Watching weather could predict malaria epidemics
Spraying insecticide to ward off malaria-carrying mosquitoes
Zablon Odhiambo
1 February 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[NAIROBI] Malaria epidemics could be predicted up to five months ahead
using a special combination of climate models, say researchers.
In a study published by Nature today (1 February), Tim Palmer of the
UK-based European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts and
colleagues say the predictions could be used to strategically target
insecticides and drugs to regions at risk of an outbreak.
The study was based on an early-warning system developed by Botswana's
National Malaria Control Programme. The system uses information about
rainfall, health surveillance and the population's vulnerability to
malaria to detect unusual changes in seasonal patterns of disease.
By using a combination of climate models, Palmer's team eliminated
uncertainties in the system's predictions. To prove their new approach,
they tried retrospectively predicting malaria epidemics in Botswana from
1982 to 2002.
The method showed "very substantial levels of predictive skill", says
Palmer.
The team found that the risk of an epidemic in Botswana rises just
after a season of heavy rainfall and that temperature and rainfall drive
the abundance of both mosquitoes and parasites.
"This study demonstrates that judicious use of climate information is
an important factor in reducing the impact of this devastating disease,"
says Charles Delacollette of the WHO Global Malaria Programme.
Palmer points out that his team's method only applies to areas where
malaria occurs in climate-related epidemics and not in areas where the
disease is a year-round problem.
Although epidemic malaria accounts for only a small proportion of cases
worldwide, it can be important at a regional level, contributing to a
significant rise of cases and deaths.
Following Botswana's lead, other countries in sub-Saharan Africa are
now developing early-warning systems.
"My colleagues are developing our methods for Zimbabwe, South Africa,
Swaziland and Zimbabwe," says Palmer. "Some research is being done for
the more complex terrain of Kenya, though here the results are less well
developed."
Sam Ocholla, head of malaria control at the Kenyan health ministry,
says a system they are piloting can detect epidemics within two weeks of
their onset, but cannot make accurate predictions.
"We are yet to find a model that is 100 per cent effective," he told
SciDev.Net.
"The link between climate and malaria incidence is more complex in
Kenya than in Botswana," explains Palmer.
"In Kenya, both seasonal temperature and seasonal rainfall are
important, whereas in Botswana seasonal rainfall is the single most important
variable, and the effects of temperature are minimal."
Friday, February 10, 2006
Deforestation causes malaria
Amazon studies link malaria to deforestation
Both studies found that deforestation increases the risk of malaria
transmission
Luisa Massarani and Mike Shanahan
30 January 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[RIO DE JANEIRO] Two studies in the Amazon rainforest have shown a link
between deforestation and an increased risk of malaria. The findings
have implications for health management and environmental policy in the
region.
According to research published today (30 January), the clearing of
trees in Brazil's Amazon region to create new settlements increases the
short-term risk of malaria by creating areas of standing water in which
mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
The study, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also
found that once agriculture and urban development are established in
frontier regions, this habitat declines and malaria transmission rates fall.
"Malaria mitigation strategies for frontier settlements require a
combination of preventive and curative methods and close collaboration
between the health and agricultural sectors," say the team led by Marcia
Caldas de Castro of the University of South Carolina, United States.
The study comes less than a month after one in neighbouring Peru showed
that malaria epidemics in the Amazon were linked to deforestation. The
findings appeared in January's issue of the American Journal of
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
The study showed that the biting rate of Anopheles darlingi, the
Amazon's main malaria-spreading mosquito, was nearly 300 times greater in
cleared areas than forested ones.
"Most people think malaria is on the rise simply because the mosquito
feeds on the increasing numbers of humans in the rainforest. But our
results show that altering the landscape likely plays an even larger role
than people moving into the jungle", says lead researcher Jonathan
Patz, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
Patz says the fact that deforestation may affect the prevalence of a
disease like malaria raises some larger issues.
"I feel conservation policy is one and the same with public health
policy. It's probable that protected conservation areas may ultimately be
an important tool in our disease prevention strategies," he says.
Both studies found that deforestation increases the risk of malaria
transmission
Luisa Massarani and Mike Shanahan
30 January 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[RIO DE JANEIRO] Two studies in the Amazon rainforest have shown a link
between deforestation and an increased risk of malaria. The findings
have implications for health management and environmental policy in the
region.
According to research published today (30 January), the clearing of
trees in Brazil's Amazon region to create new settlements increases the
short-term risk of malaria by creating areas of standing water in which
mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
The study, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also
found that once agriculture and urban development are established in
frontier regions, this habitat declines and malaria transmission rates fall.
