{"id":246313,"date":"2025-01-23T12:26:56","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T11:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?p=246313"},"modified":"2025-01-31T14:20:36","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T13:20:36","slug":"palawan-a-natural-treasure-in-peril-as-the-world-scrambles-for-critical-minerals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/palawan-a-natural-treasure-in-peril-as-the-world-scrambles-for-critical-minerals\/","title":{"rendered":"Palawan: a natural treasure in peril as the world scrambles for critical minerals\u202f\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The lush, green island of Palawan is home to one of the Philippines\u2019 most biodiverse old-growth forests, harbouring unique species like the IUCN Red-listed Palawan pangolin. Indigenous communities, farmers and fishers too depend on the islands\u2019 natural wealth. But as global demand for nickel surges to fuel the \u2018clean\u2019 energy transition, human rights and vital ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from mining activities. Grizelda Mayo Anda from our Philippine partner ELAC sheds her light on mining of energy transition minerals transition in Palawan: \u2018I surely think the energy transition must be pursued. But the word \u2018just\u2019 is very, very important.\u2019&nbsp;<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p><em><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color\">Header photo: Strip mining in Palawan \u00a9 IUCN NL<\/mark><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nickel rush&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Over the last decades, the inhabitants of the island Palawan have been facing the growing threat of mining for valuable metals and minerals, particularly nickel. The Philippines is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globalwitness.org\/en\/campaigns\/natural-resource-governance\/numbers-critical-mineral-production-ownership-and-social-unrest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the world\u2019s second largest nickel producer<\/a>, a key player in the global supply of this significant mineral for the transition to clean energy. Nickel is used in batteries for electric vehicles and other green technologies, and with demand set to surge in the coming years, the pressure on the country\u2019s mining deposits is mounting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>In response, the Philippine government is positioning itself to capitalise on this growing demand, promoting mining as a pathway to economic growth for the country. To attract foreign investors and facilitate the mining companies in their operations, the moratorium on new mining operations which was installed in 2017 has been lifted and tax structures have been adapted in favour of the companies. While nickel is an important element for the energy transition, its mining needs to be executed in a just and responsible manner.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p> \u2018It is not just about removing trees, [with strip mining] you remove the wildlife and the top soil that supports many life forms such as bacteria, fungi and algae.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grizelda Mayo Anda, ELAC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Palawan: last ecological frontier&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Palawan is often referred to as the last ecological frontier of the Philippines. Around half of the island\u2019s original tropical forest cover has withstood the pressures of time. Palawan thereby holds almost half of the countries\u2019 old growth forest, as well as 30 percent of the remaining mangroves and 40 percent of the coral reefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The nature of the island is internationally recognised by the designation of multiple Key Biodiversity Areas and a UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserve.&nbsp;\u2018Palawan is very rich in endemism, in fact we are the richest in terms of endemism in the country. There are flora and fauna found only in Palawan: the pangolin, the cockatoo, the pitcher plant, the bearcat, the pencil-tailed tree mouse. You name it, we probably have it,\u2019 Mayo Anda from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elacphilippines.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Environmental Legal Assistance Center<\/a> (ELAC) says.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Mayo Anda has dedicated her life to protecting biodiversity and environmental human rights in the Philippines, she explains:\u00a0\u2018All of this combined actually nourishes life. Biodiversity enables us to survive. It makes sure that we have water to irrigate our farmlands, that we have food to feed our families, and non-timber forest products to provide livelihood to our local communities.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>In Palawan, nickel is sourced through the method of strip mining. Hereby, the forest is cut down and the layers of topsoil are removed to access the nickel ore beneath. This has devastating consequences for the landscape. &#8216;It is not just about removing trees, you remove the wildlife and the top soil that supports many life forms such as bacteria, fungi and algae,\u2019 Mayo Anda emphasises.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The environmental lawyer explains that with this method of mining it is extremely difficult to restore the environment after the extraction is completed, and it is nearly impossible to get the original ecosystem and biodiversity back. While rehabilitation is required by law in the Philippines, it is often poorly or not done. Furthermore, prior required environmental and biodiversity assessments are often lacking in the permit&#8217;s applications. \u2018There is really a big deficiency in determining the biodiversity impact of mining in this beautiful province,\u2019 she states.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"447\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Palawan-Indonesia-Photo-IUCN-NL-1024x447.png\" alt=\"Palawan Philippines Photo IUCN NL\" class=\"wp-image-246615 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/447;width:840px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Palawan-Indonesia-Photo-IUCN-NL-1024x447.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Palawan-Indonesia-Photo-IUCN-NL-300x131.png 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Palawan-Indonesia-Photo-IUCN-NL-768x335.png 768w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Palawan-Indonesia-Photo-IUCN-NL-1536x670.