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In country
3 environment bills pass second reading
The Philippines' House of Representatives recently passed on second
reading three pro-environment bills. These are the Sustainable Forest
Management Act or SFMA (HB 1075), a bill to protect the country's mangrove
resources (HB 593), and a bill that will establish a coastal environment
program (HB 128).
"The passage of these bills highlights the House's drive to further
prevent environmental degradation and reverse its negative impacts,"
said Speaker Manny B. Villar.
The SFMA, Villar explained, will tap indigenous people and other inhabitants
of forested areas in the country in the prevention of illegal logging
activities. The proposed law calls for the establishment of forest management
centers in places where conservation and reforestation efforts will
be undertaken.
The Mangrove Forest bill seeks to arrest the destruction of the country's
mangrove forests by setting up preservation sites throughout the country.
The Coastal Environmental Program (CEP) bill aims to preserve the country's
coastal environment to include shorelines and their surrounding land
areas. It enjoins local government units to actively participate in
coastal environmental protection programs.
Groups oppose offshore mining law
Food Security Network (FoodNet), a Cebu-based environmental group, expressed
concern (full text of statement)
over a new executive order allowing the utilization of offshore areas
not covered by approved mining permits and contracts as sources of dredgefill
materials for government reclamation projects and other purposes.
Executive Order 153 was
signed last September 30 by President Estrada "to ensure adequate,
low-cost and continuous supply of raw materials in order not to hamper
or delay the implementation of government projects, or large-scale projects
that involve the interests of the State."
Said FoodNet, "EO 153 will cause more harm to the country's fisheries
and aquatic resources. The escalating decline of Philippine capture
fisheries is bad enough as an ecological problem. Allowing the exploitation
of natural marine habitats and ecosystems in the name of land reclamation
is asking for an environment and food security crisis in epic proportions.
EO 153 will accelerate the horrific rate at which we are contributing
to the destruction of coral reefs, estuaries, beaches, wetlands and
mangroves."
FoodNet includes Cebu Environmental Initiatives for Development Center,
Inc.; Center for Rural Development; Environmental Legal Assistance Center;
I Love the Ocean Movement; Mag-uugmad Foundation, Inc.; Pakisama Visayas;
Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka; Philippine Partnership
for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas; and the Soil
and Water Conservation Foundation.
Overseas
US proposes inclusion of whale sharks in CITES list
FWS News, November 18, 1999 - The United States, through its Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is urging the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to include
whale sharks in its Appendix II list.
CITES is an international agreement designed to control and regulate
global trade in certain wild animals and plants that are or may become
threatened with extinction due to commercial trade. A CITES-regulated
species may be included in one of three appendices to the Convention.
Any listing of a species in either Appendix I or II requires approval
by two thirds of the CITES party countries. Appendix II includes species
where it has been determined that commercial trade may be detrimental
to the survival of the species if that trade is not strictly controlled.
Trade in these species is regulated through the use of export permits.
Proposals and papers on wildlife trade will be considered during the
11thmeeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to CITES in Nairobi,
Kenya, in April 2000. Currently, 146 nations including the U.S. belong
to CITES. Members meet approximately every two years to discuss improvements
to the treaty and to review trade protections for wildlife.
The whale shark, the world's largest fish, is found in tropical and
warm temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Little
is known about its population size; however, in some areas, local populations
have decreased dramatically, reducing catch and driving up prices. This
shark is fished for its fins and meat throughout Asia and the market
for fresh whale shark meat continues to expand. The USFWS said the United
States has determined that the survival of this species in the wild
is uncertain and is thus proposing to list the whale shark in Appendix
II.
The United States is also co-sponsoring a proposal to include the Great
White Shark in Appendix I of the CITES. Appendix I includes species
where it is determined that any commercial trade is detrimental to the
survival of the species. Therefore, no commercial trade is allowed in
Appendix I species. Non-commercial trade in such species is allowed
if it does not jeopardize the species' survival in the wild. Permits
are required for the exportation and importation of Appendix I species.
The Great White Shark, which is found throughout the temperate and subtropical
oceans of the northern and southern hemispheres, are exploited worldwide
to supply the Asian medicinal and food market and the curio trade. Long-line
and gillnet fishing also contribute to its grave situation.
The U.S. and Australia are also seeking a discussion on the conservation
of, and trade in the more than 200 types of seahorses and related species.
