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4-NSTP-I Common Module 4
BS in Information Technology (National College of Science and Technology)
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NSTP COMMON MODULE 4:
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Objectives:
At the end of the module, you will be able to:
1. Know the importance of conserving our natural resources and the existing natural
environment;
2. Acquire knowledge of pollution and environmental degradation;
3. Enumerate values for environmental protection;
4. Be actively involved in environmental decision-making;
5. Explain the 7 principles of environment; and
6. Discuss your role in environmental protection and management.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT INTRODUCTION
Man’s environment consists of natural resources like air, land, water, plants, and animals. With
the progress of industrialization and civilization, man has interacted with his surroundings and
disturbed the nature. It leads to environmental pollution, which cannot be eradicated by nature’s
self-acting process, i.e., various biogeochemical cycles. Environmental problems stem from two
main categories of human activities:
(a) Resources utilization at unsustainable levels and contamination of the environment through
pollution and
(b) Discharge of wastes at levels beyond the earth’s and environment’s capacity to absorb them
or render them harmless which results in ecological damage and degradation of the
environment. Environmental damage around includes pollution of water and air and
consequent health problems, biodiversity loss, deterioration of buildings and monuments,
soil fertility loss, desertification, ozone depletion, and many more. Environmental protection
and management has become one of the foremost concerns of the world community.
International concern for environmental protection and management has gained momentum
with Stockholm Declaration in 1972. It is considered as Magna Carta of environmental
protection and sustainable development. Then a series of global efforts have been
undertaken internationally for protection of the environment. Hence, environmental
protection has become not only local, regional, or national importance but also a global
concern. Over the past several decades, growing public awareness regarding threats to the
environment, informed by warnings from scientists, has led to demands that law protects
the natural surroundings on which human well-being depends. Under growing pressure
from national and international public opinion, governments began to demonstrate concern
over the general state of the environment introduced legislation to combat pollution of
inland waters, ocean, and air.
SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENT
1. Everything is connected to everything else. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay magkakaugnay.)
In an ecosystem, all biotic and abiotic components interact with each other to ensure
that the system is sustained. Any intrusion from outside may cause an imbalance and
collapsing of the system.
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2. All forms of life are important. (Ang lahat na may buhay ay mahalaga.)
Each organism plays a fundamental role in nature. It is easy to appreciate the beautiful
organisms like butterflies, especially if one knows their important role in pollination. The
giant ones like elephants, the whales, the alligators – are the ones we respect mixed
with fear or wonder and the products they produce. But when it comes to unlovely,
squirmy, and troublesome creatures, this principle is unusually overlooked.
3. Everything must go somewhere. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay may patutunguhan.)
Everything ends up elsewhere. It doesn’t just disappear. For example, if you throw a
piece of candy wrapper away, it disappears from sight but does not cease to exist. It
ends up elsewhere. Gases released in the atmosphere may spread but it will end up a
component of the atmosphere and can be brought down by rains. Any particular type of
waste should always be a concern to us. It may be a pollutant or a resource depending
on certain factors. Be a responsible person and throw your trash in a proper place.
4. Ours is a finite earth. (Ang kalikasan ay may hangganan.)
Earth’s resources can be classified as either renewable or non-renewable. Renewable
resources are those that can be easily replenished by natural cycles (e.g. water, air,
plants, animals) while non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished
through natural cycles. Although renewable resources can be replenished, it is important
to understand that these are renewable only if they are not overused and not destroyed
from factors such as pollution.
5. Nature knows best. (Ang kalikasan ang mas nakakaalam.)
This is the most basic principle of all the principles. We humans have to understand
nature and follow its rules, because if we want to ensure a continuous and steady supply
of resources, one must not go against natural processes. If we, humans, caused any
disruption in the cycle of nature, this can bring imbalance to our ecosystem.
6. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God’s creation. (Ang kalikasan ay maganda
at tayo ang tagapangasiwa ng lahat na nilikha ng Diyos.)
Among all creatures, humans are the only ones made in God’s image and have been
given the right to have dominion over all His creations. Being the most intelligent and
gifted with reason, humans are capable of manipulating creation to their own advantage.
Yet, creation exists not to be ravaged or abused but to be taken care of. Humans cannot
exist without nature. They are co-natural with the environment they live in. If the
environment they live in is destroyed, with it will go Homo Sapiens.
7. Everything changes. (Ang lahat ay nagbabago.)
The environment is constantly changing. Organisms also develop through time.
However, with our current technology, we have affected these natural changes that these
changes now cause problematic events to us. Humans should rethink their relationship
with the environment. Because what we believe that is beneficial to the environment
often turn out to be catastrophic.