"Malaria mitigation strategies for frontier settlements require a
combination of preventive and curative methods and close collaboration
between the health and agricultural sectors," say the team led by Marcia
Caldas de Castro of the University of South Carolina, United States.
The study comes less than a month after one in neighbouring Peru showed
that malaria epidemics in the Amazon were linked to deforestation. The
findings appeared in January's issue of the American Journal of
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
The study showed that the biting rate of Anopheles darlingi, the
Amazon's main malaria-spreading mosquito, was nearly 300 times greater in
cleared areas than forested ones.
"Most people think malaria is on the rise simply because the mosquito
feeds on the increasing numbers of humans in the rainforest. But our
results show that altering the landscape likely plays an even larger role
than people moving into the jungle", says lead researcher Jonathan
Patz, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
Patz says the fact that deforestation may affect the prevalence of a
disease like malaria raises some larger issues.
"I feel conservation policy is one and the same with public health
policy. It's probable that protected conservation areas may ultimately be
an important tool in our disease prevention strategies," he says.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Scrap Mining Act!
January 31, 2005
"Filipinos will gain so much and nothing to lose in scrapping the
Mining Act"
"There is no truth that the foreign mining investment is helping the
economy. The millions of dollars investment poured in mining until now do
not generate income to the government and to the people. Under the
liberalization policies of the government, foreigners are allowed to
exploit our mineral resources at a bargain. What actually happening are the
fast depletion of our mineral resources by foreign transnational mining
companies (mining TNCs) and the looming danger of environmental
tragedies all over the country," said Clemente Bautista of Defend Patrimony.
Defend Patrimony is multi-sectoral alliance campaigning against the
mining liberalization and large-scale mining projects of the government.
Yesterday, Malacanang and big mining business said the repeal of Mining
Act and cancellation of mining permits being called by CBCP will create
economic backlash to the country.
"The statement of Benjamin Romualdez that cancellation of operations
and projects of mining TNC's projects and operations will displace 10
million people is mere hot air. The mining industry up to now dismally
employs less than 1% (120,000) of the labor force and most of these are
from the small scale mining and quarrying. In terms of Gross National
Product (GNP), the contribution of mining industry is just less than
2%," added by Mr. Bautista.
Defend Patrimony said that the real reason why foreign investors are
coming into the mining industry is because the government have granted
them economic privileges and rights such as 100% repatriation of capital
and profit, 5 to 9 years of income tax holidays, duty free
importation, and rights to water and timber.
"These privileges and rights allowed mining TNCs to extract and export
billion dollars worth of minerals annually while the people are left
with pollution, toxic waste and health hazards from mining operations.
The mine tragedies in Marinduque, Negros Oreintal and Samar are some
living proof of this mining devastation. We have so much to gain and
nothing to lose if we cancel the large-scale mining projects of mining TNCs
and scrap the Mining Act."
Defend Patrimony are working with Bayan Muna and Sen. Jamby Madrigal to
repeal the Mining Act of 1995. They are also proposing the formulation
of Alternative People's Mining Policy that will serve as the framework
of mining development for genuine economic progress and environmental
protection.###
"Filipinos will gain so much and nothing to lose in scrapping the
Mining Act"
"There is no truth that the foreign mining investment is helping the
economy. The millions of dollars investment poured in mining until now do
not generate income to the government and to the people. Under the
liberalization policies of the government, foreigners are allowed to
exploit our mineral resources at a bargain. What actually happening are the
fast depletion of our mineral resources by foreign transnational mining
companies (mining TNCs) and the looming danger of environmental
tragedies all over the country," said Clemente Bautista of Defend Patrimony.
Defend Patrimony is multi-sectoral alliance campaigning against the
mining liberalization and large-scale mining projects of the government.
Yesterday, Malacanang and big mining business said the repeal of Mining
Act and cancellation of mining permits being called by CBCP will create
economic backlash to the country.
"The statement of Benjamin Romualdez that cancellation of operations
and projects of mining TNC's projects and operations will displace 10
million people is mere hot air. The mining industry up to now dismally
employs less than 1% (120,000) of the labor force and most of these are
from the small scale mining and quarrying. In terms of Gross National
Product (GNP), the contribution of mining industry is just less than
2%," added by Mr. Bautista.
Defend Patrimony said that the real reason why foreign investors are
coming into the mining industry is because the government have granted
them economic privileges and rights such as 100% repatriation of capital
and profit, 5 to 9 years of income tax holidays, duty free
importation, and rights to water and timber.
"These privileges and rights allowed mining TNCs to extract and export
billion dollars worth of minerals annually while the people are left
with pollution, toxic waste and health hazards from mining operations.
