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ISO 14000

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ISO 14000 is a family of standards related to environmental management that exists to help organizations (a)
minimize how their operations (processes etc.) negatively affect the environment (i.e. cause adverse changes
to air, water, or land); (b) comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented
requirements, and (c) continually improve in the above.
ISO 14000 is similar to ISO 9000 quality management in that both pertain to the process of how a product is
produced, rather than to the product itself. As with ISO 9000, certification is performed by third-party
organizations rather than being awarded by ISO directly. The ISO 19011 audit standard applies when auditing
for both 9000 and 14000 compliance at once.
The requirements of ISO 14001 are an integral part of the European Unions Eco-Management and Audit
Scheme (EMAS). EMASs structure and material requirements are more demanding, foremost concerning
performance improvement, legal compliance and reporting duties.
Contents
[hide]

1 Brief history of environmental management systems

2 Development of the ISO 14000 series

3 ISO 14001 standard

3.1 Basic principles and methodology

3.1.1 Plan establish objectives and processes required

3.1.2 Do implement the processes

3.1.3 Check measure and monitor the processes and report results

3.1.4 Act take action to improve performance of EMS based on results

3.1.5 Continual Improvement Process

3.2 Benefits

3.3 Conformity Assessment

4 ISO 14001 and EMAS

4.1 Complementarities and Differences

4.2 Changing from ISO 14001 to EMAS

4.3 ISO 14001 Use in Supply Chains

5 List of ISO 14000 series standards

6 See also

7 References

8 Further reading

9 External links

Brief history of environmental management systems[edit]


The concept of an environmental management system evolved in the early nineties and its origin can be traced
back to 1972, when the United Nations organized a Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm and
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was launched (Corbett & Kirsch, 2001). These early
initiatives led to the establishment of the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) and
the adoption of the Montreal Protocol and Basel Convention.
In 1992, the first Earth Summit was held in Rio-de-Janeiro, and served to generate a global commitment to the
environment. In the same year, BSI Group published the world's first environmental management systems
standard, BS 7750.[1] This supplied the template for the development of the ISO 14000 series in 1996, by
the International Organization for Standardization, which has representation from committees all over the world
(ISO) (Clements 1996, Brorson & Larsson, 1999). As of 2010, ISO 14001 is now used by at least 223 149
organizations in 159 countries and economies.[2]

Development of the ISO 14000 series[edit]


The ISO 14000 family includes most notably the ISO 14001 standard, which represents the core set of
standards used by organizations for designing and implementing an effective environmental management
system. Other standards included in this series are ISO 14004, which gives additional guidelines for a good
environmental management system, and more specialized standards dealing with specific aspects of
environmental management. The major objective of the ISO 14000 series of norms is "to promote more
effective and efficient environmental management in organizations and to provide useful and usable tools ones that are cost effective, system-based, flexible and reflect the best organizations and the best
organizational practices available for gathering, interpreting and communicating environmentally relevant
information".[3]
Unlike previous environmental regulations, which began with command and control approaches, later replaced
with ones based on market mechanisms, ISO 14000 was based on a voluntary approach to environmental
regulation (Szymanski & Tiwari 2004). The series includes the ISO 14001 standard, which provides guidelines
for the establishment or improvement of an EMS. The standard shares many common traits with its
predecessor ISO 9000, the international standard of quality management (Jackson 1997), which served as a
model for its internal structure (National Academy Press 1999) and both can be implemented side by side. As
with ISO 9000, ISO 14000 acts both as an internal management tool and as a way of demonstrating a
companys environmental commitment to its customers and clients (Boiral 2007).

Prior to the development of the ISO 14000 series, organizations voluntarily constructed their own EMS
systems, but this made comparisons of environmental effects between companies difficult and therefore the
universal ISO 14000 series was developed. An EMS is defined by ISO as: part of the overall management
system, that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures,
processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving and maintaining the environmental policy
(ISO 1996 cited in Federal Facilities Council Report 1999).

ISO 14001 standard[edit]


ISO 14001 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. It does not state requirements for
environmental performance, but maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an
effective environmental management system. It can be used by any organization that wants to improve
resource efficiency, reduce waste and drive down costs. Using ISO 14001 can provide assurance to company
management and employees as well as external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured
and improved.[4] ISO 14001 can also be integrated with other management functions and assists companies in
meeting their environmental and economic goals.
ISO 14001, as with other ISO 14000 standards, is voluntary (IISD 2010), with its main aim to assist companies
in continually improving their environmental performance, whilst complying with any applicable legislation.
Organizations are responsible for setting their own targets and performance measures, with the standard
serving to assist them in meeting objectives and goals and the subsequent monitoring and measurement of
these (IISD 2010).
The standard can be applied to a variety of levels in the business, from organizational level, right down to the
product and service level (RMIT university). Rather than focusing on exact measures and goals of
environmental performance, the standard highlights what an organization needs to do to meet these goals
(IISD 2010).

ISO 14001 is known as a generic management system standard, meaning that it is relevant to any organization
seeking to improve and manage resources more effectively. This includes:

single site to large multi-national companies

high risk companies to low risk service organizations

manufacturing, process and the service industries; including local governments

all industry sectors including public and private sectors

original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers.

