Leonardo DiCaprio has joined the call to protect Masungi Georeserve, a conservation area and eco-tourism site located in Baras, Rizal.
The American actor and environmental advocate took to social media to raise awareness of the conservation initiatives of the site and the illegal activities, such as mining, logging, and encroachments, it has been facing. His post includes photos of the local rangers and a clip of Masungi Georeserve.
Photo: Leonardo DiCaprio | Masungi Georeserve
“Masungi is a lush montane rainforest landscape outside of Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines. In the late 1990s, much of Masungi was illegally deforested. Local communities fostered the development of the @masungigeoreserve, spurring efforts to restore this precious ecosystem,” he wrote. “From these conservation initiatives, trees were able to grow taller, wildlife numbers slowly increased, and more locals became involved in protecting this ecosystem.”
He reiterated that it is now in “jeopardy,” emphasizing the possible cancelation of its 2017 agreement by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“This cancellation would set back the success of an internationally acclaimed conservation effort and leave the area vulnerable again to mining, logging, and illegal developments,” he added.
Leonardo also urged President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to “intervene and continue to protect” Masungi Georeserve.
“Conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action,” he concluded his post.
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The agreement between the DENR and Masungi Georeserve stated that Masungi would plant and nurture trees to help in the restoration of a 2,700-hectare area in the Upper Marikina River Basin and Protected Landscape. It was signed under former Environment Secretary and late Gina Lopez.
According to reports, the DENR has found a specific provision of the agreement that violates the Constitution, which urged them to recommend its cancelation. In its recent statement, the DENR acknowledged Leonardo’s environmental concerns. However, they noted that “no one is exempt from the law.”
Masungi Georeserve has become a popular destination for tourists and hikers. It was recognized at the 2024 World Economic Forum and won the 2022 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) Action Awards for its excellent conservation efforts.
ALSO READ: Here’s Why Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos Visited Masungi Georeserve Recently
