Petition to Save Mt Talinis

WHEREAS, the Mt. Talinis and Twin Lakes regions or Cuernos de Negros of the province of Negros Oriental have been identified as one of those on top of the list of conservation priority areas and key biodiversity conservation sites due to its high endemism and severity of threats. Old growth forest still surrounds the peak and lakes covering an area of about 4,800 hectares harbouring 102 species of birds, 24 mammals and 68 amphibians. About 50% of these species are endemic and 16 species are classified threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

 

            WHEREAS, about 3,045 hectares of this area is classified as Close Natural Forest whilst the 1,849 hectares as Secondary Natural Forest. This remaining forest patch is not only a habitat to wildlife but also serves as water source for the entire southern Negros, benefitting more than 15 municipalities and cities. Water reserve from this forest contributes to the following water bodies: Bangcolutan, Banica River, Banilad Creek, Cawitan River, Lawigan Creek, Okoy River, Siaton River, Tanjay River and Talinis Lakes.

 

            WHEREAS, we believe that trees serve as the lungs of the earth and act as a carbon sink by absorbing the carbon from carbon dioxide and storing it as cellulose in their trunk, branches, leaves and roots while releasing oxygen back into the air. An average tree can intercept or hold at least 58 gallons of water from rain and altogether the root system prevent soil erosion and flooding.  A nine-year old average tree can give off enough oxygen to support two human beings.

 

            WHEREAS, the mandate that every tree cut shall be replaced by planting one hundred (100) seedlings has negative implications. The replacement seedlings will need decades to grow to the size of the full-grown trees destroyed. And as we await these seedlings to mature, we shall be reaping the illnesses that those precious full-grown trees would have prevented. Besides, the fauna displaced may never come back to that original site where the trees provided for their needs, thus, disrupting the ecology.

 

            WHEREAS, we choose to take the path to an inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable development – a development that should not gloss over the expense of the ecological integrity, legitimate land rights, road safety, health and livelihood needs of present and future generations of Negrenses.

 

            WHEREAS, the integrity of the aforementioned endemic species and their habitat are threatened by the continuous influx of humans, conversion of some areas to food production, crop plantation, illegal small-scale logging, slash and burn farming and very poor watershed management.

 

            WHEREAS, the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes are proclaimed by Presidential Proclamation No. 414 series of 2000 as a Natural Park. The forested area of Cuernos de Negros is 15,287 hectares but the actual protected area is only 8,016 hectares.

 

            WHEREAS, the roads built by Energy Development Corporation (EDC) have allowed access to commercial logging and a large number of kaingineros who have cleared much of the lower altitude forest and are penetrating deep into the remaining primary forest.

 

            WHEREAS, the EDC is liable to follow the provisions of Republic Act No. 9147 s 2001 An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats.

 

            WHEREAS, the EDC has cut 576 trees for the 2013 Nasulo Project covering 8 hectares to make a one kilometer (1 km) NJ3RD Access Road. A cutting permit was issued by DENR Region VII signed by RED Isabelo Montejo. At least three species of these trees are Critically Endangered and another three species are Vulnerable.  

 

            WHEREAS, the EDC failed to inform the public particularly the local government units of the Municipality of Valencia and the province of Negros Oriental about the said Nasulo Project prior to its implementation. Said project was also not done in consultation with other affected LGUs. Extraction of geothermal resource also affects neighboring areas regarding water contamination and stability as well as emission of toxic gases. Further, the result of their Environmental Impact Study prior to project implementation was not discussed with stakeholders.

 

            WHEREAS, the Talinis forests and watershed is in steady decline, and as a result is causing serious impacts on surrounding areas in the form of floods and landslides (e.g. landslide causing demolition of Barangay Hall of Puhagan, Valencia and the closure of a resort in Dauin; floods in all water tributaries during heavy rains and typhoons);

 

            WHEREFOR, WE, the undersigned, petition the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the following:

 

We request the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) for transparency in its projects and to furnish the Municipality of Valencia and other Stakeholders several documents requested herein
 

The Energy Development Corporation provides us and other stakeholders a copy of their Development Plan, Watershed Management Program and other pertinent documents like Environmental Impact Study, Environmental Compliance Certificate, Social Acceptability Certificate, and other supporting documents used in their application for the Nasulo Project. An inventory of the plant and animal species affected and a copy of the Environmental Impact Assessment should also be furnished.
Environmental Impact Study, Feasibility Study and other documents pertaining to the new application/s to cut more trees.

 
That EDC will halt all tree cutting activities whilst awaiting the study of such required papers by stakeholders and independent environment experts and the issuance of corresponding permits and certificates as required by law. Also, that EDC will comply with all the legal requirements provided by law and be transparent in fulfilling the process.
 

That DENR will strictly study all factors that sustain biodiversity and natural resources prior to granting permits to harvest our resources; and that DENR will issue a Temporary Restraining Order on the cutting of trees in the jurisdiction of EDC and all Cuernos de Negros forested areas.
 

In view of the aforementioned status of Mount Talinis, we demand for a moratorium on geothermal expansion and the cessation of geothermal exploration in the area.
 

That the DENR and all related agencies support alternative upland livelihood programs that reduce pressure on the use of forests and forest by-products.
 

That intensive forest monitoring and protection activities be programmed, budgeted, and efficiently implemented.
 

That geohazard areas be identified and closed to all forms of development and deforested geohazard areas be reforested.
 

That EDC be compelled to regularly contribute to the bulk of the disaster support and management budget of local government units affected by floods and landslides.
 

That EDC be compelled to
Regularly report on the amount of water (steam and non-steam) used, and pay the appropriate amount
Regularly report on the status of their tailings pond
Report the volume or amount of forest lost during their active years of operation
Report the extent and fate of their re-injected water, and pay the appropriate damages (if any) caused by re-injected water contamination in the local wells and water reservoir.
 

That NORECO I & II will support the use of solar, and other sustainable environment-friendly forms of energy.

 
We exercise our right to a balanced ecology and a healthy and sustainable environment.