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Palawan-Indonesia-Photo-IUCN-NL.png 1800w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color\">Rich biodiversity in Palawan, the Philippines \u00a9 IUCN NL<\/mark><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Environmental pollution affects livelihoods&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Mining on the island has severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers, fishers and Indigenous communities through environmental pollution.&nbsp;Toxic runoff and debris from mining contaminate rivers and water sources vital for the farmer communities downstream, who depend on these water sources for the irrigation of their rice fields. Brooke&#8217;s Point once flourished as a first-class municipality due to its agriculture and fisheries, supplying rice to three municipalities. Today, however, the impacts of nickel mining have destroyed large shares of agricultural lands, depriving farmers of their livelihoods.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>In the municipality of Narra, for example, the municipal agriculture office has identified over 100 hectares of rice fields that have been become unproductive due to the inundation of nickel laterite. The numbers are likely to be higher as the effects of another large-scale mining project have not yet been documented. Government agencies have not responded to the petitions of communities that call for investigation of the losses and for the provision of alternative livelihoods.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Furthermore, the pollution disrupts traditional coastal fishing grounds. ELAC has documented that in the past two years the lobster fry fishers in Brooke&#8217;s Point had to abandon their fishing grounds due to pollution. Mayo Anda shares the example of one woman, who caught lobsters for a living. \u2018She had to move out of Brooke\u2019s Point and she&#8217;s now working as a security guard in a shopping mall here because the lobster fry area has been destroyed. It has been polluted by the wharf that the mining company built\u2019 Mayo explains. Wharfs are used to facilitate the shipping of the nickel ore. \u2018They reclaimed the area and polluted the coral reefs and the lobster areas. Plus, adjacent to that is a marine sanctuary, which is supposed to be a&nbsp; protected zone .\u2019&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reduced access to ancestral lands\u202f&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The mining threat affects the island\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.globalwitness.org\/en\/press-releases\/rush-critical-minerals-philippines-threatens-indigenous-communities-and-biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indigenous peoples in particular<\/a>. Mining operations infringe on their ancestral lands and disrupt their traditional livelihoods, which are deeply tied to the forest. The mining companies have prevented Indigenous peoples from entering and using their forests and non-timber forest products. They hire security guards to keep them from the mining area. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>But these communities have relied on the land for resources such as honey, rattan and medicinal plants for many generations. The resin from the Almaciga tree, which can be used as varnish or paint, is sold on markets and thereby an important source of income. Beyond material loss, these people risk losing their deep cultural and spiritual connection to the land \u2013 an integral part of their identity.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>\u2018I would emphasise to all the European communities: you should realise that this so-called green energy transition has significant impact on nature and (Indigenous) peoples and other communities&nbsp;in other countries, and you should make sure that a participatory, transparent and accountable process is pursued.\u2019 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grizelda Mayo Anda, ELAC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community cohesion under pressure<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>The arrival of mining companies has also caused disagreements within the communities, often leading to unresolved conflicts and a decreasing community cohesion. \u2018The division is so bad that even family and friends have unresolved conflicts, causing immense stress,\u2019 says Mayo Anda. The environmental human rights activist gives the example of a woman who opposed the construction of a wharf in her fishing waters, but was pressured by her siblings to accept money from the company. \u2018We have not even yet determined the mental anxiety and stress that such divide in a community causes\u2019 the lawyer says.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>While these social challenges also affect fishers and farmers, the issue is especially pronounced in Indigenous communities. Mayo Anda explains that the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) allows Indigenous groups to assert their rights. However, Indigenous peoples are often among the most marginalised and impoverished communities, and local leaders face the allure of development promises made by mining companies. In the difficult years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the tensions only further increased. These dynamics weaken traditional governance and threaten Indigenous rights, as immediate financial gains overshadow long-term cultural and environmental concerns.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Grizelda-Mayo-Anda-at-a-restoration-project-Photo-ELAC.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-246621 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Grizelda-Mayo-Anda-at-a-restoration-project-Photo-ELAC.png 500w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Grizelda-Mayo-Anda-at-a-restoration-project-Photo-ELAC-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Grizelda-Mayo-Anda-at-a-restoration-project-Photo-ELAC-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/500;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color\">Grizelda Mayo Anda in 2017 \u00a9 ELAC<\/mark><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"499\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ban-open-pit-mining-protest-Philippines.