The rainforest, wetlands, and a rich biodiversity are the vanishing treasures of Negros Island. The island itself is just a microcosm of the environmental problems facing the Philippines. The Philippines is one of the 17 Megadiverse countries in the world. These countries possess a high density of different species of plants and animals . Unfortunately, these countries are also considered as biodiversity hotspot. The Philippines ranked 4th in the list of the Worlds 10 Most Threatened Forest Hotspots with only 7% of the country’s original forest habitat remaining.
The Sad Truth About Negros Biodiversity
According to Dr. William Oliver in a 1993 report, “Nowhere in the Philippines is environmental degradation quite so acute, and the need for immediate conservation action quite so pressing as in the West Visayas or Negros Faunal Region. This ecoregion harbors some of the highest levels of endemism but has suffered a disproportionate share of deforestation, and to compound the problem the area is underrepresented in the national protected area system.”
The Greater Negros-Panay Faunal Region includes Negros, Panay, Cebu, Masbate, Ticao, and Guimaras. This ecoregion used to belong to one continuous island during the last ice age therefore they share the same species of plants and animals. Some endemic species of the region which are already considered critically endangered are the Visayan Warty Pig, the Visayan Spotted Deer, Visayan Leopard Cat, Negros Bleeding Heart Pigeon, Visayan Tarictic Hornbill and Rufous-headed Hornbill.
The image below clearly illustrate the rate of forest loss in Negros Island.
The causes of the habitat loss are clearly detailed in a case study of Negros Island in the book “Vanishing Treasures of the Philippine Rain Forests”.
First factor identified was the advent of modern medicine which reduced mortality thus people lived longer and there’s an increase in population. The second factor was the arrival of large scale agriculture such as sugarcane. Large tracts of forests were cleared to give way to sugar cane plantations. The third factor was the American colonial government which increased business activity and also granted concessions to logging companies, allowing them to cut new roads to the interior of Negros Island to gain access to our rain forest.
The Insular Lumber Company (ILCO), the largest logging company and sawmill in the world operated in Negros from 1904 up to 1985. Although ILCO provided employment to a lot of Negrenses especially in Fabrica, Sagay City, it is said to be responsible for the denudation of Negros forest.
This video documentary compiled by Jonathan Gabriel show the operation of ILCO in Fabrica in the 1930s.
The “Vanishing Treasures of the Philippine Rain Forests” was published in 1998 by The Field Museum as part of the Centennial Celebration of the Philippines. It is already out of print but The Field Museum converted the book into a website which is accessible to the public. I hope more Filipinos, especially the youth will read it so they will appreciate their heritage and make it their responsibility.
Is There Hope to Save Our Treasures
A lot has changed since the publication of the book. More people are now aware of the importance of protecting the environment because of easy access to data and information. Negrense environmentalist are also one of the most active and most vigilant in the country. The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is likewise very active in reforestation activities. According to ornithologist Godofredo Jakosalem, our forest areas increased to 11% although this still needs actual ground validation.
Most of the remaining old growth forest of Negros Occidental are at the North Negros Natural Park and Mt. Kanlaon National Park and these are constantly at threat from illegal logging, land conversion, and human encroachment. However, a recent news said that according to DENR, Negros Occidental is losing 2,400 hectares of forest every year with the biggest forest losses in Bago, Cadiz, San Carlos, and Talisay cities. This is very alarming considering that part of these cities are also part of the North Negros Natural Park.
As ordinary citizens, we have a lot to contribute in saving our forests and nature as a whole.
- Get Involved in Environmental Awareness/Protection Activities.
We can’t always be fence sitters when it comes to the environment because we depend so much from it. Let us do our part in creating awareness and in protecting the environment. Join an advocacy group so that you can learn more on how you can help the environment. Civil society was instrumental in stopping a geothermal project in Negros Occidental from further exploration which could lead to the destruction of hundreds of hectares of forest. Utilizing renewable energy is good but if it means destruction of our natural resources, then it defeats its purpose.
Let us be part of the solution by not buying traded wild animals and plants and report to authorities those who do. Foundations like the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Inc. (NFEFI) and Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCF) are sustained through donations so they would really appreciate any help they can get.
- Educate our Youth
The future belongs to the youth and the kind of adults they would become largely depend on the kind of youth we nurture. Let us educate them and get them connected with nature. There are various programs that we can involve our youth so that they can learn from their experiences. Get them away from their gadgets and let them experience nature.
The Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCF) offers Marine and Wildlife Camp every summer at Danjugan Island Marine Reserve. This will give them a wealth of experience on the importance of biodiversity conservation and still enjoy time in a tropical paradise. You may contact PRRCF at (034) 441-6010.
The Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Inc. (NFEFI) conducts a Junior Zookeeper Workshop every summer and this is a fun way to introduce the kids to the animals especially to our endemic species in Negros. You may contact NFEFI at (034) 433 9234.
Junior Zookeeper Workhsop at NFEFI
The Quiet Place Farm Resort in Bago City conducts a Bird Watching Activity for both adults and kids. This is a fun way to bond with your kids and at the same time to educate them on biodiversity and the role of birds in nature. You may contact the Quiet Place at (034) 702 9394.
- Choose a Pro-Environment Leader
The Philippines already have a lot of laws protecting the environment but its strict implementation depend largely on the local officials. A good leader knows where to strike a balance between development and environment protection. Let’s be critical of the decisions our leaders make when it comes to our natural resources. Are they doing it for the common good or for their personal interests?
Our natural heritage are our treasure and we should protect them at all times. We owe our food, our water, and the quality of air we breathe to nature. And we owe it to the future generation to protect our treasures – our forests, wetlands and the different species of plants and animals that thrive there – so that we will leave them with a better Negros Island.
Let me end this post with a challenge from the Field Museum.
What will happen next is uncertain – whether the nation achieves environmental stability and learns to fully appreciate its magnificent natural heritage, or spirals into environmental and economic decline, is unknown. But it is entirely clear that the choice between these outcomes is just that – a choice. It is up to the citizens of the Philippines to decide what they want their country to become. The choices are clear.
(This article won the author the Blogger of the Year award at the Globe Media Excellence Awards 2015 Visayas.)