Seahorse populations are believed to have declined worldwide, but more
complete information is needed about their status before moving forward
with a proposal to add seahorses to a specific appendix.
"For centuries we have been intrigued by these graceful sea creatures,"
USFWS Service Director Jamie Rappaport Clark said. "Unfortunately,
our fascination may well be threatening their very survival."
Seahorses inhabit shallow coastal waters, especially seagrass beds,
coral reefs and mangrove swamps. Their habitat is often located in heavily
populated areas and subject to pollution and degradation. Seahorses
are vulnerable to over-harvesting for curios and aquarium specimens.
The greatest demand for seahorses is for use in traditional Chinese
medicine. Eastern medicinal use dates back to at least the 14th century,
while early Greek and Roman herbalists mention the use of seahorses
as a cure for rabies. Although Western medicine no longer uses seahorses,
demand in the East has never been greater.
To date, relatively little field work has been conducted to gather information
on the health of wild populations. While there has been some valuable
independent research undertaken, additional studies are needed to provide
answers about the impact of trade on these fragile species.
To strengthen the global conservation and management of whales, the
United States is submitting a discussion paper which calls for continued
cooperation between the CITES parties and the International
Whaling Commission (IWC) . The IWC is responsible for the conservation
and management of whales; CITES regulates whales and whale products
in international trade. Although some countries maintain that stocks
are sufficient to sustain commercial trade, the United States contends
that the health of the world's whale population is precarious and continued
cooperation between CITES and the IWC is necessary.
The United States has also worked with the country of Georgia in gathering
information on the Black Sea/Sea of Azov population of the Bottlenose
dolphin. This population is isolated from other Bottlenose dolphins
found in the Mediterranean Sea and other waters. The dolphin's habitat
is highly contaminated by sewage and industrial waste. Also, there has
been a decrease in the dolphins' prey species due to overfishing.
Trade in this species is primarily for live animals for exhibition.
Although this does not involve a huge number of animals globally, the
Black Sea/Sea of Azov is so depleted that even the removal of a small
number of dolphins is critical. Currently included in Appendix II, the
continuing international trade has led the U.S. and Georgia to propose
including this rare species in Appendix I.
The U.S. is also submitting a discussion paper which calls for closer
cooperation between CITES parties and member organizations of the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). As part of its focus
on marine issues, the U.S. is asking CITES to work with the FAO in the
conservation of sea birds, sharks and global fisheries and in reviewing
the CITES criteria for listing marine species.
"Because Americans purchase great quantities of foreign wildlife
and wildlife products, it is our responsibility to work with other countries
to make sure that this trade in no way jeopardizes the future health
of their native wildlife," Assistant Secretary of the Interior
for Fish and Wildlife and Parks and head of the U.S. delegation to CITES,
Donald J. Barry said.
To learn more about CITES, U.S. submissions, what other countries are
proposing, fact sheets, COP11 updates and the latest news, point your
browser to the USFWS
website.
(Related story -- Dolphins
and Whale Sharks: No Safe Haven?)
EU reach compromise on fishing fleet size
BRUSSELS, Belgium, November 23, 1999 (ENS) - European Union fisheries
ministers have agreed on a compromise aimed at trimming the size of
the European Union's fishing fleet to conserve dwindling marine fish
populations. (For
full text and graphics)
Hawaii judge rules long-line fishery illegal
HONOLULU, Hawaii, November 23, 1999 (ENS) - A federal judge in Hawai'i
has ruled that the Hawai'i based longline fishery is operating illegally.
The decision, based on a lawsuit brought by a pair of environmental
groups, is one more in a series of attacks on a fishing method responsible
for the deaths of thousands of sea birds and turtles around the world.
(For full
text and graphics)
National wildlife refuges fulfill their promise
to America's hunters and anglers
FWS News, Nov. 19, 1999 - Waterfowl hunting and saltwater fishing
on national wildlife refuges across the country have both surged by
almost 75 percent since 1993, according to statistics recently compiled
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service . Participation in other types of hunting and freshwater
fishing held steady or grew modestly over the same period.
"More people are visiting refuges to hunt, fish, and otherwise
enjoy and learn about wildlife than ever before, and the list of refuges
that welcome hunters, anglers, and other wildlife enthusiasts is growing
steadily," said Director Jamie Rappaport Clark.
