Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio is now among a number of celebs from all over the world calling for the protection of the Masungi Georeserve.
Located in Baras, Rizal, the popular hiking site is home to 400 species of flora and fauna.
Already denoted as a conservation area, petitioners started the call for its protection after DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga announced a plan to cancel a 2017 Memorandum of Agreement between the Masungi Georeserve Foundation and the DENR.
On his Instagram page, the Oscar-winning actor related how Masungi was illegally deforested in the late ‘90s.
According to Leonardo, it was through the efforts of local communities that Masungi’s ecosystem was restored.
“From these conservation initiatives, trees were able to grow taller, wildlife numbers slowly increased,” he wrote.
He then related how the planned cancellation of the aforementioned agreement between the Masungi Georeserve Foundation and the DENR “would set back the success of an internationally-acclaimed conservation effort and leave the area vulnerable again to mining, logging, and illegal developments."
“Conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action," the actor maintained.
Leonardo tagged Philippine President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr.’s Instagram page, “to intervene and continue to protect Masungi.”
He also shared the link to the Protect Masungi petition.
Prior, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, renowned ethologist, activist, as with environmentalist Greta Thunberg, and Grammy-winning musician Sting already aired their support for Masungi’s protection.
Local stars including actresses Nadine Lustre and Glaiza De Castro have also joined the call.