3 Development of Philpippine Environmental Law

Development of Philippine Environmental Law Historical Context

Seeds of Environmental Degradation Roberto Rafael J. Pulido

Seeds of Environmental Degradation The Philippines A Megadiversity Country Extensive Water Resources The Coral Triangle Pacific Ring of Fire Dependence on Natural Resource Extraction

Seeds of Environmental Degradation Early History Communities were led by Datus but resources were collectively owned Spanish Arrival Encomienda System was established

Seeds of Environmental Degradation American Period Cultivated and supported class of former village chiefs under the Spanish regime Independence The elite classes who owned land were strengthened

Seeds of Environmental Degradation Martial Law One faction of the elite class emerged Control over resources was further monopolized

Seeds of Environmental Degradation Post-EDSA Revolution Did very little to address the centuries old highly inequitable distribution of wealth between the rich and the poor

Development at the Expense of the Environment

Development at the Expense of the Environment The elite has always emphasized agricultural intensification Over-utilization of agricultural lands Soil degradation Export led industrialization strategy Creation of special economic zones Conversion of prime agricultural lands

Development at the Expense of the Environment The Philippines a biodiversity hotspot The problem of solid waste disposal Fresh water availability Air Pollution Coral reefs Mangroves