EDITORIAL - Failed custodians

In June last year Filipinos rejoiced after the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization voted to include a mountain range in Davao Oriental in the list of World Heritage Sites.

The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a unique forest of naturally stunted or pygmy trees believed to be 100 years old, is the first mountain range in the country to be included in the UNESCO list. Apart from the 225-hectare pygmy forest, the mountain range is home to numerous endangered endemic flora and fauna, eight of which are found only on Hamiguitan.

Among the critically endangered species are the Philippine Cockatoo and the Philippine Eagle. Last June 12, Independence Day, the three-year-old Philippine Eagle named Pamana was fitted with a tracking device and released into Hamiguitan’s forest. The eagle, which was earlier rescued from the wild after being wounded, lasted only two months. Last Sunday, Pamana was found shot dead with what appeared to be an air gun.

Dismayed environment advocates have warned that Pamana’s killing could cost Hamiguitan its World Heritage designation. If we want our national treasures to be recognized as World Heritage Sites, we have to do a better job as their custodians. Wildlife sanctuaries do not exist for hunters’ enjoyment, and there are laws against killing endangered species.

Finding Pamana’s killer may seem tough, but it’s not entirely impossible. Hamiguitan has forbidding terrain. How many people own air guns around that area, and how many can manage that difficult mountain climb? This is where the local government, through the barangay, can make itself useful. As in other crimes, failure to catch and punish those who break environmental laws will encourage more violations and breed impunity.

While authorities look for the culprit, Pamana’s killing should also lead to better measures to protect Hamiguitan. Efficient and affordable technology is available to monitor the mountain range. Authorities must not hesitate to apprehend and impose appropriate punishment on violators of laws protecting wildlife and the environment.

Custodians of an international heritage failed Pamana. The nation must do a better job of protecting the remaining Philippine Eagles and other endangered wildlife especially in Hamiguitan. International recognition carries with it heavy responsibilities.