth's tropical rainforests. view more

The Biodiversity called Philippines and the Laws that Protect It Part II

Labels: , comments (3)

Laws that are meant to punish those who abuse the country’s natural resources are also passed by the Philippine congress; such is the purpose of Executive Order No. 277 and Presidential Decree No. 1775. Presidential Decree No. 1775 states that “A forest officers or employee of the Bureau or any personnel of the Philippines Constabulary/ Integrated National Police shall arrest even without warrant any person who has committed or committing in his presence any of the offenses defined in this Chapter.”; while Executive Order No. 277 states that “Cutting, Gathering and/or Collecting Timber, or Other Forest Products Without License. Any person who shall cut, gather, collect, or remove timber or other forest products from any forest land, or timber from any forest land, or timber from alienable and disposable public land, or from private land, without any authority, or possess timber or other forest products without the legal documents as required under existing forest laws and regulations, shall be punished with the penalties imposed under Article 309 and 310 of the Revised Penal Code”.  

Philippines is abundant with laws that protects its forests. However, illegal activities are still rampant across the map and are still being tolerated. What the country needs now is not more laws to be passed; what it needs is the proper implementation of the existing laws and that the people and entities assigned with the task of preserving the environment be responsible and truthful to their duties bestowed upon them by the people of the Philippines.
Sources: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADL681.pdf
 
Author: Willard Yung

The Biodiversity called Philippines and the Laws that Monitor It Part I

Labels: , , comments (4)


Philippine forests can be considered as one of the most important forests in the world. This is due to the fact that the Philippines is considered to be one of the 18 mega diverse countries in the world and serves as habitat for more than 50000 species; half of them can only be found exclusively in the Philippines. Yet, many people are abusing it by engaging in continuous illegal logging and other activities that destroys not only the habitat of tens of thousands of species but also destroys the natural treasure and cultural heritage of the country.


In order to prevent the destruction of its forests, the Philippine government established laws to protect and preserve the rich ecosystem its forests provide. Executive Order 192 and Article XII, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution aims to monitor the activities within its forests. Under the Executive Order 192, 1987, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources was established as the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural resources.  According to Article XII, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “…the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State. ..“. This is to ensure that all activities done within the forests are monitored in 
order to prevent people from abusing it.

Sources: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADL681.pdf

Author: Willard Yung

Deforestation, a Growing problem in the Philippines

Labels: , , , , comments (16)

Forest in our country are very rich in biodiversity. Many of our plants and animals could be found in the rainforests. It is due to the constant high temperature and humidity in the tropics. Unfortunately, many forests are threatened due to deforestation. The primary reason are commercial logging and cutting of trees to provide for their agricultural needs.
There are so many effects of deforestation in our country. Not only the giant trees will be lost but also the species living in the forests will disappear. Some of it are the tarsiers and the Philippine eagle. And we should not wonder why our country experiences consistent flashfloods and landslides."According to the recent reports of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDMC) about 262,107 families have lost their homes while about 1.355 million people have been affected." Some negative consequences of deforestation also include the disruption of water cycle and climate change.


During the 20th century the Philippine Forests covers almost 70%. But due to massive forest exploitation, excessive annual cuts and weak reforestation efforts it dropped to less than 20%. Based on the analysis almost 9.8 million hectares of forests were lost. If deforestation won't be stopped there would come a time that the natural resources and biodiversity in forests will be lost. And if there would be continuous abuse of resources it is estimated than there would be no more rainforests left within 15 years.




We should make a move now. We should protect our environment. Let us restore our trees and save Mother Earth. 


Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation_in_the_Philippines http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/forest1.htm
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/deforestation-a-growing-problem-in-the-philippines-4124319.html http://schoolworkhelper.net/2011/06/effects-of-deforestation/

Author: Tyrone Magararo

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)