All standards are periodically reviewed by ISO to ensure they still meet market requirements. The current
version of ISO 14001 ISO 14001:2004 is under review as of April 2012.[5]

Basic principles and methodology[edit]


Plan establish objectives and processes required[edit]
Prior to implementing ISO 14001, an initial review or gap analysis of the organizations processes and products
is recommended, to assist in identifying all elements of the current operation and if possible future operations,
that may interact with the environment, termed environmental aspects (Martin 1998). Environmental aspects
can include both direct, such as those used during manufacturing and indirect, such as raw materials (Martin
1998). This review assists the organization in establishing their environmental objectives, goals and targets,
which should ideally be measurable; helps with the development of control and management procedures and
processes and serves to highlight any relevant legal requirements, which can then be built into the policy
(Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand 2004).

Do implement the processes[edit]


During this stage the organization identifies the resources required and works out those members of the
organization responsible for the EMS implementation and control (Martin 1998). This includes establishing
procedures and processes, although only one documented procedure is specified related to operational control.
Other procedures are required to foster better management control over elements such as documentation
control, emergency preparedness and response, and the education of employees, to ensure they can
competently implement the necessary processes and record results (Standards Australia/Standards New
Zealand 2004). Communication and participation across all levels of the organization, especially top
management is a vital part of the implementation phase, with the effectiveness of the EMS being dependant on
active involvement from all employees (Federal Facilities Council Report 1999).

Check measure and monitor the processes and report results[edit]


During the check stage, performance is monitored and periodically measured to ensure that the organizations
environmental targets and objectives are being met (Martin 1998). In addition, internal audits are conducted at
planned intervals to ascertain whether the EMS meets the user's expectations and whether the processes and
procedures are being adequately maintained and monitored (Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
2004).

Act take action to improve performance of EMS based on results[edit]


After the checking stage, a management review is conducted to ensure that the objectives of the EMS are
being met, the extent to which they are being met, that communications are being appropriately managed and
to evaluate changing circumstances, such as legal requirements, in order to make recommendations for further
improvement of the system (Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand 2004). These recommendations are

incorporated through continual improvement, plans are renewed or new plans are made, and the EMS moves
forward.

Continual Improvement Process[edit]


The core requirement of a continual improvement process (CIP) is different from the one known from quality
management systems. CIP in ISO 14001 has three dimensions (Gastl, 2009):

Expansion: More and more business areas get covered by the implemented EMS.

Enrichment: More and more activities, products, processes, emissions, resources etc. get managed by the
implemented EMS.

Upgrading: An improvement of the structural and organizational framework of the EMS, as well as an
accumulation of know-how in dealing with business related environmental issues.

Overall, the CIP-concept expects the organization to gradually move away from merely operational
environmental measures towards a strategic approach on how to deal with environmental challenges.

Benefits[edit]
ISO 14001 was developed primarily to assist companies with a framework for better management control that
can result in reducing their environmental impacts. In addition to improvements in performance, organizations
can reap a number of economic benefits including higher conformance with legislative and regulatory
requirements (Sheldon 1997) by adopting the ISO standard. By minimizing the risk of regulatory and
environmental liability fines and improving an organizations efficiency (Delmas 2001), benefits can include a
reduction in waste and consumption of resources, and operating costs. Secondly, as an internationally
recognized standard, businesses operating in multiple locations across the globe can leverage their
conformance to ISO 14001, eliminating the need for multiple registrations or certifications (Hutchens 2010).
Thirdly there has been a push in the last decade by consumers, for companies to adopt better internal controls,
making the incorporation of ISO 14001 a smart approach for the long term viability of businesses. This can
provide them with a competitive advantage against companies that do not adopt the standard (Potoki &
Prakash, 2005). This in turn can have a positive impact on a companys asset value (Van der Deldt, 1997). It
can lead to improved public perceptions of the business, placing them in a better position to operate in the
international marketplace (Potoki & Prakash 1997; Sheldon 1997). The use of ISO 14001 can demonstrate an
innovative and forward thinking approach to customers and prospective employees. It can increase a
businesss access to new customers and business partners. In some markets it can potentially reduce public
liability insurance costs. It can serve to reduce trade barriers between registered businesses (Van der Deldt,
1997). There is growing interest in including certification to ISO 14001 in tenders for public-private partnerships
for infrastructure renewal. Evidence of value in terms of environmental quality and benefit to the taxpayer has
been shown in highway projects in Canada.

Conformity Assessment[edit]
ISO 14001 can be used in whole or in part to help an organization, for profit or not-for-profit, better manage its
relationship with the environment. If all the elements of ISO 14001 are incorporated into the management
process, the organization may opt to prove that it has achieved full alignment or conformity with the
international standard, ISO 14001, by using one of four recognized options. These are:[6]
1. make a self-determination and self-declaration, or
2. seek confirmation of its conformance by parties having an interest in the organization, such as
customers, or
3. seek confirmation of its self-declaration by a party external to the organization, or
4. seek certification/registration of its environmental management system by an external organization.
ISO does not control conformity assessment; its mandate is to develop and maintain standards. ISO has a
neutral policy on conformity assessment. One option is not better than the next. Each option serves different
market needs. The adopting organization decides which option is best for them, in conjunction with their market
needs.
Option 1 is sometimes incorrectly referred to as 'self-certify" or "self-certification". This is not an acceptable
reference under ISO terms and definitions, for it can lead to confusion in the market. [7]The user is responsible
for making their own determination. Option 2 is often referred to as a customer or 2nd party audit, which is an
acceptable market term. Option 3 is an independent third-party process by an organization that is based on an
engagement activity and delivered by specially trained practitioners. This option was based on an accounting
procedure branded as the EnviroReady Report, which was created to help small and medium-sized
organizations. Its development was originally based on the Canadian Handbook for Accountants; it is now
based on an international accounting standard. The fourth option, certification, is another independent thirdparty process, which has been widely implemented by all types of organizations. Certification is also known in
some countries as registration. Service providers of certification or registration are accredited by national
accreditation services such as UKAS in the UK.