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
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Chain Saw Act of 2002, Republic Act No. 9175
The state shall therefore regulate the ownership, possession, sale, transfer, importation and/or
use of chain saws to prevent them from being used in illegal logging or unauthorized clearing of
forests.
Philippine Plant Variety Protection Act of 2002, Republic Act No. 9168
This act shall be known and cited as the “Philippine Plant Variety Protection Act of 2002.” The
state recognizes that an effective intellectual property system in general and the development of
new plant variety in particular is vital in attaining food security for the country.
Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, Republic Act No. 9147
Otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, is an act providing
for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats, appropriating funds
therefor and for other purposes.
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Republic Act No. 9003
An Act Providing for An Ecological Solid Waste Management Program, Creating the Necessary
Institutional Mechanisms and Incentives, Declaring Certain Acts Prohibited and Providing
Penalties, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, Republic Act No. 8749
Otherwise Known as The Philippine Clean Air Act, it is a comprehensive air quality management
policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos.
Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, Republic Act No. 8550
An Act Providing for the Development, Management And Conservation of the Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources, Integrating All Laws Pertinent Thereto, and for Other Purposes.
Animal Welfare Act of 1998, Republic Act No. 8485
An Act to Promote Animal Welfare In The Philippines, Otherwise Known
As “The Animal Welfare Act Of 1998”
Agriculture & Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, Republic Act No. 8435
An Act Prescribing Urgent Related Measures to Modernize the Agriculture and Fisheries Sectors
of the Country In Order to Enhance Their Profitability, and Prepare Said Sectors for
the Challenges of Globalization Through An Adequate, Focused and Rational Delivery of
Necessary Support Services, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes
The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, Republic Act No. 8371
An Act to Recognize, Protect and Promote the Rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/
Indigenous Peoples, Creating A National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Establishing
Implementing Mechanisms, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes
An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN), Republic Act No. 8172
An Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide and For Related Purposes
Coconut Preservation Act of 1995, Republic Act No. 8048
An Act Providing for the Regulation of the Cutting of Coconut Trees, Its Replenishment,
Providing Penalties Therefor and for Other Purposes
The Water Crisis Act of 1995, Republic Act No. 8041
This Act Shall Be Shown As the "National Water Crisis Act Of 1995."
High-Value Crops Development Act Of 1995, Republic Act No. 7900
An Act to Promote the Production, Processing, Marketing and Distribution of High-Valued Crops,
Providing Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.
National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992, Republic Act No. 7586
primarily aims “to secure for the Filipino people of present and future generations the perpetual
existence of all native plants and animals through the establishment of a comprehensive system
of integrated protected areas within the classification of national park as provided for in the
Constitution.”
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Seed Industry Development Act of 1992, Republic Act No. 7308
An Act to Promote and Develop the Seed Industry in the Philippines and
Create A National Seed Industry Council and for Other Purposes
Toxic Substances & Hazardous & Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990
Republic Act No. 6969
To control, supervise and regulate activities on toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.
National Water & Air Pollution Control Commission Act, Republic Act No. 3931
The Act declares as national policy "to maintain reasonable standards of purity for
the waters and of this country with their utilization for domestic, agricultural,
industrial and other legitimate purposes".
Prohibition Against Cutting of Trees in Public Roads, Plazas, etc., Republic Act No. 3571
An Act to Prohibit the Cutting, Destroying or Injuring of Planted or Growing Trees, Flowering Plants and
Shrubs or Plants of Scenic Value Along Public Roads, in Plazas, Parks, School Premises or
in Any Other Public Pleasure Ground
An Act Amending R. A. No. 5474, As Amended by R. A. No. 6145
(Re: Prohibiting the Catching, Selling, Offering to Sell, Purchasing any of the Fish Species
Called "Gobiidae" or "Ipon")., Batas Pambansa Bilang 58
An Act Amending Sections One and Two of Republic Act Numbered Fifty Four Hundred SeventyFour (Re Prohibition to Catch Fish Called "Ipon" During Certain Months of the Year, etc.).
Withdrawal of Lead in Gasoline, Presidential Decree No. 2001
Establishing a Program to Gradually Withdraw the Use of Tetraethyl Lead
in Gasoline and, As Substitute Therefor, to Use Ethanol
Environmental Impact Statement System, Presidential Decree No. 1586
It aims to protect the environment despite the increasing demand of
natural resources and development to attain sustainability.
Plant Quarantine Law of 1978, Presidential Decree No. 1433
Promulgating the Plant Quarantine Law Of 1978, Thereby Revising and Consolidating Existing
Plant Quarantine Laws to Further Improve and Strengthen the Plant Quarantine Service of
the Bureau of Plant Industry
The Coral Resources Development & Conservation Decree, Presidential Decree No. 1219
Presidential Decree No. 1219 Providing for the Exploration,
Exploitation, Utilization and Conservation of Coral Resources.
