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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider DENR takes serious look at Manila Bay reclamation projects

DENR takes serious look at Manila Bay reclamation projects

Published Jul 20, 2023 04:02 pm
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expressed deep concern over the “level of science and level of evaluation” that are currently available concerning reclamation projects in Manila Bay. According to reports, there are over 20 planned reclamation projects in Manila Bay, about half of it already underway. What is the overall impact of these reclamation projects? To get a better view of its impact, the DENR is embarking on an in-depth study to determine the potential environmental risks posed by the reclamation projects. The DENR is tapping experts to study the impact and determine if the agency can “meet up with the challenges on marine biodiversity.” The United Nations describes marine biodiversity as the variety of life in the ocean and seas that is a critical aspect of all three pillars of sustainable development — economic, social and environmental — supporting the healthy functioning of the planet and providing services that underpin the health, well-being and prosperity of humanity. That underscores the importance of the ocean and the seas, in this case Manila Bay. Aside from looking at marine biodiversity, the DENR will also evaluate chemical oceanography — the composition of water in the ocean — and how these reclamation activities affect marine life. In fact, in a recent media briefing in Malacañang it was revealed that the DENR has already flagged one party for potential non-compliance with government regulations. The DENR is now holding discussions with the party over these compliance issues to find out whether it has an explanation on the potential non-compliance observed. With potential risks,  environment groups and other stakeholders have urged President Marcos to unconditionally revoke all Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) issued for Manila Bay reclamation projects. Following the call, the DENR has been given some latitude to present a cumulative impact assessment—a global practice whenever there are  several projects in a single ecosystem—of the different individual projects in Manila Bay. Evaluations have been conducted in the past, but these were done on an individual basis. We commend the DENR’s determination to assess the overall impact of these reclamation projects. This should serve as a warning to those who disregard the social and environmental issues adversely affected by these projects. We look forward to the result of this cumulative impact assessment and hope that it will guide the government in coming up with a sustainable development policy that governs Manila Bay projects.

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