The mine tragedies in Marinduque, Negros Oreintal and Samar are some
living proof of this mining devastation. We have so much to gain and
nothing to lose if we cancel the large-scale mining projects of mining TNCs
and scrap the Mining Act."
Defend Patrimony are working with Bayan Muna and Sen. Jamby Madrigal to
repeal the Mining Act of 1995. They are also proposing the formulation
of Alternative People's Mining Policy that will serve as the framework
of mining development for genuine economic progress and environmental
protection.###
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Dead pregnant dugong in Rapu-rapu Island
Defend Patrimony!
PRESS RELEASE
January 26, 2006
Pregnant Dugong found dead in toxic waters of Rapu-rapu Island
A pregnant Dugong (Dugong dugon) or baboy daga, a rare marine mammal, was found dead at Sitio Gogon, Brarangay Poblacion, Rapu-rapu, Albay, one of the affected areas of the toxic mine tailings spill of Australian owned Lafayette Mining Inc . Local fisherfolk found the Dugong in the morning of January 25, 2006. They suspected that the Dugong's death is because of its exposure to toxic chemicals present in the seawaters of Rapu-rapu Island.
Dugong is a large marine mammal belonging to a group of animals known as Sirenians. It has a grey brown bulbous animal with a flattened fluked tail, like that of a whale, no dorsal fins, with paddle like flippers and distinctive head shape.It is classified a vulnerable specie by the Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In the Philippines Dugong is considered as endangered animal.
Fr. Felino Bugauisan local Assistant Parish Priest and spokeperson of Sagip Isla said that "This is the first time we found a dead Dugong in our Island. We did not experience any fish kill and Dugong dying in our sea before the mining operation and cyanide spill of LMI. This validates the toxic effects of the cyanide and other heavy metals in the mine tailings spilled from the mining operation of LMI last October 11 and November 1 2005. The threat of contamination still lingers in the island, contrary to the claims of LMI and DENR that the incident has been sufficiently addressed and its effects have been contained." Sagip Isla is a local movement in the island opposing and calling for the closure of Polymetallic Mining Project of LMI.
"The cyanide spill and the voluminous toxic mine tailings that have been dumped in Rapu-Rapu island has caused the contamination of the seagrass and poisoning of sealife including the Dugong. Dugong is a sea mammal that naturally feeds on seagrasses found on shallow waters of coastal areas. On the average, it eats 25 kilos of seagrass a day. The presence of toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic in their food is fatal to Dugong," explains by Clemente Bautista of Defend Patrimony. Defend Patrimony is a national alliance opposing large-scale mining projects and the mining liberalization program of the Arroyo administration
Aside from Dugong, whale sharks, commonly known as Butanding are also found in Rapu-Rapu Island. The people and local government of Sorsogon also opposes the LMI large-scale mining project because it is affecting the multimillion whale watching tourism in the province. Rapu-Rapu Island and Donsol, Sorsogon is the natural sanctuary of Butanding and Dugong.
"Until now, the people and fisherfolks of Rapu-rapu Island are reeling from the effects of mine tailings spill of LMI. The volume of our fish catch drastically decreased and people from other places is still afraid to buy our catch for fear of toxic poisoning," added by Fr. Bugauisan.
Mr. Bautista states that "The LMI cyanide spill, the fish kill and the death of Dugong in the Island only shows why the DENR can not be trusted with the protection of people's wefare and the environment. The situation also affirms that there is no such thing as environmental-friendly mining operation under the mining revitalization program of the Arroyo administration."
Sagip Isla and Defend Patrimony reiterate their demand for the closure of the Lafayette mining operation in the island. On Monday they will join the presentation of the laboratory results of the local samples drawn by an Independent Investigative Mission, led by the Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC), on the immediate impacts of the Rapu-rapu incident.
Reference:
Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE)
No.26 Matulungin St. Bgy, Central, Quezon City, Philippines 1100
Tel. No. +63-2-9248756 Fax No. +63-2-9209099
Email: kalikasan.pne at gmail.com, kpne at edsamail.com.ph, royalroi at yahoo.com
PRESS RELEASE
January 26, 2006
Pregnant Dugong found dead in toxic waters of Rapu-rapu Island
A pregnant Dugong (Dugong dugon) or baboy daga, a rare marine mammal, was found dead at Sitio Gogon, Brarangay Poblacion, Rapu-rapu, Albay, one of the affected areas of the toxic mine tailings spill of Australian owned Lafayette Mining Inc . Local fisherfolk found the Dugong in the morning of January 25, 2006. They suspected that the Dugong's death is because of its exposure to toxic chemicals present in the seawaters of Rapu-rapu Island.Dugong is a large marine mammal belonging to a group of animals known as Sirenians. It has a grey brown bulbous animal with a flattened fluked tail, like that of a whale, no dorsal fins, with paddle like flippers and distinctive head shape.It is classified a vulnerable specie by the Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In the Philippines Dugong is considered as endangered animal.