ISO 14001 and EMAS[edit]


In 2010, the latest EMAS Regulation (EMAS III) entered into force; the scheme is now globally applicable,
includes key performance indicators and a range of further improvements. Currently, more than 4,500
organisations and approximately 7,800 sites are EMAS registered.

Complementarities and Differences[edit]


ISO 14001s environmental management system requirements are an integral part of EMAS. However,
proponents of EMAS like to think of it as the most credible and robust environmental management instrument

on the market[citation needed], adding several elements on top of the requirements of the international standard.
Additional requirements include:

stricter requirements on the measurement and evaluation of environmental performance against objectives
and targets.

government supervision of the environmental verifiers to ensure compliance with environmental legislation

strong employee involvement; EMAS organisations acknowledge that active employee involvement is a
driving force and a prerequisite for continuous and successful environmental improvements. Most EMAS
organisations introduce employee participation schemes at all levels of the organisation to anchor the
environmental management and audit system in the organisation successfully.

environmental core indicators creating multi-annual comparability within and between organisations

mandatory provision of information to the general public through the validated environmental statement
which is based on a comprehensive environmental impact assessment

registration by a public authority after verification and validation by an independent and accredited/licensed
environmental verifier.

Changing from ISO 14001 to EMAS[edit]


Organizations applying ISO 14001 only have to take a few steps to become registered under EMAS: The two
main differences involve an environmental review to identify significant environmental aspects as well as
publishing an environmental statement. Apart from that, minor changes need to be made to a number of other
elements during the process of becoming EMAS registered.

ISO 14001 Use in Supply Chains[edit]


There are many reasons why ISO 14001 should be potentially attractive to supply chain managers including
the use of the voluntary standard to guide the development of integrated systems, its requirement for supply
chain members in industries such as automotive and aerospace, the potential of pollution prevention leading to
reduced costs of production and higher profits, its alignment with the growing importance of corporate social
responsibility, and an ISO registered system may provide firms with a unique environmental resource,
capabilities and benefits that lead to competitive advantage.
Emerging areas of research are starting to address the use of this standard to show that ISO 14001 registration
can be leveraged across the supply chain for competitive advantage.[8] By looking at ISO 14001 registered
firms, information from the study compared different amounts of integration and sustainability in the supply
chain. Several research propositions and an empirical framework posit the impacts of ISO 14001 on supply
chain design.
The propositions include:

1. ISO registration leading to more proactive environmental management including process and
performance measurement related to sustainability across a supply chain;
2. That ISO registered plants with formal environmental management systems will have higher levels of
communication required between OEMs and Tier I suppliers;
3. ISO registered plants with direct relationships to other registered plants in their supply chain will have
higher levels of waste reduction and cost efficiency than nonregistered plants;
4. ISO registered plants with direct relationships to other registered plants in the supply chain will have
sustainable practices and projects with better ROI than nonregistered firms;
5. ISO registered plants with direct relationships to other registered plants will have higher levels of
customer relationship management and will be positively associated with greater expansion
opportunities and image than nonregistered plants;
6. ISO registered plants with direct relationships to other registered plants will have fewer issues with
employee health and reduced numbers of safety incidents than nonregistered plants;
7. ISO registered plants with a direct relationship to other registered plants will have a strong positive
relationship between formal communication, training, monitoring/control systems and firm
performance; and
8. ISO registered plants with a direct relationship to other registered plants will have higher levels of
involvement and communication, which will be positively related to more internal and external
integration with supply chain members.

List of ISO 14000 series standards[edit]

ISO 14001 Environmental management systemsRequirements with guidance for use

ISO 14004 Environmental management systemsGeneral guidelines on principles, systems and support
techniques

ISO 14015 Environmental assessment of sites and organizations

ISO 14020 series (14020 to 14025) Environmental labels and declarations

ISO 14030 discusses post production environmental assessment

ISO 14031 Environmental performance evaluationGuidelines

ISO 14040 series (14040 to 14049), Life Cycle Assessment, LCA, discusses pre-production planning and
environment goal setting.

ISO 14050 terms and definitions.

ISO 14062 discusses making improvements to environmental impact goals.

ISO 14063 Environmental communicationGuidelines and examples

ISO 14064 Measuring, quantifying, and reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions.

ISO 19011 which specifies one audit protocol for both 14000 and 9000 series standards together.