Philippine Environment Code, Presidential Decree No. 1152
The Philippine Environmental Code is a body of laws settling forth management policies and
prescribing quality standards for the environment in its totality. It has declared two-fold policies
relative to our natural resources
Philippine Environmental Policy, Presidential Decree No. 1151
The purpose of this decree is to formulate an intensive, integrated program of environmental
protection through the requirement of environmental impact assessments and statements. Every
individual shall be responsible in contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the
Philippine environment. As provided for in Section 4, all agencies of the national government,
including government-owned or controlled corporations, as well as private corporations, firms and
entities, shall prepare an environmental impact statement for every project which may
significantly affect the quality of the environment.
The Water Code of the Philippines, Presidential Decree No. 1067
The underlying principles of this code are: a. All waters belong to the State. The utilization,
exploitation, development, conservation and protection of water resources shall be subject to the
control and regulation of the government through the National Water Resources Council,
hereinafter referred to as the Council.
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National Pollution Control Commission, Presidential Decree No. 984
Presidential Decree No. 984 Providing for the Revision of Republic Act No. 3931, Commonly
Known as the Pollution Control Law, and for Other Purposes.
Marine Pollution Decree of 1976, Presidential Decree No. 979
Providing for the Revision of Presidential Decree No. 600
Governing Marine Pollution
Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, Presidential Decree No. 856
Empower the Department of Health with the following powers and functions: Extend maximum
health services to the people in rural areas and provide medical care to those
who cannot afford it by reason of poverty.
Penalty for Improper Garbage Disposal, Presidential Decree No. 825
Providing Penalty for Improper Disposal of Garbage and Other Forms of
Uncleanliness and for Other Purposes.
Philippine Fisheries Code of 1975, Presidential Decree No. 704
Presidential Decree amending Presidential Decree No. 704 by increasing the penalties for
certain forms of illegal fishing, dealing in illegally caught fish or fishery/aquatic products,
and for other purposes
Revised Coast Guard Law, Presidential Decree No. 601
Providing for the Revision of Republic Act Numbered 5173 Commonly Known as the Coast Guard
Law, Consolidating Fragmented Functions and for Other Purposes
Pertaining to the Preservation, Beautification, Improvement and Gainful Utilization of the Pasig
River, Providing for the Regulation and Control of Pollution of the River and Its Banks in Order to
Enhance Its Development, Thereby Maximizing Its Utilization for Socio-Economic Purposes.
Presidential Decree No. 274
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 54
The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission is hereby created to ensure that the waterway is
rehabilitated to its historically pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation and tourism.
The Fisheries Act , Act No. 4003
This Act provides for the protection and conservation of fishery resources such as
the declaration of open and closed seasons, protection of fry or fish eggs.
An Act to Protect Wild Flowers and Plants in the Philippine Islands and to Prescribe Conditions
Under Which They May be Collected, Kept, Sold, Exported, and for Other Purposes.
Act No. 3983
Prohibition Against Cutting of Tindalo, Akli & Molave Trees, Act No. 3572
An Act to prohibit the cutting of tindalo, akle or molave trees, under certain
conditions, and to penalize violations thereof.
Guidelines on Biological & Genetic Resources
Executive Order No. 247 [1995]) - President Fidel V. Ramos
Task Force Pawikan, Executive Order No. 542 (President Ferdinand E. Marcos)
The Order institutes a Task Force Pawikan in order to enforce existing rules and
regulations on the protection of marine turtles from extinction,
Environmental Impact Statement System - Areas/Types of Projects ,
Proclamation No. 2146
Proclaiming Certain Areas and Types of Projects as Environmentally Critical and
Within the Scope of the Environmental Impact
Regulations for the Conservation of Marine Turtles
Bureau of Forest Development Circular No. 08
These rules restrict the issuing of new permits for collecting, gathering, utilizing,
possessing, of marine turtles, turtle eggs and its by-products in specified areas.
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FOREST PROTECTION, CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Forest resource protection in many countries addresses issues from the definition of the forest,
to the establishment of the government agencies responsible for aspects of forest policy and
management, to the creation of mechanisms for conflict resolution, and other concerns.
While it is tempting to call all threats to the world’s forests ‘illegal,’ it would be an unhelpful
oversimplification to assert that violations of forest resource protection are the only, or even the
most important hazards. Even where regulations are violated in the course of forest destruction
or degradation, more intricate and elaborate chains of causation, involving poverty,
environmental change, competing demands and other forces are also at work. Nonetheless, a
law enforcement perspective does have a great deal to offer in understanding forest loss and in
offering specific recommendations and interventions. Indeed, there is an enormous and
increasing body of evidence that suggests that activities carried out in violation of forest
resource protection regulations are important contributors to the global decline of forest
resources.
