Press Release
May 22, 2008

LOREN URGES FILIPINOS TO PRESERVE BIODIVERSITY

Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday called on the Filipino people to preserve the biodiversity of the Philippines, declared to be among the richest and most varied in the world, in order to enhance their quality of life and contribute to a wholesome global environment.

Loren made the appeal on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) on May 22. The celebration was declared by the United Nations for the promotion of biodiversity issues.

Loren said that to preserve and enhance biodiversity the Philippines must improve its natural environment through protecting and expansion of forests, clearing the land, sea and air of pollutants. "We must continue to plant trees and ensure clean air and clean rivers and seas so as to protect and enhance our biodiversity," said Loren.

World Biodiversity Day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit.

With more than 7,100 islands falling within its borders, the Philippines is identified as one of the world's biologically richest countries, Loren noted.

However, many endemic species are confined to forest fragments that cover only 7 percent of the original extent of the archipelago, already considered one of the "hotspots" of endangered biodiversity.

This includes over 6,000 plant species and many birds species such as the Cebu flowerpecker, the Philippine cockatoo, the Visayan wrinkled hornbill, and the enormous Philippine eagle. Amphibian endemism is also unusually high and boosts unique species like the panther flying frog, Loren said, citing studies.

The Philippines is also one of the most endangered areas. Historically logged for timber products, today, the forests are also being cleared for farming needs and for developments to accommodate the growing population.

The rich variety of life on Earth has always had to deal with a changing climate. However, the unprecedented pace of change is so rapid that a great number of species can not adapt fast enough to the new conditions, or move to regions more suited for their survival due to habitat fragmentation. In fact, recent estimates show that up to a million species may become extinct as a result of climate change.

Loren urged the Philippine government agencies involved in protecting and enhancing the natural environment to redouble their efforts to clean the environment. She also called on local communities, local units of government and the national agencies to exert more efforts to protect endemic species in order to preserve the beauty and productivity of the Philippines.

News Latest News Feed