THE FACTS ABOUT THE SM BAGUIO PINE TREES


Few things you would want to know about the SM Baguio Pine Trees

Is there a structural stability problem that SM is facing right now? Some reports say that there is
a need to put a wall that will prevent soil erosion. Shouldnt the non-cutting of trees prevent
erosion?
The mall expansion is a spin off from a topsoil erosion concern of the mall for many years now
that might eventually affect the structure of the building. Technical consultants of SM have
exhausted all technical remedies including structural ripraps and soil compaction, but the erosion
concern persists that might expose the building to future problems. In order to correct this, a
retaining wall structure needs to be constructed to protect the building, this will entail excavation
that will affect the trees in the area, and this is the reason why we are taking all the measures to
relocate them out of harms way.
Baguio City has been experiencing increasing amount of rainfall over the past few years with all
historical records confirming that the city has the highest rainfall in the country. Trends indicate
that it is likely to get worse, according to the recent Climate Risk Assessment Study made by
World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF).
Since SM City Baguio is built on a sloping terrain, it has experienced soil erosion problems. In
light of this matter, SM, together with its team of experts found the need to reinforce its sloping
terrain by putting up a "retaining wall" to safeguard the welfare of its customers.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 5:13 PM

How many trees will be affected in the expansion? What is the status of these trees?
There will be 182 trees that will be affected. Out of 182, 43 are Alnus Trees, 97 are Pine trees,
while the rest are just 42 saplings (combination of pine and alnus)
SM was able to successfully earth ball 43 trees already (42 alnus and 1 pine tree). They are all
transferred within SM property and are currently being nurtured (watered daily according to
schedule) to ensure survival. The earth balling was conducted in an ideal temperature from night

time to dawn to prevent moisture loss of the trees and ensure their survival as advised by experts
from the DENR.
SM City Baguio is also encountering pest infestation problems among some of its trees. Some of
these trees will have to be removed to protect and save the healthy trees from becoming
infected.
SM shall also plant over 50,000 new trees as part of its effort to support Baguio city re-greening
program.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 5:13 PM

Does SM have the necessary permits? If so, do they have the right to cut and earthball the
trees?
Yes, SM has worked over a year to gather all the necessary approvals and permits.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 7:13 PM

Does SM have the legal right and ownership over the property?
The land where SM is built was bought in 1992 through public bidding, fully paid in 1997 and
has a valid Deed of Sale. Public records are available for verification.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 7:13 PM

Is the expansion of SM City Baguio just a mere parking lot?


The expansion area is not entirely a parking lot. The parking lot is just a portion. A portion of the
expansion will be also be occupied by a sky garden and various establishments in an alfresco
setting. The parking area will have park finders to make it easier for drivers to locate vacant
parking spaces and reduce fuel consumption.
The additional parking space to be integrated in the expansion area of the mall can help ease
vehicle congestion on roads near the mall.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 7:14 PM

SM received a lot of criticisms on social media about its environmental programs because
of the alleged earthballing of trees at SM City Baguio - that SM is hypocritical. What can
SM say about this?
SMs Environmental Programs are more than just about trees. SM as a whole has developed for

instance recycling programs, enabling all supermalls nationwide to recycle tons of waste
equivalent to saving approximately 32,300 units of 7 year old trees, since it started its program in
2007. Its a total environmental program that includes other aspects such as reducing waste,
reusing and recycling resources
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 7:14 PM

Is SM City Baguio LEED Certified?


It is a LEED Registered Project. The design documents are yet to be submitted by SMs LEED
Consultant, Davis, Langdon & Seah, who enrolled SM as a Member of USGBC in 2011
LEED certification is a process, first you have to register the project, prepare documentation both
for design and construction, and submit the documents for review.
The project is designed and working towards and aiming to get that LEED Gold Rating
certification.
The LEED certification rating is a process being monitored before, during and after construction.
SO it is a long process. LEED certification rating can only be attained after the project.
For more information about SM City Baguio's LEED registration, visit www.usgbc.org
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 7:14 PM

Is Luneta Hill on top of 3 earthquake fault lines?


NO, a certification was issued by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology that
certifies that SM is not on top of a fault line.
by SM Baguio Admin May 17, 2012 at 7:14 PM

What is the extent of SMs partnership with the USGBC?


By partnering with the USGBC, we mean that we shared commitment to a prosperous and
sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings, by following their
standards.
SM is a member of US Green Building council since 2011 and is registered under the name SM
Prime Holdings, Inc.

The "PHILEX MINING" commercial saying "there's life in mining?" is a con played out upon the
masses of people who perhaps see the "lie-infomercial"...why can't they tell the truth. Mining kills
biodiversity...kills the forests...kills the fresh air...kills the water...and in case we forget kills people!

MY STAND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT STILL, NO TO


MINING!
Like

05/03 2012
Posted by Raffy Magno
Categories: Childrens Rights, Conflict Resolution, Education, Environment & Climate Change, and Human Rights. Post
Tags: advocacy, education, environments, mining,passion, Philippines, and raffy magno. Locations: Philippines.
0 comments

My Stand for the Environment Still, NO TO MINING!


Finally, Luzon got the guts to formally organize a conference on mining and ecology. The conference was held at
University of Santo Tomas with participants from different sectors. Big names from the PROs and ANTIs were there
to voice out their stand and opinion on this pressing issue. This conference is also essential especially that the
President is expected to release an executive order to clear the road of mining in the Philippines.

I was not able to attend the event because of an exam (which was rescheduled by my prof BOOO!) good thing,
rappler.com covered the whole event and provided its followers a chance to interact thru twitter.
The conference gave 15 minutes for each speaker to discuss their thoughts about mining. But the most controversial
(well, at least for me) scene happened off the stage. Its between Manny Pangilinan (Chairman, Philex Mining) and
Gina Lopez (ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. -Save Palawan Movement).

Heres the video.


