Leonardo DiCaprio has joined the call to protect the Philippines’ Masungi Georeserve.
On his Instagram page, the Oscar winner and environmental advocate narrated the story of Masungi, beginning with how much of the area was illegally deforested in the late 1990s. Local communities helped develop and restore its ecosystem, he said.
“From these conservation initiatives, trees were able to grow taller, wildlife numbers slowly increased, and more locals became involved in protecting this ecosystem,” DiCaprio wrote.
Posting photos of the popular hiking site east of Metro Manila, the Hollywood actor said Masungi’s success “is in jeopardy, as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources threatens to cancel the agreement that protects this area from prolific land grabbing activities.”
“This cancellation would set back the success of an internationally acclaimed conservation effort and leave the area vulnerable again to mining, logging, and illegal developments,” he added.
“Conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action,” the actor emphasized.
DiCaprio tagged Philippine President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr.’s Instagram page, “to intervene and continue to protect Masungi.”
He also shared the link to the Protect Masungi petition.
Located in Baras, Rizal, the award-winning Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area, rainforest landscape, and popular hiking destination. It is home to 400 species of flora and fauna, as well as birds, monkeys, lizards, snakes, and many more. The Jurassic Plant, a rare plant only in Luzon, is found in Masungi.
According to a statement from Masungi, their efforts and their “future is threatened due to a recent announcement by the DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga that she plans to cancel the 2017 Memorandum of Agreement between the Masungi Georeserve Foundation and the DENR.”
In March, Yulo told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview, “Masalimuot po talaga ang Masungi.”
“Pero ang kailangan pong isipin ng lahat, kagaya ng Chocolate Hills, ito problemang ito ay hindi po sumulpot ngayon lang. Meron po itong early beginnings sa 1990s na trinace back na namin,” she added, as she promised to release a decision soon.
Shortly after, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated that Masungi is a protected forest reserve.
DiCaprio’s call to support Masungi adds to a growing list of celebrities rallying behind the project, including, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, renowned ethologist and activist, Greta Thunberg, world-renowned environmental activist, and Sting, musician and environmentalist.
On the local front, SB19’s Justin, and actresses Nadine Lustre and Glaiza De Castro are among those who have joined the call to protect Masungi Georeserve.
— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News
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