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Questions and Answers
What is the primary theme illustrated in the various images?
What is the primary theme illustrated in the various images?
Which of the following statements best describes the use of color in the images?
Which of the following statements best describes the use of color in the images?
What visual techniques are emphasized in the collection of images?
What visual techniques are emphasized in the collection of images?
What is a notable feature of the subjects depicted in the images?
What is a notable feature of the subjects depicted in the images?
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How do the images collectively contribute to the viewer's understanding?
How do the images collectively contribute to the viewer's understanding?
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Study Notes
Environmental Concepts and Principles
- Natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things that occur naturally, not artificially
- Ecosystems are the fundamental functional unit of nature, involving interactions between living communities and their non-living environment
- Forest ecosystems include trees, shrubs, herbs, microorganisms, and animals
- Freshwater and wetlands include natural or artificial water bodies, including marshes, peatlands, and areas of marine water with depths not exceeding six meters
Status and Trends of Biodiversity
- The Philippines is one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries, home to approximately two-thirds of the Earth's biodiversity and between 70-80% of the world's plant and animal species
- The Philippines ranks fifth in plant species and fourth in bird endemism
- The Philippines has at least 700 threatened species
- In 2004, threatened animals included 42 land mammals, 127 birds, 24 reptiles, and 14 amphibians
- Threatened plant species numbered 99, with 187 endangered and 176 vulnerable, plus 64 other threatened species
Economic and Social Problems Affecting the Environment
- High population growth
- Unequal wealth distribution
- Poor agricultural sector performance
- Corruption
- Poverty
- Unemployment
Basic Rights in Relation to Environmental Justice
- Sovereignty over resources: States have the right to utilize and benefit from resources within their territory, free from external interference.
- Prevention Principle: aims to prevent environmental damage before it happens or becomes irreversible
- Precautionary Principle: advocates addressing potential harm even if there are uncertainties
- Sustainable Development: meets current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs
- Intergenerational Equity: each generation has the responsibility to leave resources for the next.
- Rights-Based Approach: Puts environmental protection on the same level as fundamental human rights
The Seven Environmental Principles
- Everything is interconnected
- All life forms are important
- Everything must have a place
- The Earth is finite
- Nature knows best
- Nature is beautiful and humans are stewards
- Everything changes
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- Established in 1948, initially known as the International Union for the Protection of Nature and Natural Resources.
- Subsequently known as the World Conservation Union
- An international organization focusing on nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
- Its headquarters are in Gland, Switzerland
Classification of Environmental Laws
- Green Laws: deal with forest, land-based resources, and wildlife
- Blue Laws: deal with bodies of water, marine life, and aquatic resources
- Brown Laws: deal with pollution control and the regulation of activities affecting the environment
Green Laws: Specific Acts
- Presidential Decree 705: Revised Forestry Code
- Republic Act 9175: Chain Saw Act of 2002
- Republic Act 9147: Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act
- Republic Act 7586: National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act
- Republic Act 7942: Mining Act of 1995
- Republic Act 7076: The People's Small-Scale Mining Act
Common Violations Under RA 9175 and PD 705
- Illegal logging: cutting, gathering, or collecting timber without permits
- Unlawful occupation or destruction of forest/grazing lands: illegal entry, occupation, or damaging of these lands
Green Laws: Additional Information
- Dipterocarp forests are forests dominated by dipterocarp species
- Alienable and disposable lands are lands of the public domain that are not designated for forests
- Grazing lands are lands used primarily for animal grazing
Green Laws: Chain Saw Usage
- Unlawful use of chain saws in forests, without authorization, carries penalties
Most Common Violations under NIPAS Law
- Hunting, destroying, disturbing, or merely possessing plants or animals without permits from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)
- Dumping of waste, destroying objects of cultural interest, or leaving refuse
Green Laws and Protected Areas
- As of 2013, there were 240 protected areas in the Philippines, covering a total area of 54,500 square kilometers – 14.2% of the country's total area
Common Violations Under Mining Laws
- Causing environmental pollution by violating or neglecting environmental compliance certificates
Blue Laws
- Republic Act 8550: Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998
- Republic Act 4850: Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) Act
Most Common Violations Under Philippine Fisheries Code
- Poaching: Fishing by foreigners or foreign vessels in Philippine waters
- Fishing in protected/restricted areas (e.g., overexploited areas, closed seasons, reserves)
Brown Laws
- Republic Act 6969: Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990
- This law regulates the importation, manufacture, and disposal of chemical substances.
- Republic Act 8749: Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999
- The law establishes standards for stationary and mobile sources of air pollution
- Republic Act 9275: Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
- Addresses water pollution, including groundwater pollution, chemical dumping, and illegal discharges
- Republic Act 9003: Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
- This law governs waste management policies in the Philippines with proper segregation, collection, transportation, and disposal procedures
Special Remedies
- Temporary Environmental Protection Orders (TEPOs) and Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs - Legal orders to take or refrain from actions to protect the environment
- Writ of Kalikasan: A remedy for significant environmental damage
- Writ of Continuing Mandamus: Directs government agencies to perform specific actions
- Citizen Suit: Allows citizens to sue to enforce environmental laws.
Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP)
- A tactic to silence community opposition against resource exploitation
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Description
Explore the intricate relationships within natural ecosystems and learn about the biodiversity of the Philippines, a key player in global biodiversity. This quiz covers fundamental environmental principles, various ecosystems such as forests and wetlands, and the trends affecting the rich array of species found in this unique region.