and the Challenges Under Republic Act No. 9512 (Environmental Awareness and Education Law) Undersecretary Teresita Samson-Castillo Undersecretary for Special Concerns
Department of Environment and Natural Resources The State of Environment One of 17 mega-diverse countries in the world Containing two-thirds of the earths biodiversity 70-80% of the worlds endangered species The State of Environment 4 th in the World in bird endemism 5 th in the World in mammal endemism 5 th in the World in number of plant species 8 th in the World in reptile endemism The State of Environment The State of Environment Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Mayon Volcano Candidates for the NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD Chocolate Hills Tubbataha Reef The State of Environment Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor Center of the center of marine shorefish diversity in the world (Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion) The State of Environment The State of Environment VAST MINERAL RESOURCES Mineral Land Distribution (As % of Total Philippine Land Area) 30% or 9 Million Hectares High-Potential Low-Medium Potential 70% Only 1.4% being exploited Land Area: 30 million Hectares The State of Environment The State of Environment Philippine Water Resources Water Supply = 146.0 Bcu.m Water Consumption = 40.9 Bcu.m Consumption Ratio = 28.0% The State of Environment One of the hottest hot spots in habitat destruction The State of Environment The State of Environment Massive loss of forest cover now down to only about 18% of our total land area Only about 800,000 hectares of virgin forest left The State of Environment Threatened and endangered species (increasing in about 9.7% annually) Only 5% of our coral reefs remain in excellent condition 30-50% of our seagrass beds were lost in the last 50 years Only 112,400 hectares of mangroves left (decline from 450,000 ha in 1918 to less than 120,000 in 1995) The Scenario The State of Environment The degradation of coastal and marine ecosystem has affected fish production Catch per municipal fisherman significantly went down from about 1500 kg per year in 1987 to about 1100 kg per year in 1996 The Scenario The Scenario Groundwater levels going down by 5-10 meters for the last several decades that led to saline intrusion and ground subsidence Sixteen major rivers, five in Metro Manila, are biologically-dead during summer months due to pollution 48% of water pollution is caused by household waste, compounded by the lack of an adequate sewerage system The State of Environment TSP levels above the standards by as much as 200% adverse health impacts
The Scenario The Scenario In 2000, 76M Filipinos generated over 10 million tons of municipal solid wastes. In 2007, waste projection is at 12.45 million tons. On 2012, waste projection is pegged at 14 million tons (13.83 million tons to be exact) Global catastrophes are happening And will continue to happen
United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
Vision A world where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from education and learn the values, behaviours, and lifestyles required for a sustainable future and for positive societal transformation. Photo Credit: UNESCO ESD Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) Objectives Facilitate networking, linkages, exchange, and interaction among stakeholders in ESD Foster an increased quality of teaching and learning in Education for Sustainable Development Help countries make progress toward and attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through ESD efforts Provide countries with new opportunities to incorporate ESD into education reform efforts
What is Education for Sustainable Development? ESD uses a partnership approach that engages multiple sectors and stakeholders including media and the private sector and utilises all forms and methods of public awareness-raising, education, and training to promote an appreciation for, even a welcoming of, sustainable development.
Photo Credit: dhss.mo.gov The ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012) Theme: Environmental Education for Sustainable Development
Aim: Accelerate EE as a key integrating component for achieving SD in the ASEAN member countries. The AEEAP Mission Statement The ASEAN member-countries, envision a clean and green ASEAN, rich in cultural traditions (where the values and practices of the people are in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature) with citizens who are environmentally literate, imbued with environmental ethic, willing and capable to ensure the sustainable development of the region, through EE and public participation efforts. National Environmental Education Action Plan (NEEAP) Philippine initiative to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) and the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan
The aim is to pursue education to foster the transition to a sustainable society. Photo Credit: jooc.com Vision
An environmentally literate and proactive citizenry imbued with a sense of responsibility to care, protect and enhance environmental quality that is conducive to their well being and supportive of the nations economic development and unified in its pursuit of peace, social justice and equity in the use of natural resources.
