Environmental Monitoring Preserves Water Sources in the Philippines
Though the Philippines is a lush and diverse country, in recent years, the Philippine environment has fallen prey to pollution and urbanization. Deforestation has led to a significant decrease in forest cover, from over 50 percent of total land area in 1968 to under 20 percent today. Also, pollution from mining, logging and other industry is threatening the water supply. Of the 421 rivers in the Philippines, 50 are considered biologically dead. Additionally, pollution, salination and commodification of water are jeopardizing many groundwater sources.
To combat these alarming trends, ACDI/VOCA, in partnership with Bohol Integrated Development Foundation, the Kinaiyahan Foundation, and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, launched the Assistance for Resource Monitoring and Information/Multi-Sectoral Environmental Monitoring Project (ARMI/MSEMP) in February 2000. The project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, focuses on sustainable development of natural resources by promoting environmental management systems, preventing further pollution, encouraging cleaner production technologies and practices, and collaborating with local institutions and governments to build a healthier, cleaner environment.
A significant achievement for the project has been the establishment of a forum where participants from government, business and civil society can interact and create a working plan to halt environmental degradation, particularly pollution. This multi-sectoral working group highlights the growing prominence of non-governmental organizations in the Philippines. In each of the project areas, Bohol, Cebu and Davao, the multi-sectoral councils have promoted the adoption of environmental monitoring systems and cleaner production technologies and practices, as well as advocating for appropriate natural environmental laws and local government ordinances. ACDI/VOCA provided technical assistance in project management, coalition building, environmental monitoring and training. The project staff also conducted workshops in participatory monitoring and evaluation for local partners in all three areas.
The monitoring councils have already begun working to better the environment in their areas. In Cebu, they have conducted assessments of the Mactan Channel, presenting their findings against a nearby processing plant to a local Pollution Adjudication Board. In Bohol, the monitoring council has investigated many facilities along Maribojoc Bay, most of which were found to be in violation of environmental policies. They also plan to take their findings to the local government to force companies to bring their facilities up to standard. And in Davao City, the local environmental body is active in focused environmental advocacy and has held seminars to educate people on responsible resource management. The project has also assisted the Davao Gulf Federation of Fisherfolks in their resolution and mass campaign to stop dumping of industrial and household wastes in the gulf, which they consider the wellspring of life.