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.