I never thought MVP is one of those who really advocate mining. Well, after hearing him defend his side, I could not
help but frown on how limited and shallow his understanding were when it comes to mining. I would not discuss the
science why we should not allow mining activities in the Philippines, but let me give you some facts on how
mining negatively contributes to our industry.
IN 2010, MINING WAS ONLY
1% of the economy (P 88.2 Billion gross value-added to GDP)
4% of exports (US$ 2.032 Million to Japan, Australia, Canada, China and others)
0.5% of employment (197,000 jobs)
1.1% of National Government revenues (P 13.7 Billion in national government/local government unit, mining taxes,
fees and royalties vs the P1.208 Trillion total government revenues)
WHILE
landgrabbing, community displacement, human rights violations ,environmental degradation
IN 1,042,531 HECTARES COVERED BY 785 MINING TENEMENTS.
(Mining and Underdevelopment IBON, 2011)

Mining is NOT a large job generator, NOT an economic driver, & NOT an option for an agricultural, geohazardous and biodiverse country like the Philippines.
- From 2000 2009, the mining sector only contributed 0.376% to the total employment of the Philippines and only
0.91% of GDP. (NSCB data)
- In stark contrast, Agriculture generates an annual employment force of 35% of our countrys labor force.
- EXCISE TAX, the countrys only share from mining: from 2000 to 2009, they accounted for ONLY 0.7% of total
excise tax collections.
- Per METRIC TON (!) of mine wastes, contractors are charged with a ridiculously low rate of P0.50 per Metric Ton of
mine waste and P0.10 per metric ton of tailings. (Isnt this CRAZY)

With these facts, mining advocates would push that to eradicate these crazy activities we should have a better and
clearer law on mining. Friends, even if we have the best law on mining, still, we will experience a lot of troubles
especially in the preservation of our ecology (forest, air, land, marine life). In an island ecosystem like the Philippines,
we could not just allow any mining activity. We are not like Canada or Australia which have wide lands to mine. Every
mining activity in the Philippines could cost us thousands of trees, hectares of corals, tons of marine animals and a
bulk of our precious population.

MVPs point that there is nothing there (where they mine) is not an excuse for them to mine the land. An ecosystem
will always be interconnected, a certain damage to one of its vital parts will cause a lot to the others.

How could we ever promote that its truly more fun in the Philippines if we dont have anything to show? The
Philippines is best for environmental and agricultural tourism. Palawan made it! They say no mining and no logging
now, they are positively booooming!

Now, where do we go? Sa tuwid na daan?

O sa wala ng madaanan?

Biodiversity is not just the protected land itself but as everything around the mountain. Like the spider
web, once one of its strands will be cut, the spider will be outbalanced. Even if there is a buffer zone, it
will still affect the entire biodiversity. TUTOL KAMI SA MINA!

SAVE PALAWAN MOVEMENT SAYS NO TO MINING IN


PALAWAN
The Save Palawan Movement, a multi-sectoral coalition of concerned environmental,
legal religious and other civic groups launched the No to Mining in Palawan signature
campaign last Thursday (February 3) in the hope of putting an end to mining activities in
Palawan, known as the Philippines Last Ecological Frontier.
The campaign aims to raise ten million signatures to deliver a strong message to the
Philippine and Palawan governments so that they would finally say no to mining in

Palawan and help protect one of the Philippines last remaining treasures.
Present at the launch were ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez,
Palawan Mayor Edward Hagedorn, running priest Fr. Robert Reyes, environment
leaders Clemente Bautista (Kalikasan Peoples Network for the Environment) and Atty.
Jose Andres Canivel (Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation), and
Rhodora Angela Ferrer of the Catholica Educational Association of the Philippines.
They were joined by Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas (WWF-Philippines) president Jose
Lorenzo Tan, country director for Conservation International Romy Trono, Atty. Gerthie
Mayo-Anda of Environmental Legal Asistance Center, executive director of Palawan
NGO Network Inc. Atty Bobby Chan, Tanggol Kalikasan executive director Atty. Rolly
BisqueraSheen, Alyansa Tigil Mina national coordinator Jaybee Garganera and
various leaders of the environmental movement in the country.
The ten million signature campaign came about after the killing of Dr. Gerardo Doc
Gerry Ortega, a civic leader who championed the protection of Palawans rich
biodiversity and an outspoken critic of mining operations in Palawan.

Doc Gerry had a dream


We jail people for killing one or two persons. How about
institutions or people that ravage the environment and cause the
death of hundreds or thousands? The floods of Palawan are
absolutely due to mining due to the denudation of forests.
These were the words of Gerry Ortega, radio broadcaster and environmentalist. He was shot in
cold blood on January 24, 2011, in a public market in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, just a few
kilometers from his hometown of Aborlan. Doc Gerry Ortega was a passionate crusader for the
environment. He understood the evils of mining. He railed against the greed and corruption that
allowed mining to proliferate. He explained to people that if mining in Palawan were allowed to
continue, there would be a real danger that the island could collapse and sink into the sea. If the
Philippines were to lose Palawan, the country would lose a valuable and irreplaceable treasure.
He dedicated his life to protecting the environment. He died working for his cause.
Doc Gerry Ortega had a dream. That dream was to have a Palawan unspoiled by the devastation
wrought by mining. It was his dream to put a stop to the destruction of forests, mangroves, and
coral reefs. It was his dream for native Palaweos and for all Filipinos to take part in preserving
the natural beauty that is Palawan. It was his dream for the preservation of Palawan to become
our legacy to the next generation.
Now we could sit still and do nothing. Or we could take the time to understand and consider where
we stand on the issue of mining in Palawan.

