The Philippines is seeing a growing momentum for recognizing the Rights of Nature (RoN) movement, with SNAF joining other advocates in pushing for its legal recognition in the country. The RoNPh General Assembly was recently held from March 21-23, 2023, at the Manrissa Retreat House in Banawe, Quezon City, and saw the participation of representatives from various organizations and sectors, including Executive Director of Santo Niño Augustinian Development Foundation, Inc. (SNAF) and Chair of the Commission of Justice and Peace of the Augustinian Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu – Philippines, Fr. John Ion C. Miranda, OSA.
The RoN concept recognizes that nature has inherent rights and values that need protection and preservation. It transcends traditional conservation efforts that focus on the sustainable use of natural resources and acknowledges that nature has its own right to exist, thrive, and evolve.
During the assembly, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the care of creation and their support for the Rights of Nature campaign. They also called for the declaration of a climate emergency and the passage of the Rights of Nature Bill as a response to the ongoing climate crisis.
Advocates believe that recognizing the Rights of Nature in the Philippines will provide legal protection for the country’s ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources, which are under threat from development, climate change, and other human activities. The Rights of Nature Bill, if passed, will also pave the way for a new paradigm in environmental governance that places the well-being of nature at the center of decision-making.
The RoN movement aims to promote a more sustainable and equitable future for all by recognizing that humans are part of the natural world and dependent on it for their survival. It seeks to inspire a shift towards a more harmonious relationship between people and the environment.
The RoNPh General Assembly provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss and strategize how to cultivate the path towards the recognition of the Rights of Nature in the Philippines. With the urgent need to address the climate crisis and protect the environment, the RoN movement is a vital and timely initiative that deserves our attention and support.
For more updates on the work of the Augustinians in the fights against climate change, visit the official facebook page of the Santo Niño Augustinian Development Foundation, Inc.
