All Things Great & Small

We are in the midst of a worldwide epidemic of mass species extinction. Since Life began, mass extinction occurred five times, each caused by a catastrophic natural disaster. This time around, however, humans are causing the mass extinction. The next mass extinction spasm could be the greatest since the Mesozoic era (60 million years ago) which killed the dinosaurs. Man’s actions–clear cutting of forests, polluting waters, abusing habitats for profit–are causing extinction rates to soar. The extinction of species is the single most significant measure of biodiversity. Biodiversity is the wealth of life-forms on earth. Scientists have so far identified only about 1.4 million species (20 percent of estimated total) in the planet and many have yet to be discovered.

The biodiversity of the Philippines is unique. The rich tropical forests which once clothed the islands have been isolated from mainland Asia for thousands, perhaps millions, of years, and a great diversity of animals and plants have evolved here that are found nowhere in the world. For example, 82 percent of reptiles, 44 percent of birds, 75 percent of amphibians and 64 percent of mammals are endemic to the Philippines. As a gauge of biological biodiversity, it is reasonable to think of the Philippines as the Galapagos islands multiplied a thousand fold.

The coral reefs of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia have been called the coral triangle–considered the world’s highest in marine biodiversity. There are close to 5,000 identified species of Philippine marine plants and animals. Almost 4,000 species are found in the coral reefs alone, 481 in the sea grass beds and 370 in the mangrove forests.

Why is biodiversity so important?

Each life-form has a unique responsibility to perform within the habitat, ecosystem or planet. Biodiversity provides us with our basic needs–food, clothing, shelter and medicine. The more diverse the genes, species, ecosystems and cultures are, the more stable the ecology.

But biodiversity faces grave threats. Lack of knowledge and its application, economic systems and policies that don’t value the environment, increased population and resource use and legal and institutional systems that promote the unsustainable use of resources are some of the factors that imperil our fragile environment.

How quickly is biodiversity being lost? Consider these facts:

• Only 5 percent of our coral reefs remain in excellent condition, the lowest in Southeast Asia.

• Less than 10 percent of our primary forest remains.

• During the last three decades, 70 percent of old growth mangrove swamps was destroyed.

• On an acre for acre basis, the Philippines ranked first in the world on the number of endangered species of mammals and birds.

• 55 of the 70 threatened bird species are found only in the Philippines.

Environmental groups study birds to identify the pressures affecting global biodiversity. When birds go extinct, a massive loss of other endemic animal and plant species is certain. The Philippines needs at least 45 percent forest cover to regulate its natural processes; only less than 18 percent is left. Deforestation in the Philippines is the most rapid and most severe in the world.

To call urgent attention to this crisis situation, Haribon Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a citywide Mall Tour carrying the theme "Celebrating Biodiversity". Currently ongoing at the Alabang Town Center (until July 10), the multi-media event moves over to the Shangri-la Plaza in Mandaluyong from July 11 to 17 and to the Power Plant Mall at Rockwell from August 19 to 25.

High quality environment-focused photo and video exhibitions include tributes (in the lingo of today’s youth–music videos) to the majestic Philippine eagle and a slide show on the Philippine rainforest, a visual poem by Neal Oshima exploring the idea of man’s inter-dependence on the rainforest.

There will also be games: Citizen’s Action Games correcting common misconceptions on environmental issues, Biodiversity Games on endangered species and Educational Games on survival, individual responsibility and preservation. Prominent personalities and youth drama groups will hold storytelling sessions for children, who will also have fun at a coloring corner that highlights Haribon’s Wildlife Series.

The mall tours will also serve to re-acquaint the general public with the Haribon Foundation, which for three decades has been studying and fighting for the health of our environment. A membership program will be launched, and the public can take home reminders of this stimulating and fun encounter with the diverse residents of our islands by shopping at the merchandise and souvenir station.

Get to know some of the strange and fascinating creatures who share these islands with us. Meet them at Haribon’s "Celebrate Biodiversity" tour–coming to your favorite mall.

For membership and other information, contact the Haribon Foundation at tel. 436-2756 or 435-3208.