Fr. Felino Bugauisan local Assistant Parish Priest and spokeperson of Sagip Isla said that "This is the first time we found a dead Dugong in our Island. We did not experience any fish kill and Dugong dying in our sea before the mining operation and cyanide spill of LMI. This validates the toxic effects of the cyanide and other heavy metals in the mine tailings spilled from the mining operation of LMI last October 11 and November 1 2005. The threat of contamination still lingers in the island, contrary to the claims of LMI and DENR that the incident has been sufficiently addressed and its effects have been contained." Sagip Isla is a local movement in the island opposing and calling for the closure of Polymetallic Mining Project of LMI.
"The cyanide spill and the voluminous toxic mine tailings that have been dumped in Rapu-Rapu island has caused the contamination of the seagrass and poisoning of sealife including the Dugong. Dugong is a sea mammal that naturally feeds on seagrasses found on shallow waters of coastal areas. On the average, it eats 25 kilos of seagrass a day. The presence of toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic in their food is fatal to Dugong," explains by Clemente Bautista of Defend Patrimony. Defend Patrimony is a national alliance opposing large-scale mining projects and the mining liberalization program of the Arroyo administration
Aside from Dugong, whale sharks, commonly known as Butanding are also found in Rapu-Rapu Island. The people and local government of Sorsogon also opposes the LMI large-scale mining project because it is affecting the multimillion whale watching tourism in the province. Rapu-Rapu Island and Donsol, Sorsogon is the natural sanctuary of Butanding and Dugong.
"Until now, the people and fisherfolks of Rapu-rapu Island are reeling from the effects of mine tailings spill of LMI. The volume of our fish catch drastically decreased and people from other places is still afraid to buy our catch for fear of toxic poisoning," added by Fr. Bugauisan.
Mr. Bautista states that "The LMI cyanide spill, the fish kill and the death of Dugong in the Island only shows why the DENR can not be trusted with the protection of people's wefare and the environment. The situation also affirms that there is no such thing as environmental-friendly mining operation under the mining revitalization program of the Arroyo administration."
Sagip Isla and Defend Patrimony reiterate their demand for the closure of the Lafayette mining operation in the island. On Monday they will join the presentation of the laboratory results of the local samples drawn by an Independent Investigative Mission, led by the Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC), on the immediate impacts of the Rapu-rapu incident.
Reference:
Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE)
No.26 Matulungin St. Bgy, Central, Quezon City, Philippines 1100
Tel. No. +63-2-9248756 Fax No. +63-2-9209099
Email: kalikasan.pne at gmail.com, kpne at edsamail.com.ph, royalroi at yahoo.com
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Defend Mindanao from mining plunder!
Vol. IV, No. 243 A Publication of the Mindanao News and Information
Cooperative Center 23 January 2006
DEFEND MINDANAO FROM MINING PLUNDER!
Defend our Land and Patrimony!
Defend our Future! An Interfaith Statement of the Peoples of Mindanao
MindaNews / 22 January 2006
Adopted by the delegates to the Mindanao Interfaith Conference on Mining Plunder January 20, 2006 Zamboanga del Norte Convention Center, Dipolog City "That Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" - Romans 8:21
"And the earth We have spread out; set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance." -Qur'an, 15:19
"(Land is) a gift from Magbabaya to a people he has put in a place in order to develop and guard Creation. As a divine gift, it could not be owned by anyone for one cannot own that which gives life." - Dibabawon Tribe
We -- representatives from the Lumad and Moro peoples, the Catholic and Protestant churches, people's organizations, local governments, advocates for the environment, and other support groups--- gather in this historic conference in Mindanao to strengthen our unity in faith, convictions, and action against large-scale mining plunder.
In the midst of our diversities in faith, we express our unwavering unity to defend life, land and patrimony against the most vicious plunder of large-scale mining.
Ten years into the implementation of the Mining Act of 1995, we have witnessed wanton destruction of rivers, forests and fields; the loss of homes, ancestral lands and farms; the spread of militarization, terror and plunder with the entry of large-scale mining into the communities.