As urban areas expand, many rural areas and open spaces once used for
outdoor recreation are giving way to subdivisions, shopping centers,
and other development. As a result, national wildlife refuges are supporting
a greater share of the nation's wildlife populations -- its fundamental
mission -- and more Americans are relying on refuges for their outdoor
recreation. For example, in the "duck factory" of the upper
Midwest, the refuge system accounts for only 2 percent of the landscape,
yet 23 percent of the region's waterfowl breed there.
The refuge system has long had a special relationship with America's
outdoorsmen and women. Many of its 93 million acres were purchased with
proceeds from the Federal Duck Stamp a required purchase for waterfowl
hunting. In this century, hunters and anglers have left scores of new
refuges as their conservation legacy, refuges which in turn serve as
pillars for hunting and fishing within and beyond their boundaries.
For example, the Upper Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota,
established in the 1920s, now welcomes nearly a million hunters and
anglers every year.
"More and more anglers are discovering that national wildlife refuges
provide outstanding saltwater experiences for both novice and experienced
anglers alike," said Mike Hayden, President o the American Sportfishing
Association about the strong growth in coastal fishing on refuges. "Refuge
managers should be applauded for their work during the past few years
to educate the public about fishing opportunities, boat access and resource
conservation. The increased usage of refuge waters by saltwater anglers
is a clear indication that these efforts are paying off."
Today, 287 refuges offer some type of hunting, and 251 are open for
fishing. Many of these refuges celebrate National Fishing Week, National
Wildlife Refuge Week, and National Hunting and Fishing Day with fishing
derbies, special youth hunts, and other events that expose the next
generation of conservationists tothese sports.
A number of recent developments are expected to give refuge hunting
and fishing a further boost in coming years. In 1997, President Clinton
signed the system's first piece of organic legislation, the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, which designated hunting and
fishing as two of the six "priority public uses" on refuge
lands.
Subsequent budget increases for fiscal years 1998 and 1999 have enabled
the system to begin reducing a substantial backlog of unmet maintenance
needs, allowing refuges to offer recreational programs more often and
still meet their obligation to put wildlife first.
Fulfilling the Promise, the system's roadmap and vision, finalized
in March, recommends a number of steps to improve visitor services by
increasing public use staff, expanding public involvement in refuge
decision making, and issuing clear guidance to refuge managers for determining
appropriate and compatible public uses of the System.
The recently proposed "Compatibility Policy" encourage managers
to seek out the resources they need to offer hunting and fishing programs
if they are otherwise compatible with the purpose of the refuge and
the conservation mission of the system. For example, a manager could
approach a local hunting or fishing organization for assistance with
the maintenance and upkeep of hunting blinds or boat ramps if the refuge's
own budget was insufficient.
"Hunting and fishing can instill in people a deep concern for the
health of our natural resources," Clark said. "The refuge
system will continue to serve as a pillar of these traditions and develop
new generations of Americans concerned about and involved in our wildlife
heritage."
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible
for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants
and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
The Service manages the 93- million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System
comprised of more than 500 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small
wetlands,and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national
fish hatcheries, 64 fish and wildlife management assistance offices
and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal
wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory
bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves
and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments
with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program
that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on
fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
CRMP News
Negros Oriental forms advocacy network for environment
A group of professionals involved in natural resource management in
Negros Oriental organized last November
the Coalition of Environmental Advocates in Negros (CLEAN). Members
come from the Environment and Natural Resource Management Division of
the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental; the Coastal
Resource Management Project; Office of the Governor; Department
of Education, Culture and Sports; Philippine Information Agency; Central
Visayas Polytechnic College; City Government of Dumaguete; Department
of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural
Resources Office; Silliman University; and Goretti Foundation.
"Our objective is to promote and advocate the sustainable use and
management of natural resources," said Josie Columna of the Office
of the Governor. "We intend to undertake projects, support or oppose
environmental issues, organize clubs. We also plan to set up a Resource
and Information Center for Environmental Management in Negros Oriental."
In its first official move, CLEAN signed a statement
expressing concern about a Executive
Order on offshore mining signed by President Estrada last September
30. The order authorizes the "utilization of offshore areas not
covered by approved mining permits and contracts as sources of dredgefill
materials for government reclamation projects and for other projects."
Bacong, Negros Oriental Mayor commits to marine
sanctuary
Mayor Lenin Alviola of Bacong, Negros
Oriental vowed to move quickly on a proposal to establish a marine
sanctuary in his municipality. "We are willing to invest in this
and provide counterpart funding," he said. "If it is within
our capacity, certainly, we will do it."