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-246623 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ban-open-pit-mining-protest-Philippines.png 500w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ban-open-pit-mining-protest-Philippines-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ban-open-pit-mining-protest-Philippines-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/499;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color\">An protest against open-pit mining in the Philippines<\/mark><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:52px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ensuring justice in the energy transition&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Nickel plays a significant role in the energy transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. However, this shift must not come at the expense of justice. \u2018The word \u201cjustice\u201d is key here. When we talk about \u201ca just energy transition\u201d; what do we really mean?\u2019 says Mayo Anda. \u2018The rights of the people affected and displaced by this transition must be recognised and protected.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>She emphasises that the importance of forests, which are vital for both&nbsp;climate adaptation and mitigation as well as for biodiversity conservation, is often overlooked in the energy transition. \u2018Forests are essential for combating climate change, yet their value isn&#8217;t factored into the energy transition discussions.\u2019&nbsp; Globally, more than half of the minerals and metals needed for the energy transition are located on or near the lands of Indigenous and peasant peoples, two groups who are highly connected to the land and nature<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_246313_1('footnote_plugin_reference_246313_1_1');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_246313_1('footnote_plugin_reference_246313_1_1');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_246313_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[1]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_246313_1_1\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Owen, J. R., Kemp, D., Lechner, A. M., Harris, J., Zhang, R., &amp; L\u00e8bre, \u00c9. (2023). Energy transition minerals and their intersection with land-connected peoples. Nature Sustainability, 6(2),&nbsp;&#x2026; <span class=\"footnote_tooltip_continue\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_246313_1('footnote_plugin_reference_246313_1_1');\">Continue reading<\/span><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_246313_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_246313_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script>. Their right to consultation and free prior informed consent are embedded in United Nations declarations.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Mayo Anda speaks on behalf of the communities in Palawan suffering from the impacts of nickel mining, including Indigenous peoples, farmers, fishers, women and elderly, as well as civil society groups forming part of the Save Palawan Movement, when stating: \u2018I would emphasise to all the European communities: you should realise that this so-called green energy transition has significant impact on nature and (Indigenous) peoples and other communities&nbsp;in other countries, and you should make sure that a participatory, transparent and accountable process is pursued. Moreover, governments and consumers should pursue less energy use and push for circular approaches, thereby reducing reliance on primary extraction of raw materials.\u2019&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>\u2018Before intensifying nickel mining in such a beautiful country, all environmental impact studies must be conducted, and communities must be properly consulted.\u2019&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grizelda Mayo Anda, ELAC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>\u2018We must ensure that the mining countries, especially mega-diverse nations including the Philippines, are not further devastated by nickel mining,\u2019 Mayo Anda stresses. \u2018With the seventeen mega-diversity countries including the Philippines holding 70 percent of the world\u2019s flora and fauna, their ecological value must be preserved.\u2019 The activist calls for the application of the precautionary principle. \u2018Before intensifying nickel mining in such a beautiful country, all environmental impact studies must be conducted, and communities must be properly consulted. I surely think that the energy transition must be pursued. But the word \u201cjust\u201d is very, very important.\u2019&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Solidarity with Philippine organisations&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>IUCN NL has been standing in solidarity with civil society organisations in their important work to strive for environmental justice in Palawan. Together with Philippine CSO partners such as ELAC, the Institute for the Development of Educational and Ecological Alternatives (IDEAS), and the <a href=\"https:\/\/ntfp.org\/where-we-are\/wwa-philippines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme<\/a> (NTFP-EP), IUCN NL has been working on empowering Indigenous communities to safeguard their ancestral lands, protect biodiversity and secure sustainable livelihoods. Activities include, amongst others:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>increasing legal awareness;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pushing for the enforcement of laws and policies that serve to protect biodiversity and the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC&#8217;s);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improving organic farming practices; and <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>developing sustainable harvesting and marketing of high-value non-timber forest products, like the resin from the Almaciga tree.