Intensifying this plunder is the Arroyo government's ferocious revitalization of the mining industry; and the reversal of the Supreme Court on the petition filed by La Bugal B'laan Tribal Association, as these have lured mining explorations and permits into the country and particularly into Mindanao. In fact, 10 mining projects in Mindanao are being made priority by the government, including four in Caraga, four in Southern Mindanao, one in Socsksargen and one in Western Mindanao.
In Moro territories, the exploitation of natural gas and oil resources by foreign entities is now in the pipeline.
The very experiences of the communities in Canatuan, Siocon; Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; Placer, Surigao del Norte; Sulu and other areas in Mindanao have shown the deprivation of the lands of the Lumad, Moro and Christian communities, the disintegration of our people¡¦s cultures, and the transgression of our human rights. State-ownership and control of Mt. Diwalwal, Compostela Valley is likewise being used as a pretext to eliminate thousands of marginal small-scale miners to pave the way for mining multinational and transnational monopoly of its mammoth deposits.
Given these conditions present in Mindanao, we state that large-scale mining can neither bring development, sustainability and peace, because what we see is the dying of the environment, ancestral lands and communities with the onslaught of mining plunder.
We hold the Arroyo government principally accountable for the suffering and death of our peoples and Creation as it is the most rabid purveyor of mining liberalization. As she serves our mineral resources to mining TNCs/MNCs on a silver platter, her hand is bloodied by the many deaths arising from mining incursions, the dying of our environment, and the depletion of the life-source of our future generations.
We are prepared to meet the greater challenge posed by this administration to shed off the remaining safeguards to our patrimony as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution by concocting Charter Change, an act that will be more vicious and rapacious than the 1995 Mining Law.
We come forward with our response, as stewards of Creation, defenders of ancestral lands, advocates of the environment, to affirm our commitment to defend our land, our life, and our patrimony.
We are emboldened by the ongoing movements in Mindanao coming from the Lumad, Moro and peasant communities, the Catholic and Protestant Churches, and support groups to resist the entry of mining firms. We rely on the boundless resources of our faiths and convictions in this fight, inspired by the victory of the Biblical David over Goliath, the triumph of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over the oppressive
Quraish landlords of Mecca, and guarded by the Spirit of Linuyan, the keeper of our ancestral fields.
The Truth is our weapon in response to the lies and myths being spinned by mining TNCs/MNCs. Mining liberalization are the exact opposite to genuine national development. Liberalized, export-oriented, and extractive mining will only make a ghost island of Mindanao--- a bleak eventuality already proven by the experience of mining-ravaged Third World nations.
Therefore, we raise the unity among the peoples of Mindanao towards these calls: "End all large-scale mining explorations and operations in Mindanao", "Scrap the Mining Act of 1995 and other related mining policies detrimental to the environment and patrimony;" "No to charter change and the sell-out of our sovereignty and natural resources;" "Hold mining companies and government agencies accountable for the destruction of ancestral domains, environment and lands;" "Stop military operations in mining-affected and mining-targeted areas;" "Press for an alternative people's mining policy to sustain genuine development"
Panalipdan Mindanao! is our rallying call. Panalipdan! Mindanao is our unequivocal response.
(Approved and signed by 230 delegates in the Interfaith Conference)
Contact Panalipdan! MindanaoSecretariat:
c/o InPeace Mindanao, Rm. 101 Kalinaw
Center for Interfaith Resources, 13 Francisco Avenue, Juna
Subdivision, Matina,8000 Davao City.
E-mail: panalipdan_mindanao@yahoo.com. Tel/Fax (082) 299-4964
(c) Copyright 2006 MindaNews
Cooperative Center 23 January 2006
DEFEND MINDANAO FROM MINING PLUNDER!
Defend our Land and Patrimony!
Defend our Future! An Interfaith Statement of the Peoples of Mindanao
MindaNews / 22 January 2006
Adopted by the delegates to the Mindanao Interfaith Conference on Mining Plunder January 20, 2006 Zamboanga del Norte Convention Center, Dipolog City "That Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" - Romans 8:21
"And the earth We have spread out; set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance." -Qur'an, 15:19
"(Land is) a gift from Magbabaya to a people he has put in a place in order to develop and guard Creation. As a divine gift, it could not be owned by anyone for one cannot own that which gives life." - Dibabawon Tribe
We -- representatives from the Lumad and Moro peoples, the Catholic and Protestant churches, people's organizations, local governments, advocates for the environment, and other support groups--- gather in this historic conference in Mindanao to strengthen our unity in faith, convictions, and action against large-scale mining plunder.
In the midst of our diversities in faith, we express our unwavering unity to defend life, land and patrimony against the most vicious plunder of large-scale mining.
