September 24, 2024 – The Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) stands in solidarity with global environmental advocates as the 6th International Rights of Nature Tribunal convened a session titled “The End of the Fossil Fuel Era” during Climate Week in New York City. This session began a pivotal journey toward addressing one of the most pressing global threats—the fossil fuel industry—and its impacts on nature and human rights.

The expert panel at this Tribunal session examined numerous global cases where the fossil fuel industry has violated nature’s rights, caused extensive harm to communities, and accelerated the climate crisis. Cases included false climate solutions, devastating pipeline projects, oil spills, and the creation of sacrifice zones. These testimonies will be highlighted for the UNFCCC COP30 in Bélem, Brazil, in November 2025 to advocate for a “New Pact with Mother Earth.”

Representing the Philippines, Fr. Edwin Gariguez, PMPI Chairperson and Verde Island Passage network, and Ms. Yoly Esguerra, PMPI National Coordinator, highlighted the catastrophic impacts of fossil fuel activities in the Verde Island Passage (VIP).  The VIP is the most biodiverse marine habitat in the world, often called the “Amazon of the oceans.” It is home to over 300 coral species, underwater rock canyons, reef formations, and 60% of all known shore fish species, making it a critical marine ecosystem.

However, this marine corridor is still under grave threat. On February 28, 2023, an oil spill off the coast of Oriental Mindoro created an ecological disaster. This was followed by another oil spill in July 2024 in Manila Bay, further exposing the dangers of the fossil fuel industry in the region.

Adding to this peril, Batangas—a province surrounding VIP—has become a hotspot for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fossil gas expansion, with numerous gas plants and terminals already in operation or under development. Fr. Gariguez and Ms. Esguerra underscored the urgent need for stricter regulatory measures and a comprehensive shift away from fossil fuels to protect the environment and the people who depend on it.

Fr. Edu emphasized the need for accountability amidst government and corporate negligence that continues to damage the environment. “Corporations and the government must be held responsible for the harm caused by the oil spill and the potential future threats posed by LNG expansion to the communities and ecosystems in the Verde Island Passage”, he said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Esguerra reminded the plenary that more than controlling carbon emissions, we should protect the natural systems of the planet. “We must recognize that the problem is not controlling carbon emissions per se but that humanity is undermining the natural systems (soil, trees, forest, ice, water) that cool the planet’s surface and sequester atmospheric carbon.”

The PMPI continues to steer the campaign on the recognition of the Rights of Nature. This initiative emphasizes the need to acknowledge and respect nature’s inherent rights to exist, thrive, evolve, and regenerate. The Rights of Nature advocacy in the Philippines will build upon the platform of the International Tribunal of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN),  a non-binding platform focused on amplifying issues and pushing for policy changes. The tribunal aims to create greater urgency to address climate justice, offering the perspective of recognizing the rights of nature as a comprehensive and holistic paradigm that can help address the current climate and ecological crisis.  It banners the call “No Climate Justice without Rights of Nature”.

PMPI calls on the Philippine government and the international community to:

  • Hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their environmental and social violations.

  • Challenge the government to implement a robust and comprehensive protection plan for the Verde Island Passage and other critical ecosystems.

  • Support community-managed protected areas and compensate impacted communities with immediate livelihood assistance and long-term recovery plans.

  • Promote a just transition to renewable energy through nature-based solutions and against false solutions and techno-fixes.

The Tribunal’s findings will amplify the voices of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis and seek to ensure that justice is served for Nature and its defenders.

For media inquiries, please contact: Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc.
(02) 8961 5956
secretariat@pmpi.org.ph
https://pmpi.org.ph