NO to Mining in Palawan

author: ABS-CBN Foundation


target: 10 Million Signature Campaign
signatures: 1,101

1,101
10,000,000

we've got 1,101 signatures, help us get to 10,000,000 by September 7, 2011


The Save Palawan Movement launched the No to Mining in Palawan signature campaign
on February 3 in the hope of putting an end to mining activities in Palawan,
known as the Philippines Last Ecological Frontier.
The campaign aims to raise ten million signatures to deliver a strong message to the
Philippine and Palawan governments so that they would finally say no to mining in Palawan
and help protect one of the Philippines last remaining treasures.
Present at the launch were ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez, Palawan
Mayor Edward Hagedorn, running priest Fr. Robert Reyes, environment leaders Clemente
Bautista (Kalikasan Peoples Network for the Environment) and Atty. Jose Andres Canivel
(Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation), and Rhodora Angela Ferrer of the
Catholica Educational Association of the Philippines.
They were joined by Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas (WWF-Philippines) president Jose
Lorenzo Tan, country director for Conservation International Romy Trono, Atty. Gerthie
Mayo-Anda of Environmental Legal Asistance Center, executive director of Palawan NGO
Network Inc. Atty Bobby Chan, Tanggol Kalikasan executive director Atty. Rolly Bisquera
Sheen, Alyansa Tigil Mina national coordinator Jaybee Garganera and various leaders of the
environmental movement in the country.
The ten million signature campaign came about after the killing of Dr. Gerardo Doc Gerry
Ortega, a civic leader who championed the protection of Palawans rich biodiversity and an
outspoken critic of mining operations in Palawan.
Palawan has 40% of our countrys remaining mangrove areas, 30% of our coral reefs, at
least 17 Key Biodiversity Areas, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and eight declared
protected areas. Palawan has an unmatched variety of species of flora and fauna.

Nevertheless, the Palawan ecosystem is fragile, given the islands narrow shape and its thin
layer of topsoil that is prone to erosion, which makes it unfit for mining.
Mining has been taking place in the province, despite Republic Act No. 7611, or the
Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan, that states that all types of natural forests, areas
above one thousand (1,000) meters elevation, peaks of mountains or other areas with very
steep gradients, and endangered habitats and habitats of endangered and rare species
should be fully and strictly protected and kept free of human disruption.
Moreover, both the granting of mining permits and new applications are increasing, even in
core protection zones. Old-growth forests are being cut down, water sources are being
polluted, ancestral lands are being taken over, and communities pleas are being ignored.
In many areas of Palawan, the communities have already made their stand against mining
by showing that ecotourism, based on the protection of precious natural resources, can
provide the people with the livelihood they need for development. Many leaders also
believe that Palawan can develop and achieve economic progress without the devastating
environmental destruction caused by mining.
Doc Gerry, who also served as project manager for the ABS-CBN Foundation, dreamt of a
Philippines where natural resources are protected and nurtured. As he was always quoted to
say, Di kailangan sirain ang kalikasan para mapakinabangan. The Save Palawan
Movement hopes that through the campaign, Doc Gerrys dream will live on and eventually

Save Palawan movement launches 'No to Mining' campaign


By Karen Galarpe, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 02/03/2011 6:32 PM | Updated as of 02/04/2011 12:15 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Nelson Sombra, a 'katutubo' farmer from Bgy. Maasin in Brooke's Point
in Palawan, confesses he was not able to go to school, and never even went to Grade 1.
But he bravely faced newsmen, members of civil society, non-government organizations,
academe, and the clergy on Thursday (Feb. 3) in Quezon City to make a heartfelt appeal:
"Humihingi kami ng tulong. Gusto naming makatulog ng hindi natatakot na baka mag-landslide.
Hindi na puwede 'yung pagmimina. Manipis na ang Palawan."
Sombra was joined by Jonathan Lagrada, barangay captain of Bgy. Ipilan, also in Brooke's Point.
Lagrada said there is a need to stop mining in Palawan, the Philippines' last ecological frontier,
because of the impact it has on the people and the environment.
"Mawawalan kami ng tubig at sariwang hangin. Dapat bigyan ng proteksyon ang magsasaka.
Kung walang magsasaka, wala tayong kakainin," he said.
Nelson Sombra (left) and Jonathan Lagrada. Photo by Karen Galarpe, abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Sombra and Lagrada are among those who have backed the "No to Mining in Palawan" signature
campaign launched Thursday (Feb. 3) by the Save Palawan Movement spearheaded by ABSCBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez, Puerto Princesa, Palawan Mayor Edward
Hagedorn, and members of civil society, academe, non-government organizations, and the
clergy.
The signature campaign, which came about after the killing of civic leader, environmentalist and
broadcaster Dr. Gerardo "Doc Gerry" Ortega in January 2011, hopes to raise 10 million
signatures to send a strong message to the governments of the Philippines and Palawan of the
need to stop mining activities in Palawan and help protect its natural resources.
Wanted: Protection for Palawan's beauty
The province of Palawan is known for its natural resources which have captivated many people,
both Filipinos and foreigners.
It is home to 40% of the Philippines' remaining mangrove areas, 30% of the country's coral reefs,
17 key biodiversity areas, 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Puerto Princesa Subterranean
River Natural Park and the Tubbataha National Marine Park), and 8 declared protected areas. It
also has a wide variety of flora and fauna species.
According to Hagedorn, the ecosystem in Palawan, though, is fragile with the island's narrow
shape and thin layer of topsoil that makes it prone to erosion, and this is one good reason why
mining should be banned.
A second reason is that there are laws that protect Palawan, such as the Republic Act (RA) No.
7611 or the Strategic Environment Plan for Palawan, which spells out the general strategy for
development of the province.
Save Palawan Movement launched the 'No to Mining in Palawan' signature campaign on 3 Feb
2011. (L-R) Ed Hagedorn, Gina Lopez, Mika Ortega, Fr. Robert Reyes, and Atty. Grizelda
Mayo-Anda. Photo by Karen Galarpe, abs-cbnNEWS.com.
RA 7611 mandates that "all types of natural forests, areas above one thousand (1,000) meters
elevation, peaks of mountains or other areas with very steep gradients, and endangered habitats
and habitats of endangered and rare species should be fully and strictly protected and kept free of
human disruption," according to a statement released by the Save Palawan Movement.
In spite of this law, mining continues, and there are still applications for mining permits being
filed even in core protection zones, said Atty. Grizelda "Gerthie" Mayo-Anda, founding
executive director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, trustee member of the Palawan
NGO Network Inc., and convenor of Bantay-Mina-PNNI.
A third reason is that the "costs outweigh the benefits," said Anda. Mining activities result in
reduction of forest cover, water pollution, and displacement of indigenous communities, she
added.

