SCUTTLEBUTT

Godzilla in sheep’s clothing

Experts have identified the primary cause of flooding in Metro Manila, and it is the same corporate giant that is now offering to alleviate the perennial curse during heavy downpours.

The destruction of mangrove forests in the vast area where San Miguel Corp.’s New Manila International Airport (NMIA) is being built will worsen the floods in Central Luzon that the airport itself is expected to suffer, the experts said.

Mangroves are groups of trees that grow in the water, playing a critical role in protecting coastal communities from flooding. Hundreds of mangrove trees were destroyed, in what residents suspect was preparatory work for the project.

Scientific studies have shown that mangroves sequester carbon at a rate two to four times greater than mature tropical forests.

They also filter river water of pollutants and act as natural flood barriers, offering protection from storms and erosion.  

Dr. Sandra Catane, a geologist who has studied the SMC project’s environmental and social impact, said mangroves “act as barriers against typhoons and storm surges, but they’re being destroyed to make way for this development.” 

The destruction of the ecosystem will leave coastal populations more vulnerable to natural disasters. Its absence will expose the coastline to even more severe damage from rising seas and extreme weather. Fish rely on mangrove roots for their breeding grounds and they provide a stop for migratory birds.

SMC is committed to planting new mangroves and creating an area where migratory birds can stop, to offset the loss of habitats.  

However, scientists have pointed out that SMC was planting the wrong mangrove species, accusing the conglomerate of “harmful, irresponsible and unscientific practices.”

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources had ordered SMC to stop its mangrove planting due to the harmful effects caused by the wrong type of trees.

Narod Eco, a researcher at the University of the Philippines who specializes in disasters and geohazards, is skeptical that the company’s actions will help mitigate the damage.

“It’s just greenwashing. It’s a superficial fix for an irreversible problem,” he explained.  

An independent environment protection group, Global Witness, interviewed sources from the private sector, the scientific community, and from civil society who disclosed that San Miguel circumvented stricter environmental regulations by having the airport project classified as a land development.

The backlash from the ecological degradation will eventually affect the airport project, according to experts.

Flights from one of the world’s largest airport projects may be grounded within 30 years due to the risk of sinking land and rising sea levels.

Independent investigations reveal evidence suggesting that the $15-billion NMIA is a “disaster-prone project” that relies on an overly optimistic environmental projection.

The construction has displaced 700 families, many without adequate compensation, and caused irreversible damage to one of the country’s most vital ecosystems.   

Despite these failures, a Dutch state agency is insuring the project and international banks such as ING, HSBC, and Standard Chartered are funding it.

Boskalis, a Dutch dredging giant involved in the construction, has ceased work on the project, apparently prematurely.   

The NMIA is being touted as the solution to the overcrowded Ninoy Aquino International Airport, but the problems it is causing are far worse than the infamy of having the worst gateway to the country.