Re: coastal clean upPosted by CRMP on September 26, 1999 at 23:42:13: In Reply to: coastal clean up posted by Liberty on September 20, 1999 at 08:53:32: Thank you for your concern. Your question is probably best answered by the International Marinelife Alliance (IMA), the primary organizers of the ICC (imaphil@mnl.sequel.net). Our understanding is this year's ICC was well-attended, and probably enjoyed even better participation than last year, when the Philippines surpassed the US for the first time in terms of number of participants (this year's figures are still being collated and won't be available in another four to six months). On CRMP's position on the fishkill in Toledo and Balamban: CRMP is a DENR project and thus share DENR's views and opinions on the issue. Let me share with you, however, the following statement from the I Love the Ocean Movement: "Lives are imperilled, or worse, wasted, in ecological disasters like the Toledo-Balamban fishkill. Therein the irony lies. These very human lives, dependent on the environment, on the sea for sustenance, are placed in great danger as a result of the wanton disregard of other humans. That it was wastewater from the land-bound Atlas mines which caused the poisoning of our marine waters tells a lot about how human activities do affect our coastal and marine environment. Indeed, whatever happens from the uplands down to the plains, impacts on our coasts and seas, if not immediately, eventually. Our environment is an all-encompassing whole. No more can we think of ourselves as detached elements of the universe than we can look at land and sea as two separate components of that same universe. Everyone’s action has its effect on that great catchbasin - the ocean. In the same manner, whatever destruction is suffered by our marine environment has its impact on us humans in the natural cycle of the environment. In the wake of the devastating fishkill caused by the draining of sulfur-laden wastewater into the Sapangdaku river and into the sea, we take the opportunity to air the call to action for sustainable seas. It is high time that we take a stand against the dangers facing us. It is time that we all take on an active roles in preventing the future occurrence of ecological disasters knowing fully well that the ill effects of destruction to the environment will be with us for a long time to come. We urge corporate organizations to cultivate a principled culture. Let us thoroughly consider how business operations would affect the environment. For after all, are we not part of that total universe? Wouldn’t destructive practices have their toll on our future and our children’s future, too? We urge local government units to strictly enforce environmental laws and safeguard the interests of their constituencies. We need the leadership of local government units to push coastal resource management to the forefront, and become examples of best practices in coastal resource management. Because a bountiful harvest from the sea would mean prosperity for all. We urge individuals to be vigilant so as to help prevent the occurrence of environmental accidents. Immediately report to authorities any conditions which could potentially cause damage to the environment. We urge individuals, especially, in their own little way to pursue environmentally-sound lifestyles - practising proper waste disposal and participating in social action for coastal resource management. Indeed, not anyone can say there is nothing he can do for the ocean. The ocean is already crying out from resource depletion and habitat destruction. Toxic run-offs from land only makes its condition worse. Let us take heart. Let us take action. Let us love the ocean. "I Love the Ocean" Movement"
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