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<p>Furthermore, our ongoing support under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/project\/forests-for-a-just-future\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Green Livelihoods Alliance<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/project\/bottom-line-a-fair-and-successful-energy-transition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bottom Line! programme<\/a> continues to provide emergency funds to Indigenous and local communities and environmental human rights defenders, in their efforts against the expansion of destructive mining operations. In collaboration with the VBDO (Dutch Investors for Climate and Development), we have been exerting pressure on Dutch investors tied to the Sumitomo\/Rio Tuba Nickel Mine, which plans to expand operations in primary rainforest areas in Mt. Bulanjao, a High Conservation Value Area that should be acknowledged as a Key Biodiversity Area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2024\/04\/HCVA-West-Mt-Bulanjao-Final-Report_2018_v2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read more about Mt. Bulanjao<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"background background-preset-primary\" id=\"block_9b1c53d89a0e7a5236484ecbfdb68e9c\">\n             <div class=\"dark custom-padding-top\">\n    \n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"smallteam-members__name12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n\t<div id=\"team-members-block_4fb41315671f24f6e2428344171b0169\" class=\"team-members team-members-block block\">\n\t\t<span class=\"anchor-id\" id=\"\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"team-members__title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div>More information? Contact:<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"team-members__body small-12 grid-x\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__item grid-x small-12 medium-6\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__image cell shrink\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/maartje-hilterman\/\" target=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__image-wrapper lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IUCN-Anonymous-user-icon.jpg&#039;)\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IUCN-Anonymous-user-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__info cell auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__info-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/maartje-hilterman\/\" target=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__name\">Maartje\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHilterman<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__jobtitle\">Senior Expert Environmental Justice<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__email\">Email:\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:maartje.hilterman@iucn.nl\">maartje.hilterman@iucn.nl<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"team-members__readmore\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/maartje-hilterman\/\" target=\"\">Full profile<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relevant resources:<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-container small-12 large-offset-1 large-10\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globalwitness.org\/en\/press-releases\/rush-critical-minerals-philippines-threatens-indigenous-communities-and-biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Global Witness: Rush for critical minerals in Philippines threatens Indigenous communities and biodiversity<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/unanimous-vote-against-division-of-palawan-positive-for-its-biodiversity\/\">IUCN NL: Philippine Supreme Court ruling in favour of nature and Indigenous rights sets a hopeful precedent<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amnesty.org\/en\/latest\/news\/2025\/01\/philippines-nickel-mining-projects-approved-despite-inadequate-consultation-and-serious-risks-to-communities-health-and-environment\/\">Amnesty International: Philippines \u2013 Nickel mining projects approved despite inadequate consultation and serious risks to communities\u2019 health and environment&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.mongabay.com\/2024\/03\/indigenous-filipinos-fight-to-protect-biodiverse-mountains-from-mining\/\">Mongabay: Indigenous Filipinos fight to protect biodiverse mountains from mining<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/unanimous-vote-against-division-of-palawan-positive-for-its-biodiversity\/\">IUCN NL: Unanimous vote against division of Palawan positive for its biodiversity<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"posts related_content small-12\">\n    <div class=\"post__titlebar grid-x\">\n                    <h2 class=\"post__title\">Stories about a just energy transition<\/h2>\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"post__body\">\n                    <div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x show-for-medium\">\n                                    <div class=\"cell large-3 medium-6 small-12\">\n                        <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/iucn-members-adopt-resolution-to-safeguard-biodiversity-and-human-rights-in-energy-transition-mineral-governance\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Nickel-Mine-Exploitation-Threats-to-Sulawesis-Natural-Environment-c-Garry-Lotulung-2-scaled-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Nickel-Mine-Exploitation-Threats-to-Sulawesis-Natural-Environment-c-Garry-Lotulung-2-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Nickel-Mine-Exploitation-Threats-to-Sulawesis-Natural-Environment-c-Garry-Lotulung-2-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    News\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            IUCN members adopt resolution to safeguard biodiversity and human rights in energy transition mineral governance\u00a0\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"cell large-3 medium-6 small-12\">\n                        <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/opinion\/working-towards-responsible-and-transparent-renewable-energy\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/10\/\u2013-AlTo-\u2013-2024-17-scaled-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/10\/\u2013-AlTo-\u2013-2024-17-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/10\/\u2013-AlTo-\u2013-2024-17-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    Opinion\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Working towards responsible and transparent renewable energy\u00a0\u00a0\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n      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                                                                   News\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Guilty or not guilty? \u00a0The audience judges on ecocide in fictional trial\u00a0\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"cell