DENR urged to protect fragile marine corridor from mining, gas projects

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A researcher assesses coral reefs in the waters of Batangas City, Philippines.

Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development

 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources should protect the rich but fragile Verde Island Passage (VIP) by stopping mining and fossil gas projects in the marine corridor, a coalition of environmental advocates said Friday.

 

VIP — considered by scientists as the center of the center of marine biodiversity — is a strait surrounded by the provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Romblon.

 

“Already facing grave peril from massive plans for new fossil gas projects in its vicinity, the VIP should not be made a victim of destructive mining. The DENR, under the leadership of Sec. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, must take the helm in addressing pressing issues faced by the VIP,” said Fr. Edwin Gariguez, lead convenor of Protect VIP.

 

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/climate-and-environment/2023/02/10/2244015/denr-urged-protect-fragile-marine-corridor-mining-gas-projects

 

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