The marine sanctuary is one of the coastal resource management (CRM)
tools being proposed for the municipality of Bacong, which has 7 coastal
barangays with a combined coastline of only 7.2 km, but where coastal
residents make up 60% of the population. It will be the first sanctuary
in Bacong, and the 25th in Negros Oriental.
Two sites are being considered. One, at the boundary of Bacong and Dumaguete
City, was put forward by the municipal government upon recommendation
by the Silliman University Marine Laboratory. Another site appears to
be more acceptable to affected communities, however.
A technical assessment will be conducted to determine which of the two
sites is most suitable for a marine sanctuary, after which the mayor,
along with experts from the Marine Lab and the Coastal
Resource Management Project , will hold public consultations to
explain the merits of each site.
Marine sanctuaries are an effective tool for preserving reef habitats
and increasing their productivity, but they are most effective when
they are community-based and socially acceptable. Negros Oriental has
an extensive experience in establishing community-based marine sanctuaries,
including the widely acclaimed Apo
Island Marine Sanctuary established in 1986. But Bacong has only
recently embraced CRM as a development strategy.
"We had to attend to basic services first. When I assumed office,
we had no water at the household level," explained Mayor Alviola.
"We are now able to supply water to 80% of our household and should
reach 100% in another year. We can now give attention to resource management
issues."
Bacong
Mayor Alviola: "We are willing to invest
in the marine sanctuary." (A. Sia, November 1999)
Police
outposts to be installed at Port Barton Marine Park
The municipal government of San
Vicente, Palawan plans to establish two police outposts at strategic
points leading to the Port Barton Marine Park. This is in response to
reports of encroachment of commercial fishers on municipal waters, and
illegal entry of fishers in areas designated as sanctuaries, said San
Vicente Mayor Alejandro Villapando.
"We will assign police personnel to help the Bantay Dagat (citizens'
sea watch) patrol the area," said Villapando.
The Marine Park was "launched" last May. Although still to
be legislated, it has gained widespread acceptance among San Vicente
residents for its promise of increased fishery productivity from the
recovery of coral reefs in the area, as well as new income opportunities
from its development of as an ecotourism destination.
Villapando said his administration has stepped up its campaign against
illegal fishing. "We have apprehended about 500 violators,"
he noted.
The mayor also assured concerned fisherfolk that he will not tolerate
any abuse of authority by the police, a few of whom have been accused
of engaging in extortion activities. "I will not hesitate to recommend
the dismissal of any member of our police force found guilty of extortion
or any illegal practice," he said.
Local government steps up campaign against illegal fishing at the Port
Barton Marine Park. San Vicente Mayor Villapando (inset) vows to go
after violators.
ILOM News
ILOM-Cebu's A Million Mangroves Project gets LGU support
The municipal government of Consolacion has pledged full support for
a mangrove rehabilitation and mangrovetum project initiated by the I
Love the Ocean Cebu Association, Inc. The project, called "A
Million Mangroves for the Millennium", was launched last November
27 in Barangay Jugan, Consolacion, a half hour's drive away from Cebu
City.
Consolacion Mayor Leo Go, along with 16 barangay (village) captains,
attended the launching and worked alongside scores of volunteers from
various sectors.
As part of ILO-Cebu's fundraising program for the mangrove project,
ILO-Cebu is selling tickets for a raffle draw to be held in February.
Prizes include overnight accommodation at Bohol Divers Lodge and Plantation
Bay. (For details, contact Mario Gasalatan at mario@oneocean.org, or
tel. (032) 2321821-22).
ILO-Cebu officers, led by their president, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary
Commodore Dodong Pena, were also inducted during the launching program.
Coastal trek set for December 4-5
Young professionals of Malabuyoc, a town about 4 hours by car from Cebu
City, will take a "coastal trek" on December 4-5 to generate
membership in the I Love the Ocean Movement in the municipality.
Co-sponsored by ILO-Cebu, Southwestern Cement Corporation and the Malabuyoc
LGU, the trek also aims to promote participants' awareness of, and increase
their appreciation for, the importance of a healthy and well-managed
coastal environment.
Meanwhile, student leaders at the Moalboal School of Fisheries in Moalboal,
a well-known dive spot south of Cebu, organized last November 25 the
ILO-Moalboal Chapter. Officers will participate in the Malabuyoc coastal
trek.
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