Photo by Francis R. Malasig/EPA

A number of environmental problems have plagued the Philippines for decades. These include urban congestion, water shortage, depletion of forest resources, degradation of coastal and marine resources, loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction, land-use conversion, waste disposal, and water and air pollution. Among these problems, the country faces four broad environmental challenges: degradation of forest and marine resources; urban water, air pollution and the declining quality and availability of water resources; solid waste generation; and government capacity to enforce environmental policies. In turn, a rapidly disintegrating environment increases pollution, threatens public health and food security, and widens the gap between rich and poor. Recent tragedies brought about by natural disasters have also been blamed on lack of disaster risk preparedness on the part of the government, crisis mitigation and deforestation.

This paper aims to present the major environmental problems in the Philippines with a focus on how they affect human welfare and sustainability. It will also try to identify opportunities for ecological reform and intervention.

Continue reading the MGG Policy Paper on Environmental Management (First Draft)

The Movement for Good Governance will hold a roundtable discussion on environmental management tomorrow, August 20, 2010 at 9:00 A.M. at the Blue Room. Ateneo Professional Schools, Rockwell Center. Environmental policy experts such as Ateneo School of Government Dean Tony La Vina and Congressman Neric Acosta have been invited to discuss the draft policy paper above. Former DENR Secretary Bebet Gozun will chair the meeting.