Summary
In 2025, the province of Marinduque, Philippines, made significant strides in environmental protection by enacting the Marinduque Environment Code. This legislation not only marks a commitment to sustainable development but also incorporates the innovative Rights of Nature, setting a precedent for ecological governance. The code explicitly aims to safeguard the island’s rich biodiversity from exploitative activities by banning mining operations, a response rooted in the island’s traumatic history with mining disasters that have left long-lasting scars on the community and the environment.
The passage of the Marinduque Environment Code is a landmark in environmental legislation in the Philippines. It not only provides a template for other regions aiming to recognize and implement the Rights of Nature but also demonstrates a community-driven approach to environmental conservation. This initiative is expected to inspire similar actions both nationally and globally, promoting a shift towards more sustainable and equitable environmental practices.
Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Alex Putzer, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2025. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor.https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/marinduque-philippines-environmental-code-recognizing-the-rights-of-nature/.
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