On authentic civil society engagement in nature and climate
people and their voices.
These sentiments resonated with us, especially given our own experiences of unheeded communications with officials, adversely impacting environmental conservation efforts and the security of frontline defenders. Although there were dialogues between civil society organizations and select members of the Philippine delegation in the coming days, the content and outcomes of these discussions remained elusive to me.
However, a beacon of hope emerged when members of the House of Representatives delegation to COP 28 engaged mendable leadership. They were presented with case studies highlighting the potential threats of renewable energy projects to critical wildlife habitats, such as the Masungi Karst Conservation Area and the Northwest Panay Peninsula National Park. This open dialogue culminated in an invitation to civil society to formally report these cases to Congress, enabling the institution to take appropriate actions. This receptiveness and willingness of elected officials to engage directly with citizens' concerns epitomizes courageous leadership — a quality that thrives on listening and facing potentially uncomfortable discussions head-on, where transformative resolutions can emerge.
Notable achievements like the inauguration of the first Philippine pavilion at the Climate Change conference and the country's acquisition of a seat on the Loss and Damage Fund Board are commendable yet modest victories. These should be pursued with unwavering commitment to accountability, inclusivity, and compassion, ensuring that the voices of the most affected are not just heard but are integral in shaping the policies that govern our collective future.
Billie Dumaliang is advocacy officer and trustee of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, which she co-founded with sister Ann. Masungi Georeserve is a conservation and geotourism project awarded with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Action Award in 2022, and the Global Water Changemakers Award in 2021, among others.