DENR takeover of georeserve hit

SEN. Nancy Binay said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should have a clear plan on how to manage the Masungi Georeserve Foundation after it terminated its 2002 agreement with Blue Star Construction Development Corp.

"Masungi is for our children and our children's children. Now that they vacate the Masungi Reserve in 15 days, what is the DENR's vision and plan to preserve and protect Masungi?" Binay said.

The senator said the DENR lacks personnel, as well as the capability and the resources to manage the reserve effectively as mandated by the National Integrated Protected Areas System.

"That's why we are concerned about the consequences of canceling the Blue Star contract. We know that the DENR has no power to intercept any current actions being taken by the foundation," Binay added.

Binay said that Masungi, a globally recognized paradigm of environmental conservation, was maintained largely by volunteers.

"In fact, these young volunteers have proven to be better guardians than the DENR, gathering needed support from all sectors even without the agency's help," she added.

The senator said the current situation could result in increased illegal activities, environmental neglect and security issues in the area.

"Now that the DENR is telling the Blue Star and volunteers to move out, can the DENR promise us that Masungi will remain a 'no-take and no-build zone'?" Binay added.

The senator said she would appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to convene concerned government agencies and stakeholders to resolve the overlapping legal issues surrounding Masungi.

"We need to find a win-win solution for all parties, seek for remedies and a cure to the legal issues hounding the Masungi Georeserve. Protected areas like this are crucial for biodiversity, water and climate action — so it is worrying that the DENR would just make a decision without a clear plan or even personnel capable of monitoring and protecting the Masungi," Binay added.