Protecting our last frontier

Protecting our last frontier | Daily Tribune

Palawan, often dubbed the Philippines’ “Last Frontier,” is a sanctuary of unparalleled biodiversity, pristine forests, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Its unique ecological value, however, stands at risk due to the increasing number of mining exploration permits in the province.

Recognizing the urgent need to preserve Palawan’s fragile ecosystem, local bishops have proposed a 25-year moratorium on mining activities. This proposal deserves widespread support as it seeks to address the twin challenges of environmental degradation and the adverse impact of mining on local communities.

Palawan’s status as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve is a testament to its ecological importance. Home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic, the island province plays a critical role in the country’s environmental stability. Its dense forests serve as natural carbon sinks, mitigating climate change, while its coral reefs and mangroves protect coastlines from storm surges and support fisheries that sustain livelihoods.

Mining, however, poses a direct threat to this delicate balance. The extraction of minerals often involves deforestation, soil erosion, and the pollution of rivers and coastal waters. This not only disrupts habitats but also endangers species, some of which are already on the brink of extinction.

The environmental scars left by mining are long-lasting, often taking decades to rehabilitate, if at all. For a province that prides itself on its ecotourism and conservation efforts, allowing mining to proliferate is a step backward.

Beyond its environmental costs, mining brings with it a host of social issues that disproportionately affect Palawan’s local communities. Indigenous peoples, who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries, are often the most affected.

Mining operations encroach on ancestral domains, displacing families and disrupting cultural practices. Moreover, the influx of workers and the construction of mining sites often lead to social tensions, health risks, and the loss of traditional livelihoods like farming and fishing.

Palawan’s residents have already experienced the consequences of irresponsible mining. Reports of contaminated water sources, reduced agricultural yields, and health problems are common in areas near mining operations. These outcomes underscore the need for a more sustainable approach to development — one that prioritizes the well-being of people and the environment over short-term economic gains.

The 25-year mining moratorium proposed by Palawan’s bishops offers a chance to rethink the province’s development trajectory. A moratorium is not an outright rejection of progress but a pause to assess and address the long-term impacts of mining. It allows stakeholders to prioritize ecological preservation, strengthen environmental laws, and explore alternative industries that are less destructive yet equally capable of driving economic growth.

Palawan’s tourism industry, for instance, is a more sustainable source of income. The province’s natural wonders, from the Puerto Princesa Underground River to the Tubbataha Reefs, attract millions of visitors annually. Supporting ecotourism not only generates revenue but also incentivizes conservation, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits both nature and people.

While the moratorium is a commendable initiative, its success depends on the collective efforts of various stakeholders. Local governments must enforce stricter environmental regulations, while national policymakers should revisit laws that favor mining companies at the expense of communities and ecosystems. Civil society organizations, meanwhile, can amplify public awareness and pressure corporations to adopt more ethical practices.

Most importantly, the voices of Palawan’s residents must be at the forefront of this advocacy. Those who live closest to the land understand its value better than anyone and should be empowered to participate in decisions that affect their future.

The proposal for a 25-year mining moratorium in Palawan is more than a policy recommendation — it is a moral imperative. As the Philippines’ “Last Frontier,” Palawan holds treasures that cannot be replaced once lost. By supporting this moratorium, we are choosing to preserve not just the province’s natural beauty but also the livelihoods, culture, and well-being of its people.

In doing so, we affirm that true progress is not measured by the minerals we extract but by the legacy of stewardship we leave for future generations.