Protecting the Last Ecological Frontier Through People-Centered, Rights-Based Stewardship

Palawan is often hailed as the Philippines' last ecological frontier—a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From lush tropical rainforests and pristine coastlines to ancestral domains of Indigenous Peoples, Palawan is a living testament to the interconnection of people and planet.

But with its natural wealth comes intense pressure: mining, land conversion, unsustainable tourism, and infrastructure projects continue to pose threats to its delicate ecosystems and communities. This is where environmental governance becomes not just important—but urgent.

What Is Environmental Governance?

Environmental governance refers to the institutions, policies, and processes through which natural resources and ecosystems are managed and protected. In Palawan, this governance is guided by a unique legal framework: the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan (SEP Law) or Republic Act 7611.

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) is tasked with implementing the SEP Law, which envisions a balance between development and environmental protection. The law emphasizes participatory governance, ecological integrity, and the integration of Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems in decision-making.

However, real-world implementation often falls short of these ideals.

The 50-Year Mining Moratorium: A Hard-Won Victory

In March 2025, after decades of community resistance and advocacy, the Palawan Provincial Board passed a 50-Year Mining Moratorium. This historic decision came in response to sustained pressure from Indigenous communities, civil society organizations, youth groups, and environmental advocates across the province.

The moratorium halts the issuance of new large-scale mining permits in Palawan for the next half-century—an unprecedented step in environmental governance in the Philippines.

Why It Matters:

• Protects critical watersheds, forests, and marine ecosystems from destructive extractive industries.
• Upholds Indigenous rights by honoring their long-standing resistance to mining in ancestral domains.
• Prioritizes sustainable development over short-term profit.
• Sets a national precedent for pro-environment, rights-based policymaking.

This bold move is a recognition that true progress is not measured in GDP alone, but in the well-being of communities and the resilience of ecosystems.

Challenges in Environmental Governance

Despite this landmark moratorium, several issues remain:

• Weak enforcement of environmental regulations, especially in remote and IP-dominated areas.
• Scapegoating of Indigenous and upland communities for deforestation, while large-scale industries continue unchecked.
• Inadequate implementation of the SEP Law, particularly in sustainable livelihood planning and community-based resource management.
• Limited participation of grassroots stakeholders in policymaking and environmental assessments.

ELAC's recent press statement emphasized the need to end the criminalization of traditional practices like kaingin, and instead focus on regulating extractive industries and empowering local communities.

ELAC’s Role and Vision

The Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) has long worked to promote justice and accountability in Palawan’s environmental governance. Our work focuses on:

✅ Providing legal support to communities defending their lands and forests
✅ Advocating for the full implementation of the SEP Law
✅ Promoting inclusive, science-based, and culturally sensitive governance
✅ Holding institutions accountable for environmental destruction and rights violations

We believe that environmental governance must be democratic, inclusive, and rooted in justice. Protecting Palawan means listening to those who have cared for it for generations: Indigenous Peoples, farmers, fisherfolk, and frontline defenders.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

The 50-Year Mining Moratorium is a major milestone—but it is not the end. It must be followed by:

• Stronger community-based forest management
• Full funding and enforcement of the SEP Law
• Genuine inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and participation
• Transparent, accountable governance from PCSD, DENR, and LGUs

Palawan’s future depends not on extractive development, but on collective stewardship, ecological wisdom, and environmental justice. Together, we must uphold our duty to protect this frontier—not just for today, but for generations to come.

🔗 Join us in protecting Palawan.
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📧 Contact us: elacpalawan@gmail.com | 📍 Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
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