Ten years into the implementation of the Mining Act of 1995, we have witnessed wanton destruction of rivers, forests and fields; the loss of homes, ancestral lands and farms; the spread of militarization, terror and plunder with the entry of large-scale mining into the communities.
Intensifying this plunder is the Arroyo government's ferocious revitalization of the mining industry; and the reversal of the Supreme Court on the petition filed by La Bugal B'laan Tribal Association, as these have lured mining explorations and permits into the country and particularly into Mindanao. In fact, 10 mining projects in Mindanao are being made priority by the government, including four in Caraga, four in Southern Mindanao, one in Socsksargen and one in Western Mindanao.
In Moro territories, the exploitation of natural gas and oil resources by foreign entities is now in the pipeline.
The very experiences of the communities in Canatuan, Siocon; Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; Placer, Surigao del Norte; Sulu and other areas in Mindanao have shown the deprivation of the lands of the Lumad, Moro and Christian communities, the disintegration of our people¡¦s cultures, and the transgression of our human rights. State-ownership and control of Mt. Diwalwal, Compostela Valley is likewise being used as a pretext to eliminate thousands of marginal small-scale miners to pave the way for mining multinational and transnational monopoly of its mammoth deposits.
Given these conditions present in Mindanao, we state that large-scale mining can neither bring development, sustainability and peace, because what we see is the dying of the environment, ancestral lands and communities with the onslaught of mining plunder.
We hold the Arroyo government principally accountable for the suffering and death of our peoples and Creation as it is the most rabid purveyor of mining liberalization. As she serves our mineral resources to mining TNCs/MNCs on a silver platter, her hand is bloodied by the many deaths arising from mining incursions, the dying of our environment, and the depletion of the life-source of our future generations.
We are prepared to meet the greater challenge posed by this administration to shed off the remaining safeguards to our patrimony as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution by concocting Charter Change, an act that will be more vicious and rapacious than the 1995 Mining Law.
We come forward with our response, as stewards of Creation, defenders of ancestral lands, advocates of the environment, to affirm our commitment to defend our land, our life, and our patrimony.
We are emboldened by the ongoing movements in Mindanao coming from the Lumad, Moro and peasant communities, the Catholic and Protestant Churches, and support groups to resist the entry of mining firms. We rely on the boundless resources of our faiths and convictions in this fight, inspired by the victory of the Biblical David over Goliath, the triumph of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over the oppressive
Quraish landlords of Mecca, and guarded by the Spirit of Linuyan, the keeper of our ancestral fields.
The Truth is our weapon in response to the lies and myths being spinned by mining TNCs/MNCs. Mining liberalization are the exact opposite to genuine national development. Liberalized, export-oriented, and extractive mining will only make a ghost island of Mindanao--- a bleak eventuality already proven by the experience of mining-ravaged Third World nations.
Therefore, we raise the unity among the peoples of Mindanao towards these calls: "End all large-scale mining explorations and operations in Mindanao", "Scrap the Mining Act of 1995 and other related mining policies detrimental to the environment and patrimony;" "No to charter change and the sell-out of our sovereignty and natural resources;" "Hold mining companies and government agencies accountable for the destruction of ancestral domains, environment and lands;" "Stop military operations in mining-affected and mining-targeted areas;" "Press for an alternative people's mining policy to sustain genuine development"
Panalipdan Mindanao! is our rallying call. Panalipdan! Mindanao is our unequivocal response.
(Approved and signed by 230 delegates in the Interfaith Conference)
Contact Panalipdan! MindanaoSecretariat:
c/o InPeace Mindanao, Rm. 101 Kalinaw
Center for Interfaith Resources, 13 Francisco Avenue, Juna
Subdivision, Matina,8000 Davao City.
E-mail: panalipdan_mindanao@yahoo.com. Tel/Fax (082) 299-4964
(c) Copyright 2006 MindaNews
Thursday, January 12, 2006
DENR's 10.7 million peso fine is not enough!
Kalikasan-PNE
January 11, 2006
DENR's 10.7 million peso fine is not enough!
"The DENR's 10.7 million pesos fine to the La Fayette Mining Inc. (LFMI
) is insufficient to cover the environmental and social damages of the
series of tailings spills that the company has brought about. The
measly fine appears to be DENR's way of muffling the local people's demands
to stop the large-scale mining project in Rapu-rapu island for good",
said Clemente Bautista Jr. DENR estimated that La Fayette will earn an
astonishing $41 million per year from the polymetallic mining project in
Rapu-rapu.
