Existing Benefits from the Living Systems in the Protected Area
Open Laboratory for research due to its paradise of high biodiversity and endemic species
Source: Born to be Wild. January 19, 2019
Its large forest cover serves as a safe haven for many endangered and endemic species of birds and plants found in the region, this is in line with Alliance for Zero Extinction in the Philippines. In addition, the ecosystem within the natural park serves as people’s sources of food, water for irrigation, flood control mechanism, and livelihood.
Source: https://forestry.denr.gov.ph/b+wiser/index.php/sites/nnpa-and-ws)
Potential
benefits from Living Systems in the Protected Area
Who is currently involved in managing the protected area?
Local
Government of Negros
DENR
Advocates
Existing Challenge/s to Sustaining the Living Systems in the Protected Area
There are violations of Section 20 and 23 of RA 11038 or Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018 happening on the NNP. Group of Environmental Socialists had published a document entitles Pabukid 2019 Manifesto expressing their concerns and call for action in order to urge the government to take action on the environmental violators. The problem is that several rich individuals are buying and selling lands for construction of vacation houses, restaurants, and resorts. These parks are being operated inside the national park without business permits. The continuous construction of these buildings could disrupt the biophysical and geographical features of the NNNP.
Source : https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071211
In addition, global warming and climate change that has been altering the balance of our ecosystem can also be considered as an existing and constant threat in sustaining the protected area. This is why many environmentalists in the region are calling the cancellation of the government’s economic projects that might put the systems that are harmoniously co-existing in the natural park at the disadvantage.
Citation: Nicavera (2019). Drive to stop legalization of structures at NNNP gains support.
Potential Challenge/s to Sustaining the Living Systems in the Protected Area
Road Construction - During this time (pandemic) the local government of Negros Island, Protection And Management Board, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) failed in its responsibilities to protect the remaining watershed and rainforest. The DENR, along with the Department of Public Works and the Department of Highways have acted in a way that swept aside the needs of local communities, that ignored the rights of the natural world and in doing so have colluded to strengthen their power.
Source: Deep Green Resistance New Service. (2020, November 13). Philippines: Northern Negros National Park Threatened. https://dgrnewsservice.org/civilization/ecocide/habitat-loss/philippines-northern-negros-national-park-threatened/
Potential Community Participation in Sustaining Living Systems in the Protected Area
Linghod - is an environmental organization that aims to raise awareness on problems of plastic pollution and the preservation of the NNNP. They hike the mountains of NNNP from time to time to survey the area and the forest cover left.
How can we contribute in sustaining the living systems in the protected area?
By raising awareness through social media platforms, joining resistance, supporting organizations that advocate environmental protection, and opposing unsustainable ways or projects by various institutions/actors.
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