According to Hagedorn, banning mining will not mean the end of livelihood. His city, Puerto
Princesa, has shown that through tourism and agriculture, it is possible to survive even without
mining activities.
Mika Ortega, eldest daughter of slain broadcaster "Doc Gerry," joined the appeal for 10 million
signatures for the campaign.
"We live in a culture of death. We need to change that and go back to a culture of life. The most
important thing is not gold, copper, cellphone or a laptop. It's food, air, and water--things we are
losing already. The costs always outweigh the benefits. Let's bring back a culture of life," she
said.
Lopez called for support for the signature campaign. "There is nothing in the world that can
stand in the face of a people united," she said.

Why Palawan is a No Mining Zone


Mining is destructive, non-sustainable and non-renewable.
Large and small-scale operators practice open pit mining, which is already prohibited In the USA and Canada.
Although there are laws in place to protect it, these are often circumvented or bypassed. Mining practices do not
involve consultation and clear benefits to indigenous and local people. Many affected barangays, and tribal
representatives have stood up and expressed opposition to it. Mining companies abandon the mining sites after
exploration and operation. They do not rehabilitate the area making the land and water prone to erosion. Pollution
occurs in the site , affects the water and poison the farm soil.
Palawans bio-geographic character makes it unsuitable for mining.
Palawan is unique in both land characteristic and richness. It has a steep topography, narrow island with small
islands and thin topsoil makes it a fragile ecosystem.
Palawan is composed of a long main island lying in a northeast to southwest axis and surrounding it are clusters of
lesser islands. The main island has a tall steep mountain spine running down its length fringed by narrow coastal
plans protected from storm waves by fringing coral reefs and mangrove swamps. Although seemingly lush and
bountiful, the environment of Palawan is fragile and its topsoils are relatively thin, poor and prone to erosion.
Physiography and Soils
Palawans landscape is dominated by mountain and foothills which cover about 940,450 hectares or 82% of the total
area. Foothill and mountain landscapes are characterized by soils of variable depth, more often quite deep, and with
excessive external drainage and high erodibility. Its steep topography will render wide areas prone to erosion should
their forest cover be removed. The narrow shape of the mainland and the smallness of surrounding islands, will mean
that erosion on the upper slopes will immediately and directly silt the coastal areas
(Source: Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan, Towards Sustainable Development, Prepared by the Palawan
Integrated Area Development Project Office with the assistance of Hunting Technical Services Limited England in
association with the Orient Integrated Development Consultants, Inc., Philippines and Sir Mac Donald and Partners,
England)

Its unmatched biodiversity will be lost.


Palawan is characterized with high endemism, habitat of wildlife, host to 40% of countrys remaining mangrove areas,
30% of countrys coral reefs, 8 declared protected areas.
Given its international declarations such as 17 key biodiversity areas (KBAs) And two UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
Palawans forests contain significant flora and fauna which may be new to science, hence its special status as
a protected province."
(link to source: ALDAW Bulanjao 2010 report)
According to SEP law, Palawans forests support a unique and highly diverse flora and fauna. Many of Palawans
fauna are unique and are considered rare, threatened or endangered... With few botanical expeditions in the past,
many botanists feel that there are more undiscovered species of plants.
Such diversity serve as basis for declaring Palawan as a Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary in 1967, as Mangrove
Reserve in 1981 and as part of UNESCOs Man and Biosphere Reserve.
With the Last Frontier description, this signifies abundant and untapped resources, relatively unravaged by resource
overexploitation. (Source: SEP document)
Brooke's Point
Many of those areas which have mining claims by companies such as the Lucio Tan-ownedMacroAsia corporation,
are actually overlapping with precious watersheds, intact forests, fragile ecosystems and, more importantly, with
the ancestral territory on which hundreds of indigenous Palawan depend on for their livelihood and cultural
sustenance. Indigineous communities such as those living in Maasin and Aribungos, have existing ancestral domain
claims over thousands of hectares that are overlapping with areas where said corporation operate.
Under the SEP Law, mining companies and the local municipalities must make prior consultation and decision
making process with indigenous tribes and local communities . Reports have pointed out the opposite, as the tribal
people were often bypassed and not part of genuine consultation.
There are at least 15 barangays that were affected and voiced their objection to mining in their ancestral lands. The
concerned barangays were from Calasaguen, Maasin, Mambalot, Ipilan, Baro-Baron, Aribungos, Mainit, Pangobilian,
Tubtub, Amas, Oring-Oring, Samarinian, Saraza, Salogon, Malis.
http://www.survivalinternational.org/tribes/palawan
(source: pages 2, 5-6 (macro-asia) Aldaw-Gantong report 2010)

