Open letter in defense of the environment and indigenous people of Palawan

In an open letter addressed to various Philippine’s institutions, representatives of national and international organisations presented a series of demands to deal with environmental degradation and regulate mining in defense of the environment and indigenous people. 

In recent years, human activity to the detriment of the environment has affected the region of Palawan, which is part of the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere” Programme. 

In particular, the island has been subject to uncontrolled mining, damaging the ecosystem and indigenous peoples.

In spite of the 50 year mining moratorium imposed by the Provincial government of Palawan, on new mineral operations, there are many loopholes for mineral extraction companies.  In the text of the ordinance there is in fact an exemption from the ban for companies that have already concluded agreements that do not cover new areas.

Environmental impact of these mining companies is devastating because they destroy forests, they drill into the ground, they contaminate water etc. This damages the source of livelihood of all indigenous communities. 

In the letter there is also a list of companies whose mineral extraction operations are endangering Palawan's entire biodiversity.

It is then recalled that in Article 11 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines there is the duty of the government to protect the rights of all people to a healthy and balanced environment. What has encouraged uncontrolled mineral extraction is a flaw in the state apparatus in violation of the principles of environmental sustainability, social equity and food sovereignty.

Finally, the signatories of the open letter made a number of demands, including the declaration of Palawan as a “no mining zone”, effective control over mining companies by the Mining Moratorium Council, and implementation of the Indigenous Peoples’ Right Act (R.A. 8371).

There is also a recommendation for UNESCO to ensure that the Philippine government safeguards local communities and biodiversity.

Full letter: https://www.regenwald.org/csl/76692b78-f383-4df4-814f-be085bec09eb/en