National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
Mission
- To improve the institutional systems, making them more relevant towards delivery of environmental education to all segments of society. - To mobilize resources and encourage more private/public investments and partnerships in supporting programs for environmental education. National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
Mission
- To establish a critical mass of committed environmental educators and practitioners who will spearhead the environmental education movement. - To promote environmental ethics which will instill the right values and attitudes as a way of life among the Filipinos. The Major Recent Milestones in Environmental Education United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012) National Environmental Education Action Plan (2005-2014) Republic Act 9512 (An Act to Promote Environmental Awareness through Environmental Education) 2008 Environmental Education
Rationale mmmmm R.A. 9512: "Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008" The state shall promote national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance towards sustained national development. Environmental Education
Rationale mmmmm R.A. 9512: "Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008" Strengthen the integration of environmental education towards sustainable development in the Philippines (for all levels and sectors) thru : - Curriculum - Educational Materials - Training and Capacity Building for Educators/Trainers - Institutionalization
RESPONSIBLE CENTERS DepEd, CHED, TESDA, DENR and DOST Lead the implementation of public education and awareness programs on environmental protection and conservation
DENR Inform all agencies concerned on current environmental updates including identification of priority environmental education issues for national action
Provide strategic advice on environmental education activities
DOST Create programs that will ensure that students receive science-based quality information on environmental issues
STRATEGY: Collaborative Inter-Agency and Multi- Sectoral Effort Highlights of DENRs Programs and Initiatives on Environmental Education for Sustainable Development National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
Multi-stakeholder development of the National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2005-2014), with annual conferences on Environmental Education since 2004. Materials development activities on various aspects of environment and natural resources management:
instructional posters videos, television and radio plugs
National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
Modules, manuals, and guidebooks Environment and Natural Resources Module for the Civic Welfare Training Service of the National Service Training Program Fact sheets and brochures Newsletters and Journals Brochures and pamphlets
National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
Spearheaded linkaging with various educational networks:
Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational Institutions in Environmental Protection and Management (PATLEPAM), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities
for conferences, workshops, trainings, consultations
Conduct of year-round mobilization of sectors during national and international environmental celebrations and events National Environmental Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
Eco-Corps
To give environmentalism a major niche at the tertiary level of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), the DENR and PATLEPAM has come up with eight (8) environmental modules which will become part of NSTP's Civic Welfare Training Services. The DENR Youth Desk Eco-Corps
Known as "Eco-Corp," the modules are a collection of 52 hours of lectures and hands-on exercises on community work that revolve on various environmental concerns. The modules are presently undergoing pre-testing in various universities.
The DENR Youth Desk YES Camp
Now on its 6th year, the Youth For Environment Summer Camp is jointly conducted for Students and DepEd Students and Co-Curricular Affairs, KASAMA Inc. and DENR Youth Desk held throughout the country involving elementary, high school students and science teachers.
YES CAMP College 2008 is a partnership with the Office of Student Services, Commission on Higher Education. The DENR Youth Desk YES Camp
DepEd Order No. 72, series of 2003, establishes YES-O as the only co-curricular environmental club or organization in schools.
It consolidates all other environmental and/or ecology clubs or organizations in schools with main and primary programs or projects for the environment.
The DENR Youth Desk Environmental Activities Targeting the Youth
National Search for Sustainable and Eco- friendly Schools in coordination with DepEd, CHED, and SMART Communications Awarding will be held on November 2009, in celebration of the Environmental Awareness Month Environmental Education Materials Modules and Guidebooks Brochures Fact sheets Posters Poster Calendars Poster Calendars Newsletters State of the Environment Reports Videos and TV Plugs Challenges in Environmental Education Maintenance of a common resource facility for environmental IEC exchange, and link with the ASEAN Environmental Education Inventory Database Training of Teachers or Trainers on Environmental Education/Education for Sustainable Development Challenges in Environmental Education Curriculum, and Support Instructional Materials Development on Environmental Education for Sustainable Development Full utilization of other venues (e.g. multi-media and alternative media) for Environmental Education/Education for Sustainable Development Challenges in Environmental Education Strengthening of Partnerships and Networking for Environmental Education/Education for Sustainable Development Funds/financial support to expand Environmental Education/Education for Sustainable Development programs, particularly in the regions. Thank you very much. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Visayas Ave. Diliman, Quezon City www.denr.gov.ph