Most activities that can be perceived as violations of forest resource protection are not
inherently wrong or bad. Unauthorized logging, land clearance, setting fires, hunting and other
potentially unwanted activities may, at some time and in some places, be legal, desirable and
even promoted. Where they are unwanted, they acquire their illegality only in reference to
violations of specific prohibitions and, in some legal frameworks, after specific judicial
determination that they contravene those prohibitions. From a practical point of view, however,
the importance of forest resource protection violations can be classified in a number of ways.
Categories of forest resource violations
Logging in breach of a permit, plan or contract, regulation, or law
Wildland arson
Wildlife poaching
Non-timber forest products in breach of regulation, plan, or law
Consequences of forest resource violations
Forest destruction and degradation
Loss of revenue and economic development
Social consequences
At the heart of forest resource protection are such questions as, how does society intend natural
resources to be used? Who will they benefit? How is management to be carried out? Before
expecting resource managers to enforce resource infractions or violations as a narrow technical
function, it is essential that policy-makers consider the whole social, economic and physical
setting for resource policy. In particular, sensible resource policy anticipates the incentives
facing resource users and the resources available to managers and seeks to optimize the
structure of the resource management framework.
Many governments contribute to forest resource protection problems by adopting policies and
legislation that are in serious conflict with the fundamental social and physical setting. Resource
users act as they do - they log, they set fires, they clear land, they hunt - largely, if not entirely,
because it is in their economic interest. The mere imposition of formal legislation, however well
intentioned, does not change the basic underlying incentives faced by resource users. Rather, it
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may simply criminalize people and activities artificially with little lasting consequence on the
resource base.
Taken together, all of these considerations yield one of the key lessons to emerge from
experience with forest resource violations: use resource policy to avoid, as much as possible,
the need for enforcement and especially for public sector assistance. This general principle also
leads to a number of subsidiary and related recommendations.
Strategies - Prevention, Detection and Monitoring
In an important and very real sense, forest protection is needed as a response to an
unanticipated policy breakdown and to weaknesses or vulnerabilities planning. Realistically,
even the best policy frameworks will be tested and abused. In anticipation of these abuses,
governments need to institute strategies to protect the resource efficiently and effectively from
unwanted activities. Enforcement specialists generally identify two major and strategic elements
in forest resource protection programs: prevention, and detection or monitoring. Collectively,
these seek to discourage unwanted activities.
Prevention: A sound policy framework is a major contributor to the prevention of forest resource
protection violations. But going beyond general policy considerations, forest resource protection
and violation prevention can be addressed specifically in resource management operations,
programs and projects. Particularly critical is prevention at the level of the forest management
unit (FMU) and through public education.
Building forest protection presumes the presence of formal, science-based management
programs. The sophistication of forest management plans and programs will vary with the
circumstances of particular forests and forest managers and users. Nonetheless, modern
standards for forest management typically call for written plans based on serious consideration
and determination of management objectives, assessment and inventory of the resource base,
projection of management activities, estimation of a budget and resource requirements and
provisions for evaluation and plan revision. It is well known, unfortunately, that most forests,
especially in the developing world are not covered by plans of acceptable quality. Moreover, few
if any standards for forest management planning specifically call for attention to forest resource
protection, although infractions might actually be as important a consideration as more standard
planning subjects such as infrastructure, harvesting, regeneration or environmental assessment.
Whether it is in the context of revising existing plans or preparing plans from the beginning,
forest resource protection at the FMU level begins with an assessment of vulnerabilities. The
planner needs to assess practically and realistically what violations threaten the FMU and how
these might influence the achievement of the management objectives set for the area.
Public education and awareness is another aspect of prevention in which government can also
cooperate with the private sector and civil society groups such as NGOs. Information campaigns
can address the provisions of forest law (ensuring that users are at least informed of restrictions
and prohibitions); the justification for restrictions (informing the public, for example, of the
damages that restrictions are intended to prevent); and actions, which the public can take to
support forest resource protection.
The primary purpose of prevention management is to ensure compliance with laws and
regulations designed to promote sustainable forest management and use. Commercial timber
and non-commercial forest product management involve ensuring that exploitation occurs only
in forests authorized for such use and that within these forests the level, nature, geographic
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distribution and frequency of exploitation are consistent with the principles of sustainable
development.
A second purpose of timber and forest product management is to ensure that the government
receives its fair share of revenue generated through exploitation of public resources.
Strategies
1. Maintain order in forests and protected areas.
2. Increase revenue returns from authorized activities.
3. Prevent damage to forest resources resulting from unwanted resource violations.
4. Meet sustainable yield targets.
5. Involve the public through information and education programs to prevent violations and
damage to forests and protected areas.
