The Philippines is home to one of the richest biodiversity resources in the world, harboring two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70 to 80 percent of the world’s plant and animal species. However, this incredible wealth of life is under serious threat, with more than 700 species currently at risk of extinction primarily due to habitat destruction caused by deforestation, over-exploitation, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. These species are in grave danger because they cannot adapt quickly enough to these rapidly changing conditions.

In a recent opinion piece posted at Inquirer.net, Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, Executive Director of the Oscar M. Lopez Center, emphasized the urgent need for all sectors of society to collaborate in order to prevent a catastrophic loss of our unique flora and fauna. He highlighted the essential role of the government, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its Biodiversity Management Bureau, in leading these conservation efforts.

Dr. Lasco also called for greater support and expansion of these initiatives, noting the vital contributions of civil society organizations and the private sector working tirelessly to protect our remaining natural resources, including the BINHI program of the Energy Development Corporation.

To read Dr. Lasco’s full opinion piece, click here: https://opinion.inquirer.net/175802/tropical-island-animals-at-greater-risk-of-extinction