Mr. Bautista cited that in other countries the cost of clean-up and
rehabilitation in similar cases of mining cyanide spill runs up to tens to
hundreds of millions of dollars. The environmental impact of the
cyanide leaching in the open-pit Summitville Gold Mine in Colorado and Gilt
Edge Mine in Alaska amounted to $170 million and $15 million,
respectively. The Romanian government once demanded $100 million compensation
from cyanide spills of the Baia Mare Gold Mine which was also operated by
an Australian transnational mining company.
"Basically, the fine that the DENR is charging is based only on the
violation of LFMI of the provision of the Clean Water Act not on the
actual assessment of the impacts of the tailings spill, as well as other
irregularities in the mining operations. Secondly, the fine fails to
incorporate the health and environmental effects of other heavy metals
integrated in the mine waste and tailings spilled by LFMI," says Januar
Ong, Environmental Research Coordinator of Center for Environmental
Concerns (CEC) which headed the independent fact finding mission to
investigate the mine spill held last November 2005.
"Contrary to the claim of DENR Sec. Defensor, the Arroyo government
equally shares the responsibility for the Rapurapu disaster since it has
adamantly pursued its "mining revitalization program" in spite of the
obviously weak control and safety measures instituted by the government.
Still, the people's experiences in Rapu-rapu Island, Marinduque, and
Zamboanga del Norte, to cite a few cases, tell us that its mining
liberalization has not benefited the local people. It has clearly resulted to
massive displacement of communities, environmental destruction and
violations of human rights," added by Mr. Bautista.
Since 2002 the Arroyo government aggressively promotes large-scale
mining and makes it one of its priority economic programs. There are 23
large-scale mining projects that the government is now prioritizing which
according to them will generate billion pesos for the government. ###
January 11, 2006
DENR's 10.7 million peso fine is not enough!
"The DENR's 10.7 million pesos fine to the La Fayette Mining Inc. (LFMI
) is insufficient to cover the environmental and social damages of the
series of tailings spills that the company has brought about. The
measly fine appears to be DENR's way of muffling the local people's demands
to stop the large-scale mining project in Rapu-rapu island for good",
said Clemente Bautista Jr. DENR estimated that La Fayette will earn an
astonishing $41 million per year from the polymetallic mining project in
Rapu-rapu.
Mr. Bautista cited that in other countries the cost of clean-up and
rehabilitation in similar cases of mining cyanide spill runs up to tens to
hundreds of millions of dollars. The environmental impact of the
cyanide leaching in the open-pit Summitville Gold Mine in Colorado and Gilt
Edge Mine in Alaska amounted to $170 million and $15 million,
respectively. The Romanian government once demanded $100 million compensation
from cyanide spills of the Baia Mare Gold Mine which was also operated by
an Australian transnational mining company.
"Basically, the fine that the DENR is charging is based only on the
violation of LFMI of the provision of the Clean Water Act not on the
actual assessment of the impacts of the tailings spill, as well as other
irregularities in the mining operations. Secondly, the fine fails to
incorporate the health and environmental effects of other heavy metals
integrated in the mine waste and tailings spilled by LFMI," says Januar
Ong, Environmental Research Coordinator of Center for Environmental
Concerns (CEC) which headed the independent fact finding mission to
investigate the mine spill held last November 2005.
"Contrary to the claim of DENR Sec. Defensor, the Arroyo government
equally shares the responsibility for the Rapurapu disaster since it has
adamantly pursued its "mining revitalization program" in spite of the
obviously weak control and safety measures instituted by the government.
Still, the people's experiences in Rapu-rapu Island, Marinduque, and
Zamboanga del Norte, to cite a few cases, tell us that its mining
liberalization has not benefited the local people. It has clearly resulted to
massive displacement of communities, environmental destruction and
violations of human rights," added by Mr. Bautista.
Since 2002 the Arroyo government aggressively promotes large-scale
mining and makes it one of its priority economic programs. There are 23
large-scale mining projects that the government is now prioritizing which
according to them will generate billion pesos for the government. ###
Lafayette fine not enough, say execs
Lafayette fine not enough, say execs
First posted 11:05pm (Mla time) Jan 10, 2006
By Blanche S. Rivera
Inquirer
THE multimillion-peso fine slapped against an
Australian mining firm apparently was not enough to
appease the fishing communities surrounding the
Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project site in Albay and
officials of Sorsogon, including the House minority
floor leader.
Local officials, fishermen�s group and House Minority
Leader Chiz Escudero yesterday reiterated a call for
Lafayette Mining Inc., operator of the P10.4-billion
mining project in Rapu-Rapu, Albay to pull out of the
island so fishermen can recover their livelihood.
Prieto-Diaz Mayor Benito Doma said the P10.7 million
fine on Lafayette�s subsidiary, Rapu-Rapu Processing
Inc., was not enough to ensure that the mining company
would install safeguards to prevent another mine spill
that caused fish kills on the island.