6. Increase skill levels of forest technicians and forest managers in prevention, detection
and monitoring programs.
7. Reduce susceptibility or vulnerabilities that can create opportunities for unwanted
activities to occur.
General Principles of Prevention
Forest policy and planning should recognize timber and other management measures for forest
product protection as a major development goal.
Prevention is everybody’s business and must become a fully integral activity toward
achieving excellence in protecting valuable resources. A preventable unwanted activity
involving timber and other forest products adversely affects and reflects the
government’s image and its effectiveness in caring for the land.
Due to the complexities associated with managing government land, it is critical that
efforts be made to reduce situations that generate unwanted activities. Contract
requirements, stipulating that the contractor is required to prepare plans to prevent
violations in the contract area before any harvesting, are essential. The government
should also prepare similar plans for timber sale and all other forest areas where
products are exploited.
A forest resource protection plan prepared by the contractor will provide a government
with assurances that the contractor is going to take necessary steps to prevent
unwanted logging from occurring on the contract area.
Technologies - Hard and Soft
It is clear that there are no easy solutions for forest resource protection problems that an FMU
may be encountering. Experiences in numerous countries however, point to a number of
technologies, in the sense of institutions as well as equipment and hardware that can be
employed to facilitate specific forest resource protection functions.
Community involvement: In many ways much of what has been
developed as social or community forestry over the last 20 years
has been a response to what were at one time perceived as law
enforcement problems. Efforts to develop agroforestry, farmer
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production of fuelwood and other domestic wood needs, and joint forest management in many
places have their origins in efforts to develop socially sound ways of achieving forest
management objectives that could not be reached through traditional police-style forestry
regulation enforcement.
Legal and judicial reform: Laws and regulations sometimes need to be adjusted and revised to
make forest resource protection more supportive of desired forest management objectives.
Tree and log marking and tracking: A technology that has attracted considerable attention for log
monitoring and tracking is the use of optical bar coding to identify and track logs. These high
technology systems are recent refinements to widely known and used log and tree marking and
labeling systems. While the new technology offers greater protection against contract violations
and can, at some significant costs, provide real-time monitoring of log movements, the basic
intent remains the same. Prior to felling, trees to be felled are marked or tagged.
The new computer-based tagging systems aim to strengthen these chains of custody recordkeeping systems by reducing the scope for mistakes, and by realistically permitting real-time
tracking of log movements.
Remote sensing and global positioning systems (GPS): The rapid development and ease of
access to high-quality satellite imagery and to inexpensive and accurate GPS navigation
devices greatly increases the possibilities for detecting and monitoring forest landscapes over
broad and remote areas. Recent applications in the Amazon and Southeast Asia illustrate the
potentials and limitations.
Forest resource protection monitoring programs: When governments encounter forest resource
protection problems, there is a tendency for the shear magnitude of information to become
overwhelming. A government that is committed to reducing unwanted activities will take steps to
utilize the available data to better understand the problems it may be facing.
A serious monitoring program for forest resource protection can be established at minimal cost
to enable the routine synthesis of data on unwanted activity by nature of the infraction or
violation, geographic concentration, volume or value of the incidents and by other
classifications. A standard approach is the development of a computerized tracking system. In
such a tracking system all reported incidents are entered routinely into a database following a
standard procedure and protocol and all subsequent information and action, including further
action needed, recoveries, and fines are recorded and available for recall. This permits analysis
of patterns of unwanted activity, the effectiveness and consistency of follow-up and provides an
indication of the rigor with which appropriate action is being pursued.
Clearly, a computerized tracking system can only reflect the data provided by the monitoring
effort. This also allows a check of the rigor of the forest resource protection system. It is
important to note that incomplete reporting can result from several sources, e.g. capacity, skills
and commitment. In addition to a willful failure to implement, inadequate training,
communications and systems failure are among the possible sources of inconsistency. While
understandable, these should decrease as experience with implementation builds. A program of
independent monitoring in association with a new computerized tracking system is now in its
early stages of implementation in Cambodia using Global Witness as an official independent
monitor.
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Forest certification: Although not primarily conceived as a means of forest law enforcement,
forest certification schemes could contribute to improved forest resource protection in several
ways. More directly related to timber harvesting, monitoring and prevention, many schemes call
for maintenance of chain of custody controls on logs as a way of excluding the mingling of illegal
material with controlled harvests.
While violations of forest resource protection can be widespread around the world, the analysis
and experiences summarized in this paper suggest that concerted efforts by governments,
communities and organizations could begin to employ on a wider basis a large number of
promising approaches. While there is great variation among the problems, tools and
approaches, a number of themes dominate and deserve emphasis. Most important is the extent
to which enforcement of forest laws depends upon and must be integral to ongoing sciencebased programs for natural resource management.