Children of Brookes Point. Photo credit: ALDAW


There are Existing Laws and Policies governing Palawan.
Palawan is the only province that has laws protecting its environment. Yet, permits issued to mining operations,
mining claims and applications are within the protected areas.
Proclamation No. 219 (1967) establishing Palawan as a Game Refuge and Wildlife Sanctuary
Proclamation No. 2152 (1981) establishing Palawan as a Mangrove Reserve UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS, January 1992)
Republic Act No. 7611 (or the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan, or SEP law, June 1992)
Tourism, agriculture and fisheries, not mining, are the drivers for economic developmentPalawan, with its
international recognitions and a top tourist destination remain the Philippines pride, reaping thousands of praises
from local and international visitors. Its beauty has made it a popular location even for foreign shows, countless
documentaries and international films. The famed explorer Jacques Cousteau, inventor of the scuba aqua lung,
reportedly said Palawan is one of the most beautiful place he has explored.

(link to Jacque Cousteau : Palawan The Last Refuge http://palawan.ph/2010/04/palawan-the-last-refuge/)


UNESCO
Declared it as Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary in 1967 and a Mangrove Reserve in 1981.
Established Palawan as a Man and Biosphere Reserve
Declared The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (formerly known as St.Pauls Underground River)
and the Tubbataha Reefs as World Heritage Sites.
National Geographic Traveler magazine cited Palawan as one of the top 20 Best Trips for 2011. Nat Geo first
heralded Palawan one of the best destinations in the world back in 2007, for its incredibly beautiful seascapes and
landscapes. Apart from its magazine, the National Geographic Channel has also put its spotlight on Palawan, the
fish and wildlife sanctuary of the Philippines since 1967, on some its programs, such as Word Travels.
(source: www.GoodNewsPilipinas.com.)
Palawan supplies 50% of the countrys seafood.
(Source: Mayor Hagedorn presentation)
The city of Puerto Princesa, under the helm of Mayor Edward Hagedorn, has banned mining and developed its
tourism potential, earned the city numerous awards for excellence. The example of Puerto Princesa clearly shows
that sustainable development in partnership with the local people is key to long-term sustainable economic
development.
(source www.visitpuertoprincesa.com)
The Experience on Mining shows that costs outweigh economic benefits Abandoned and unrehabilitated
mining practices.
Most of us do not realize the high impact that mining causes on the forest ecosystem. Most mining done in Palawan
is strip mining for ore extraction. Extraction means earth is excavated in tons, stripping the earth in large quantities at
a rapid rate.
According to UNEP (2002), at a typical copper mine, around 125 tonnes of ore are excavated to produce just one
tonne of copper. The amount of earth moved is mind-boggling and mining now strips more of the Earths surface
each year than does natural erosion. Added to this are toxicants coming from exposed earth and chemicals used in
extracting ores.
(source: Balabac Mining report, Patrick Regoniel Palawan State University)
Preparation for mining means cutting down and bull dozing through hectares of primary and secondary forest, felling
old growth trees and destroying wildlife habitat. Exploratory pits, some as deep as 6 feet, are dug and often left
abandoned. Mining pits also create artificial lakes when filled up with rainwater during monsoon months, resulting in
mosquito infestation. Toxic chemicals flow out from the mining dumpsites and into ponds, streams and farmland,
making the soil unfit for farming.
Here are some examples;
In Rio Tuba, which part of the Mt. Mantalingahan range, a key biodiversity and protected area , mining has been
creeping into the core protected areas. Photos show how small and large scale mining have cleared primary forests
and bulldozed into the mountain slopes.
In Balabac, southern part of Palawan, abandoned and unrehabilitated copper mine lead to poisoned soil and toxic
water in Colandorang Bay.
In Brookes Point. The deforestation caused soil erosion (Infanta Mining) and sedimentation.
Health concerns have been raised over the significant dust raised by mining in the main roads used by mine, both
affecting workers and non-workers living near the roads.

Non-rehabilitated mines in Roxas and Narra, as well as abandoned mercury site in Puerto Princesa (Palwan
Quicksilver Mine) point to pollution and possible health threats to the community.
(other source: Report on Defunct Copper Mine in Balabac Mining: Unaddressed Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and
questions of accountability, by Patrick Regoniel, Palawan State University)

caption: Poblacion, Balabac. streams found near abandoned copper mine, showing bluish color. No fish or small
organisms were found in the stream.
..mining is a risky business; there is conflict of interest under RA 7942 and RA 7611, and RA 7160. If not
given due attention, conflict may become cumulative. This worst scenario takes as its guide the axiom that
past practice is the most reliable guide to future behavior. Mining communities will never be
sustainable. (source: Sol de Villa Rama, COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY
INDICATORS: THE CASE OF MINING OPERATIONS IN PALAWAN

(photo credit: Report on Defunct Copper Mine in Balabac Mining: Unaddressed Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and
questions of accountability, by Patrick Regoniel, Palawan State University)
Table of Mining Companies and Abandoned Mines (source, ELAC, Aldaw report)

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