Nope, this isn’t because of reduced human activity brought about by the pandemic, but through the collaboration of the government and environment organizations.
A refreshing photo posted by the official Masungi Georeserve page on Facebook last Sunday revealed that the forest inside Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal, which was once devastated by rampant logging and abusive land speculation, is now teeming with vibrant life and greenery.
“A secondary forest has now grown undisturbed and hundreds of different wildlife have started to return. Instead of chainsaws, you can now hear the sweet songs of birds,” shares Billie Dumaliang, advocacy officer of the Masungi Georeserve, in the photo’s caption.
It was through the joint venture project between the Masungi Georeserve Foundation’s mother company, Blue Star, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that they were able to restore years’ worth of damage to Masungi’s forests and limestone formations.
It was also earlier this month that the page announced the discovery of a new subspecies of land snail in Masungi. Harold B. Lipae, a UP Los Baños scientist, led the discovery.
“While challenges abound, Secretary Cimatu thankfully announced the cancellation of quarrying permits in the area in early 2020. We continue to research with scientists on unique and site-endemic species, such as the #NewMasungiSnail, that have made the limestone forest their sanctuary!” the official page adds.
The foundation continues to enjoin the public to sign their petition to stop all attempts of quarrying in Masungi, as well as to support their conservation and preservation efforts. You can go to this link to pitch your support.