Forest protection needs to be considered as a specific dimension of resource management, one
that may need to rise to be on a par with more traditional aspects such as silviculture, harvest
planning and wildlife management. While less well documented, there is a body of professional
experience and practice that can form the model for development and application. A related
conclusion is that the need is not so much for more forest resource protection, as it is
for better forest law and policy and for better and more effectively targeted forest resource
protection. Moreover, the forest protection effort is not simply measured by infractions, or
actions taken against unwanted activities, but by the state of forest resources for which
protection is desired.
WATER SANITATION AND CONSERVATION
Water sanitation refers to public health conditions related to clean drinking water and adequate
treatment and disposal of human excreta and sewage. A sanitation system includes the capture,
storage, transport, treatment and disposal or reuse of human excreta and wastewater.
While substantial progress has been made in increasing access to clean drinking water and
sanitation, billions of people – mostly in rural areas – still lack these basic services.
Worldwide, one in three people do not have access to safe drinking water, two out of five people
do not have a basic hand-washing facility with soap and water, and more than 673 million
people still practice open defecation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of sanitation, hygiene and
adequate access to clean water for preventing and containing diseases. Hand hygiene saves
lives. According to the World Health Organization, handwashing is one of the most effective
actions you can take to reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections, including the
COVID-19 virus. Yet billions of people still lack safe water sanitation, and funding is inadequate.
Availability and access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is fundamental to
fighting the virus and preserving the health and well-being of millions. COVID-19 will not be
stopped without access to safe water for people living in vulnerability, UN experts said.
The impacts of COVID-19 could be considerably higher on the urban poor living in slums,
without access to clean water. UN-Habitat is working with partners to facilitate access to running
water and handwashing in informal settlements.
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UNICEF is urgently appealing for funding and support to reach more girls and boys with basic
water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, especially those children who are cut off from safe water
because they live in remote areas, or in places where water is untreated or polluted, or because
they are without a home, living in a slum or on the street.
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
is adjusting its WASH services to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes continued
support to affected, at-risk, low-capacity and fragile countries to secure WASH services and
infection prevention control in health facilities.
Facts and Figures
1 in 4 health care facilities lacks basic water services.
3 in 10 people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and 6 in 10 people
lack access to safely managed sanitation facilities.
At least 892 million people continue to practice open defecation.
Women and girls are responsible for water collection in 80 per cent of
households without access to water on premises.
Between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of the global population using an improved
drinking water source has increased from 76 per cent to 90 per cent.
Water scarcity affects more than 40 per cent of the global population and is projected
torise. Over 1.7 billion people are currently living in river basins where water use exceeds
recharge.
2.4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation services, such as toilets or latrines.
More than 80 per cent of wastewater resulting from human activities is discharged into
rivers or sea without any pollution removal.
Each day, nearly 1,000 children die due to preventable water and sanitation-related
diarrheal diseases.
Approximately 70 per cent of all water abstracted from rivers, lakes and aquifers is used
for irrigation.
Floods and other water-related disasters account for 70 per cent of all deaths related to
natural disasters.
Water conservation includes all the policies, strategies and activities to sustainably manage
the natural resource of fresh water, to protect the hydrosphere, and to meet the current and
future human demand. Population, household size and growth and affluence all affect how
much water is used. Factors such as climate change have increased pressures on natural water
resources especially in manufacturing and agricultural irrigation. Many countries have already
implemented policies aimed at water conservation, with much success.
The goals of water conservation efforts include:
Ensuring the availability of water for future generations where the withdrawal
of freshwater from an ecosystem does not exceed its natural replacement rate.
Energy conservation as water pumping, delivery and wastewater treatment facilities
consume a significant amount of energy. In some regions of the world over 15% of
total electricity consumption is devoted to water management.
Habitat conservation where minimizing human water usage helps to preserve freshwater
habitats for local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, but also water quality.
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Strategies
The key activities to conserve water are as follows:
Any beneficial reduction in water loss, use and waste of resources.
Avoiding any damage to water quality.
Improving water management practices that reduce the use or enhance the beneficial
use of water.
Rainwater harvesting: Digging ponds, lakes, canals, expanding the water reservoir, and
installing rain water catching ducts and filtration systems on homes are different methods of
harvesting rain water. Many people in many countries keep clean containers so they can
boil it and drink it, which is useful to supply water to the needy. Harvested and filtered rain
water can be used for toilets, home gardening, lawn irrigation, and small scale agriculture.
