Module 9

• Our country is among the 17 Megadiverse countries, meaning that we harbor the majority of the earth's species in high numbers of endemic species
• Philippine Environmental Situationer

  • 67% of mammal species in the Philippines considered to be endemic (Haribon Foundation, 2016)
  • 6.6% of 8,000 square kilometers of forest cover left according to independent researchers and still being endangered by different human activities (Center for Environmental Concerns, 2012)
  • The Philippines possesses more than 15,000 different plant species, 200 mammal species, and over 500 bird species (Haribon Foundation, 2016)
  • The forest cover in the Philippines reduced significantly in just 40 years. There is a reduction of the 270,000 square kilometers of forest cover since the year 1898
  • Natural resources are rapidly depleted to comply with the demands of development
• Sustainable Development


  Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission, Philippine Agenda 21, 1997)
• Sustainable Development (Philippine Agenda 21)


  Harmonious integration of a sound and viable economy, responsible governance, social cohesion/harmony and ecological integrity to ensure that development is a life-enhancing process
• Sustainable Development addresses poverty and inequality in the society not only through economic and ecological development, but also social, cultural, and political development for us to achieve the full human potential
• UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  • End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
  • Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
  • Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning
  • Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • Ensure access to water and sanitation for all
  • Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
  • Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
  • Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • Reduce inequality within and among countries
  • Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
  • Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
  • Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
  • Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
  • Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
  • Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

  
• In essence, we must not go against the natural processes if we would like to ensure a continuous and steady supply of resources
• Principles of the Environment

  • Nature knows best
  • All forms of life are important
  • Everything is connected
  • Everything changes
  • Everything must go somewhere
  • Ours is a finite earth
  • Nature is beautiful, and we are stewards of God's creation
• Philippine Laws Related to the Environment

  • R.A. 7160 - Local Government Code of 1991
  • R.A. 9729 - Climate Change Act of 2009
  • R.A. 9003 - Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
  • R.A. 7942 - Philippine Mining Act of 1995
  • R.A. 7586 - National Integrated Protected Areas System Act
  • R.A. 8749 - Clean Air Act
• Humans are both problems and solutions to issues of sustainability. As a problem, irresponsible human practices contribute to biodiversity loss while as a solution; we humans have the knowledge, expertise and financial resources to conserve biodiversity (Palma, 2016)
• The youth are the next generation that plays a vital role in caring for the environment. The youth must be in the forefront of environmental protection and management
• The youth must be aware, advocate, and actively participate in realizing sustainable development since this is not only for the present but also for future generations
• The youth's role as a responsible steward of the environment starts at their own home, schools, and communities
• Sustainable development is a holistic approach to development, but it cannot be achieved in an instant. People's participation is highly valuable as the participation from the government and business sectors

  
• Being the next generation of this country, the youth should play a major role in the protection of the environment towards the achievement of development and social justice through the sustainable development framework
• When we say sustainable development, we do not just talk about today. We speak about what kind of earth will the future generations face
• Business is the key actor in ECONOMY which is mainly concerned with producing goods and services for people
• Government is the key actor in POLITY, which is concerned with democratic governance and security of human rights
• Civil Society is the key actor in CULTURE, which is concerned with the development of the social and spiritual capacities of human beings.
• All P's

  • People
  • Prosperity
  • Peace
  • Partnership
  • Planet