The Environmental Legal Assistance Center, Inc. (ELAC) Exposes Illegal Reclamation Activities Threatening Palawan’s Nature and Communities
Palawan, known as the “last frontier” of the Philippines, boasts unparalleled natural beauty. Its pristine landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich biodiversity have long captivated the hearts of both locals and tourists. However, beneath the serene surface, a disturbing and covert environmental issue has come to light, thanks to the vigilance of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, Inc. (ELAC).
In a recent statement entitled “ON RECLAMATION,” ELAC shed light on the harmful consequences of large-scale reclamation projects that are threatening both the environment and the lives of the people in Palawan. This exposé comes after a Senate hearing in September, which confirmed that the extensive reclamation projects in Coron (22 hectares) and Puerto Princesa (10 hectares) are not only “illegal and unauthorized” but also devoid of proper documentation and authorization from key agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), and the Palawan Council for Sustainability Development (PCSD). Shockingly, no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted before these projects commenced.
The impacts of these illicit activities reach far beyond legal violations. ELAC warns that the entire process, from extracting materials in quarries to creating reclamation piles, is transforming the very essence of Palawan’s nature, with severe consequences for the livelihoods of its farmers and households. Communities have suffered from frequent flooding due to these projects, and fishermen have watched their primary source of income vanish as reclamation destroys marine ecosystems.
Under the principles of openness, participation, and accountability, local governments bear the responsibility of ensuring responsible environmental management. ELAC underscores the significance of upholding these principles in every local project, ensuring that the voices of the citizens are not only heard but also valued. This is a fundamental aspect of transparent governance.
The ELAC statement also issues a clear call to action. They urge all residents and stakeholders in Palawan to report any impacts or abuses related to these illegal reclamation activities. This collective effort, they believe, can help protect both the natural environment and the rights of the local citizens. Their message resonates with a call for unity in support of preserving Palawan’s future and safeguarding its unique natural heritage.
The revelations in ELAC’s statement serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of the environment, even in paradisiacal places like Palawan. It is a clarion call to reevaluate the policies governing environmental projects, to prioritize the protection of nature, and to hold those responsible for illegal activities accountable.
Palawan’s future, intertwined with its spectacular environment and the well-being of its people, depends on the collective commitment to ecological preservation. ELAC’s courageous stand in shedding light on the covert reclamation activities is a significant step towards securing this future. The choice is clear: to stand united in defense of nature, to ensure the rights of the citizens, and to forge a sustainable path forward for Palawan’s magnificent landscapes and its people.
For more info please follow the link to ELAC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/elacpalawan
All photos from ELAC Facebook page