Protecting groundwater resources: When precipitation occurs, some infiltrates the soil
and goes underground. Water in this saturation zone is called groundwater. Contamination
of groundwater causes the groundwater water supply to not be able to be used as a
resource of fresh drinking water and the natural regeneration of contaminated groundwater
can take years to replenish. Some examples of potential sources of groundwater
contamination
include
storage
tanks, septic systems,
uncontrolled hazardous
waste, landfills, atmospheric contaminants, chemicals, and road salts. Contamination of
groundwater decreases the replenishment of available freshwater so taking preventative
measures by protecting groundwater resources from contamination is an important aspect
of water conservation.
Practicing sustainable methods of utilizing groundwater resources: Groundwater flows
due to gravity and eventually discharges into streams. Excess pumping of groundwater
leads to a decrease in groundwater levels and if continued it can exhaust the
resource. Ground and surface waters are connected and overuse of groundwater can
reduce and, in extreme examples, diminish the water supply of lakes, rivers, and streams. In
coastal regions, over pumping groundwater can increase saltwater intrusion which results in
the contamination of groundwater water supply. Sustainable use of groundwater is essential
in water conservation.
A fundamental component to water conservation strategy is communication and education
outreach of different water programs. Developing communication that educates science to land
managers, policy makers, farmers, and the general public is another important strategy utilized
in water conservation. Communication of the science of how water systems work is an important
aspect when creating a management plan to conserve that system and is often used for
ensuring the right management plan to be put into action.
Social Solutions
Water conservation programs involved in social solutions are typically initiated at the local level,
by either municipal water utilities or regional governments. Common strategies include
public outreach campaigns, tiered water rates (charging progressively higher prices as water
use increases), or restrictions on outdoor water use such as lawn watering and car
washing. Cities in dry climates often require or encourage the installation
of xeriscaping or natural landscaping in new homes to reduce outdoor water usage. Most urban
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outdoor water use in California is residential, illustrating a reason for outreach to households as
well as businesses.
One fundamental conservation goal is universal metering. The prevalence of residential water
metering varies significantly worldwide. Recent studies have estimated that water supplies are
metered in less than 30% of households. Although individual water meters have often been
considered impractical in homes with private wells or in multifamily buildings, the
US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that metering alone can reduce consumption by
20 to 40 percent. In addition to raising consumer awareness of their water use, metering is also
an important way to identify and localize water leakage. Water metering would benefit society, in
the long run, it is proven that water metering increases the efficiency of the entire water system,
as well as help unnecessary expenses for individuals for years to come. One would be unable
to waste water unless they are willing to pay the extra charges, this way the water department
would be able to monitor water usage by the public, domestic and manufacturing services.
Some researchers have suggested that water conservation efforts should be primarily directed
at farmers, in light of the fact that crop irrigation accounts for 70% of the world's fresh water use.
The agricultural sector of most countries is important both economically and politically, and
water subsidies are common. Conservation advocates have urged removal of all subsidies to
force farmers to grow more water-efficient crops and adopt less wasteful irrigation techniques.
New technology poses a few new options for consumers; features such as full flush and half
flush when using a toilet are trying to make a difference in water consumption and waste. It is
also possible to use/"pollute" the water in stages (keeping use in flush toilets for last), hereby
allowing more use of the water for various tasks within a same cycle (before it needs to be
purified again, which can also be done in-situ).
Also available are modern shower heads that help reduce wasting water: Old shower heads are
said to use 5-10 gallons per minute, while new fixtures available use 2.5 gallons per minute and
offer equal water coverage. Another method is to recycle the water of the shower directly, by
means a semi-closed system which features a pump and filter. Besides recycling water, it also
reuses the heat of the water (which would otherwise be lost).
Household Applications
Contrary to the popular view that the most effective way to save water is to curtail water-using
behavior (e.g., by taking shorter showers), experts suggest the most efficient way is replacing
toilets and retrofitting washers.
Water-saving technology for the home includes:
Low-flow shower heads sometimes called energy-efficient shower heads as they also
use less energy
Low-flush toilets, composting toilets and incinerating toilets. Composting toilets have a
dramatic impact in the developed world, as conventional Western flush toilets use large
volumes of water.
Dual flush toilets include two buttons or handles to flush different levels of water. Dual
flush toilets use up to 67% less water than conventional toilets.
Faucet aerators, which break water flow into fine droplets to maintain "wetting
effectiveness" while using less water. An additional benefit is that they reduce splashing
while washing hands and dishes.
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Raw water flushing where toilets use sea water or non-purified water (i.e. graywater)
Wastewater reuse or recycling systems, allowing:
o
Reuse of graywater for flushing toilets or watering gardens
o
Recycling of wastewater through purification at a water treatment plant
Rainwater harvesting
High-efficiency clothes washers
Weather-based irrigation controllers
Garden hose nozzles that shut off the water when it is not being used, instead of letting
a hose run.