�The economic loss of fishers is bigger than the fine
because it could last even after Lafayette�s project
ends in seven years. Until now, the people in other
cities are not buying fish from Rapu-Rapu, our area
and other towns in Sorsogon facing the Pacific coast,�
Doma said in a phone interview yesterday.
In an e-mailed statement, Escudero said the fine was
too small and not commensurate to the damage that
Lafayette has done.
He also said the fine should translate into livelihood
and economic opportunities for fishermen who suffered
from the effects of the mine spill.
In an interview, Rod Watt, Lafayette country manager,
said the firm would comply with the conditions set by
the DENR along with the P10.7 million fine.
�We would not want an untoward incident to happen
again,� he said. �We would avail of the approval of
the government � before we proceed with our mining
activities.�
Roderick Salazar, lawyer and head of the Lafayette
subsidiary Rapu-Rapu Minerals Inc., said his firm
remained optimistic that �by correcting the issues and
resuming operations � we can deliver the type of
production that will sustain profitability and local
employment.�
But Escudero, in his statement, said the environment
should take precedence over whatever economic gains
could be had from the Lafayette operations.
Prieto-Diaz, an island municipality across Rapu-Rapu,
has reported big losses in its fisheries trade. People
refused to buy fish from areas near the mine site even
if these were sold cheap.
�Until now, the fish scare is there,� Doma said.
He said international and local nongovernment
organizations are helping small municipalities collate
data to document the adverse impact of Lafayette�s
mining project on fishing communities, mangroves and
whale sharks.
�The fight will continue. We still want Lafayette out
of here,� Doma said, disclosing plans to file a civil
suit against Lafayette.
Pamalakaya, a militant fishermen�s group, said the
problem would not end unless Lafayette is forced out
of the 5,000-hectare island with a rich marine
ecosystem. With a report from Cristine Gaylican
First posted 11:05pm (Mla time) Jan 10, 2006
By Blanche S. Rivera
Inquirer
THE multimillion-peso fine slapped against an
Australian mining firm apparently was not enough to
appease the fishing communities surrounding the
Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project site in Albay and
officials of Sorsogon, including the House minority
floor leader.
Local officials, fishermen�s group and House Minority
Leader Chiz Escudero yesterday reiterated a call for
Lafayette Mining Inc., operator of the P10.4-billion
mining project in Rapu-Rapu, Albay to pull out of the
island so fishermen can recover their livelihood.
Prieto-Diaz Mayor Benito Doma said the P10.7 million
fine on Lafayette�s subsidiary, Rapu-Rapu Processing
Inc., was not enough to ensure that the mining company
would install safeguards to prevent another mine spill
that caused fish kills on the island.
�The economic loss of fishers is bigger than the fine
because it could last even after Lafayette�s project
ends in seven years. Until now, the people in other
cities are not buying fish from Rapu-Rapu, our area
and other towns in Sorsogon facing the Pacific coast,�
Doma said in a phone interview yesterday.
In an e-mailed statement, Escudero said the fine was
too small and not commensurate to the damage that
Lafayette has done.
He also said the fine should translate into livelihood
and economic opportunities for fishermen who suffered
from the effects of the mine spill.
In an interview, Rod Watt, Lafayette country manager,
said the firm would comply with the conditions set by
the DENR along with the P10.7 million fine.
�We would not want an untoward incident to happen
again,� he said. �We would avail of the approval of
the government � before we proceed with our mining
activities.�
Roderick Salazar, lawyer and head of the Lafayette
subsidiary Rapu-Rapu Minerals Inc., said his firm
remained optimistic that �by correcting the issues and
resuming operations � we can deliver the type of
production that will sustain profitability and local
employment.�
But Escudero, in his statement, said the environment
should take precedence over whatever economic gains
could be had from the Lafayette operations.
Prieto-Diaz, an island municipality across Rapu-Rapu,
has reported big losses in its fisheries trade. People
refused to buy fish from areas near the mine site even
if these were sold cheap.
�Until now, the fish scare is there,� Doma said.
He said international and local nongovernment
organizations are helping small municipalities collate
data to document the adverse impact of Lafayette�s
mining project on fishing communities, mangroves and
whale sharks.
�The fight will continue. We still want Lafayette out
of here,� Doma said, disclosing plans to file a civil
suit against Lafayette.
Pamalakaya, a militant fishermen�s group, said the
problem would not end unless Lafayette is forced out
of the 5,000-hectare island with a rich marine
ecosystem. With a report from Cristine Gaylican
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