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Citizen Science
Overview
Bantay Kalikasan piloted a Citizen Science Program in Lobo, Batangas – a town in the Verde Island Passage (VIP), which is recognized as a global center of marine biodiversity and the newest declared Mission Blue Hope Spot. The Citizen Science project began with the coral reef monitoring in 2020. The program connected community volunteers and LGU staff with biodiversity experts to collect data on the health of the reefs and, consequently, better manage marine protected areas.
Since then, Bantay Kalikasan received a 3-year funding from USAID to extend and institutionalize its Citizen Science – coral reef monitoring program in more areas in Batangas, Romblon, and Mindoro. The program also extended the scope of Citizen Science to include seagrass and mangrove monitoring and is currently piloting it in Lobo, Batangas.
close to 100 citizen scientists trained |
7 coral reef areas |
2 mangrove forests |
1 seagrass area |
Challenge
The Philippines is known globally for its rich natural resources and diverse ecosystems. However, recent years has seen a continuous decline in seagrass, reef, mangroves in the Philippines – which pose a threat to the country’s rich biodiversity. Further, there is a lack of scientists to support environmental research and conservation initiatives.
Solution
Bantay Kalikasan’s Citizen Science Project connects its network of scientists to its partner communities. The scientists train the communities in species identification and tracking, how to use tools and devices, as well as data management – with the belief that with the right knowledge and tools, they can positively impact their environment through regular ecosystem surveys. The project also aims to update the reef, mangrove, and seagrass maps of the communities to be able to identify areas of concern.
The wealth of scientifically grounded information obtained through the Citizen Science initiative also serves as a compelling resource for influencing policies and decision-making to ensure that ensure that environmental concerns are addressed effectively.
Impact of your donation
With your help, we can increase our reach and provide more communities with access to Citizen Science training, resources, and opportunities. Your donation will also help us expand our scope under Citizen Science – from reefs, mangroves, and seagrass to hopefully cover forests, rivers, and more. We can provide livelihood incentives to communities to sustain their participation.
Help us empower more people to become guardians of the environment today!
EcoCamps
Overview
EcoCamps are Bantay Kalikasan’s education initiative since 2018 that was born out of the desire to build lifelong curiosity and interest in marine conservation. After recognizing the pressing issues plaguing the country’s marine life and the lack of community participation, Bantay Kalikasan sought to champion the EcoCamps with the formula of inquiry-based learning plus experiential education and active stewardship.
More than 500 students and teachers attended Ecocamps |
Challenge
In today’s rapidly changing and complex world, the disconnect between people and the natural environment is widening, leading to a lack of awareness about the critical importance of marine ecosystems and species protection. Students, teachers, and communities often lack opportunities to truly engage with and understand the environment. Further, existing modules and lessons on marine science are sometimes too technical to be appreciated.
Solution
Bantay Kalikasan began the EcoCamps initiative to offer students, teachers, and communities an immersive learning experience on marine diversity and protection. EcoCamps are usually 3 to 4-day events that include module learning, hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and guided exploration so participants can gain a more profound understanding on how to better care for the environment. Modules distributed during EcoCamps can also be taken home and used by the participants to disseminate their learning, thus taking on a ripple effect.
Impact of your donation
Your contribution can help us sponsor an EcoCamp, craft educational materials, and get more resources that empower individuals to become stewards of our environments. Help us ignite a passion for nature today!
Bantay Baterya / Bantay Langis / WEEE projects
Overview
In October of 2000, Bantay Kalikasan – the Foundation’s environmental arm, the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Philippine Recyclers Inc. signed a Memorandum of Agreement to actively campaign for the recycling of used lead-acid batteries. Dubbed the Bantay Baterya Project, it aims to collect used lead-acid batteries for recycling into fresh raw materials to produce new batteries and aid in the eradication of pollutants.
To achieve a bigger impact, Bantay Langis Project was rolled out 7 years later – with the goal to collect used industrial and cooking oils for proper disposal and recycling through re-refining.
And finally, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) was deployed in 2018 to ensure that beyond oil and batteries, hazardous waste is also collected, treated, and disposed of properly.
6,263,698 kg of used lead batteries collected for recycling, recovery, and treatment |
3,821,043 liters of used oil collected for recovery, refining, and treatment |
253,048 kg collected of various WEEE collected for disposal and recovery of precious materials and treatment |
Challenge
Lead batteries are considered toxic waste as they contain lead and sulfuric acid. Used oils, whether petroleum or synthetic-based, become hazardous due to impurities like dirt, metals, and chemicals during regular use. Their improper disposal, including pouring down drains or onto the ground, can lead to water and groundwater contamination, posing risks due to heavy metals and additives present, while mishandling used motor oil without proper protection has been linked to cancer. WEEE, one of the fastest growing waste streams is also extremely hazardous. Electronic goods contain heavy materials that can pollute soil and water and are dangerous to human health.
As such, all this waste must be handled, treated, and disposed of properly by expert transporters, recyclers, and treaters. Otherwise, they pose a serious threat to our health and our environment.
Solution
Bantay Kalikasan’s BB/BL/WEEE program encourages companies to donate their used lead batteries, oil, and WEEE that have already been earmarked for disposal. The program then works with accredited transporters, recyclers, and treaters to ensure proper transport, recovery, treatment, and disposal of these hazardous wastes, thus promoting sustainable consumption and protecting human life from hazardous pollutants.
Impact of your donation
Your donated lead batteries, used oils, and WEEE will be turned to gold! Transporters appraise the value of the used batteries and oils and remit the amount to the Foundation – to be used for Bantay Kalikasan’s conservation efforts.
Environmental Stewardship
DSWD Authority/Solicitation Permit No. DSWD-SB-SP-00058-2023 valid until January 3, 2025 Nationwide.
News and Updates
ABS-CBN Foundation and Mitsubishi Motors forge partnership for Bantay Langis
ABS-CBN Foundation (AFI) and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) teamed up for the environment by committing to proper waste treatment and disposal of used engine oil. With a common goal for sustainability and environmental conservation, this partnership...
Empowering Communities and Preserving Ecosystems: The ABS-CBN Foundation and Sun Life Mangrove Initiative in Samar and Biliran
ABS-CBN Foundation and Sun Life Canada, through Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, are launching the Integrated Mangrove Citizen Science and Sustainable Livelihood project in...
Illustrating Change: How Liza Flores Uses Art to Advocate for the Environment
"Each person's small effort makes a significant difference." - Liza Florez Liza Flores is an accomplished picture book writer, illustrator, and designer. As a member of Ang Ink (Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan), she is passionate about connecting children...
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