Low flow taps in wash basins
Swimming pool covers that reduce evaporation and can warm pool water to reduce
water, energy and chemical costs
Automatic faucet is a water conservation faucet that eliminates water waste at the
faucet. It automates the use of faucets without the use of hands.
Commercial Applications
Many water-saving devices (such as low-flush toilets) that are useful in homes can also be
useful for business water saving. Other water-saving technology for businesses includes:
Waterless urinals (also can be installed in schools)
Waterless car washes
Infrared or foot-operated taps, which can save water by using short bursts of water for
rinsing in a kitchen or bathroom
Pressurized waterbrooms, which can be used instead of a hose to clean sidewalks
X-ray film processor re-circulation systems
Cooling tower conductivity controllers
Water-saving steam sterilizers, for use in hospitals and health care facilities
Rain water harvesting
Water to Water heat exchangers.
ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT
Young people constitute a large part of the world’s population and young people will have to live
longer with the consequences of current environmental decisions than will their elders. Future
generations will also be affected by these decisions and the extent to which they have
addressed concerns such as the depletion of resources, biodiversity loss, and long-lived
radioactive wastes.
Young people can play an active role in protecting and improving the environment. They can
change their lifestyle and how it affects the environment. They can make their homes, schools
and youth organizations more environmentally friendly by adopting environmentally friendly
practices, recycling of different materials as well as preserving resources such as water and
electricity. Engaging youth in environmental protection not only creates direct impact on
changing youth behaviors and attitudes, but possibly influence their parents, relatives and
families.
Youth are the back bone of the nation. They can change the future of the society with their well
being and courageous behavior. Unfortunately today we find the youth those who are more
interested in other places which are not useful to them as well as nationally. They choose to
spend their days doing drugs and playing video games. They spend their nights partying and
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living it up, so to speak. More and more young men of this age group are sitting at home in front
of their televisions playing games all day instead of bettering themselves or going to work. They
have no vision and if they do have dreams they do not have the drive to make any attempt at
achieving them.
The environment is simply defined as our surrounding, including both living and non-living things
and youth are the young people. Environmental protection is a broad subject Environmental
problems are rising day by day and everyone is concerned about global warming and climate
change as globally but local and national environmental problems are less concerned.
Protecting the environment starts with pollution control therefore, youth can help reduce waste
by paying attention to minor details in their daily lives, for example, not to take extra plastic bags
when we go shopping. Actually there are many other tips for greener environment.
By applying the greening knowledge at home and schools, we can help to market city, a greener
city. Discarding computers, electrical appliances and rechargeable batteries can seriously harm
the environment. Youth role is to implement recycling programs for used computers and
electrical appliances. You can arrange for collection services with them. There are also many
collection points for recycling of rechargeable batteries, so do not simply throw them away.
Youth have a role to play in environmental and conservation efforts that will improve livelihoods.
Tips:
In House
Close the running tap water, when not needed.
Use the dishwasher, when the dishes are full. Try to avoid using it more often i.e. for each
single plate.
Try to be cautious in using water. Turn off taps when not used. By this way, it is estimated
every home can save more than a gallon of water, which is very high when combined in a
local.
Turning off Lights and saving electricity as much as possible is also a way to go green.
During the daytime, it is good to open windows and screens to let sunlight in and fill house
with warmth. After all, sunlight is essential for body in the form of vitamin A.
The local power company would be able to provide a free presentation on how to make the
home a better energy efficient home.
Recycling and Reusing
Giving away unwanted or unusable materials to free service organizations is a better way o
t
start.
Reusing the furniture would save some extra money spent on newer furniture. For example,
one can remodel a table by adding sheets of wood to it and create his own wardrobe.
Recycling paper, plastics, glass and metals could also be done by making use of the local
trash pickup service.
Instead of simply throwing older items, one can use his creativity in creating the essence out
of them. For example, the older screen cloth could be stitched with flat sheets and made as
curtains or cloth piece covering the shades of the lamp. They are easy and cheap in terms of
interior decorating materials.
Choosing reusable water bottles in comparison with plastic bottles every month is a nice way
to avoid using plastics and reusing the water bottles. They may be expensive at the
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beginning, but once getting used to it, they would prove worthy providing health and hygiene
besides going green.
With Transport
Carpooling or vehicle pooling is the best way to save environment from three or four times
the pollution. Carpooling can be done with friends, neighbors, or relatives working in the
same direction as yours, not necessarily the same company.
Maintaining the vehicle regularly and providing it for service near a service station would help
minimize its pollution output.
Many companies have started offering the plan 'Work while you are at home'. Enjoying this
benefit not only saves green, but also enables one to spend quality time together in a family
and allowing to save costs of travelling and fuel.
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