Environment

I enjoyed the time spent at the National Museum (2 large buildings) in Manila.   There was a good section devoted to the environment.   So here is some information!

The Philippines is 1 of the 10 most biologically mega-diverse countries.  The Philippines lacks large predators, except for snakes (pythons & cobras) and birds of prey (like the Philippine eagle).    I believe I snapped a shot of the Philippine  eagle at the museum—again, need to figure out how to post pics here.

Not thought to exist elsewhere are about 1100 land vertebrate species, 100+ mammal species, and 170 bird species!  There is an estimated 13, 500 plant species with 3, 200 of them unique to the islands.

Problem:   deforestation (logging and slash & burn agriculture), therefore forest renewal and rehabilitation projects have been implemented.     Trees are vital for fuel and lumber, but also protect from erosion and flooding.      

Problem:  overfishing, destructive fishing techniques, and rapid coastal development have caused a decline in reef health even with 464 reef-building coral species in the islands.  Therefore Marine Protected Areas have been springing up and the country is working with Malaysia to run the Turtle Island Protected Area—to protect the major nesting grounds for green turtles.     There is also support to preserve mangroves in Mindanao.

Problem:  Metro Manila with some 11+ million people living there causing crowding and pollution.   Metro Manila produces 4, 409 short tons (4,000 metric tons) of garbage daily.   I really don’t know where truckloads of garbage go—from Manila or Cebu City or Bogo City.   

 I read that penalties are dealt out to vehicle owners who exceed emission limits—well, I did see emission test places that were strangely ‘empty’ of any vehicle being tested.       Yup!    Dealing with litter, garbage, and air pollution is an issue in all the Philippines, but especially in Manila and other large cities.     I found myself hunting for a trash can to put a wrapper or tissue.    Children would open a bar or bag of snacks and the wrapper simply be thrown to the ground.   

I did appreciate the longer bus rides on both Cebu Island and Luzon Island because I got to see miles of countryside.   I appreciated the lushness and green I did see--well, definitely rain forests, though our team wasn't there during rainy season.   And miles and miles of coastline with all the islands!  So many places it would be nice to explore to see the flora and fauna!!

www.richard-seaman.com/Travel/Philippines/Wildlife/Index.html

www.camperspoint.com/spip.php?article 313