large-3 medium-6 small-12\">\n                        <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/third-ocean-conference-in-nice-navigating-hope-and-gaps-in-ocean-governance\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Deep-sea-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Deep-sea-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Deep-sea-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    News\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Third Ocean Conference in Nice: navigating hope and gaps in ocean governance\u00a0\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n               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[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Nickel-Mine-Exploitation-Threats-to-Sulawesis-Natural-Environment-c-Garry-Lotulung-2-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Nickel-Mine-Exploitation-Threats-to-Sulawesis-Natural-Environment-c-Garry-Lotulung-2-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    News\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            IUCN members adopt resolution to safeguard biodiversity and human rights in energy transition mineral governance\u00a0\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                    <li class=\"is-active orbit-slide\">\n                                <article class=\"post post-type-post\">\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/opinion\/working-towards-responsible-and-transparent-renewable-energy\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/10\/\u2013-AlTo-\u2013-2024-17-scaled-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/10\/\u2013-AlTo-\u2013-2024-17-scaled-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/10\/\u2013-AlTo-\u2013-2024-17-scaled-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n       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href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/guilty-or-not-guilty-the-audience-judges-on-ecocide-in-fictional-trial\/\">\n        <div class=\"post__image\"\n            data-interchange=\"[https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/headerphoto-mocktrial-600x0-c-default.jpg, small], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/headerphoto-mocktrial-800x0-c-default.jpg, medium], [https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/headerphoto-mocktrial-1800x0-c-default.jpg, large]\">\n            \n            <div class=\"post__in\">\n                <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    News\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Guilty or not guilty? \u00a0The audience judges on ecocide in fictional 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         <div class=\"post__in--info\">\n                                    <div class=\"post__in--label\">\n                                                                                    News\n                                                                        <\/div>\n\n                                                                <h3>\n                            Third Ocean Conference in Nice: navigating hope and gaps in ocean governance\u00a0\n                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"post__link\">\n                    <i class=\"fas fa-arrow-right\"><\/i>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/article>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                <\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <nav class=\"orbit-bullets\">\n                                                                            <button 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class=\"footnote_container_prepare\"><h2><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_label pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_246313_1();\">Index<\/span><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button\" style=\"display: none;\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_246313_1();\">[<a id=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_246313_1\">+<\/a>]<\/span><\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"footnote_references_container_246313_1\" style=\"\"><table class=\"footnotes_table footnote-reference-container\"><caption class=\"accessibility\">Index<\/caption> <tbody> \r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index_combi pointer\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_246313_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_246313_1_1');\"><a id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_246313_1_1\" class=\"footnote_backlink\"><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>1<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Owen, J. R., Kemp, D., Lechner, A. M., Harris, J., Zhang, R., &amp; L\u00e8bre, \u00c9. (2023). Energy transition minerals and their intersection with land-connected peoples. <em>Nature Sustainability<\/em>, <em>6<\/em>(2), 203-211.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> function footnote_expand_reference_container_246313_1() { jQuery('#footnote_references_container_246313_1').show(); jQuery('#footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_246313_1').text('\u2212'); } function footnote_collapse_reference_container_246313_1() { jQuery('#footnote_references_container_246313_1').hide(); jQuery('#footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_246313_1').text('+'); } function footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_246313_1() { if (jQuery('#footnote_references_container_246313_1').is(':hidden')) { footnote_expand_reference_container_246313_1(); } else { footnote_collapse_reference_container_246313_1(); } } function footnote_moveToReference_246313_1(p_str_TargetID) { footnote_expand_reference_container_246313_1(); var l_obj_Target = jQuery('#' + p_str_TargetID); if (l_obj_Target.length) { jQuery( 'html, body' ).delay( 0 ); jQuery('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: l_obj_Target.offset().top - window.innerHeight * 0.2 }, 380); } } function footnote_moveToAnchor_246313_1(p_str_TargetID) { footnote_expand_reference_container_246313_1(); var l_obj_Target = jQuery('#' + p_str_TargetID); if (l_obj_Target.length) { jQuery( 'html, body' ).delay( 0 ); jQuery('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: l_obj_Target.offset().top - window.innerHeight * 0.2 }, 380); } }<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The lush, green island of Palawan is home to one of the Philippines\u2019 most biodiverse old-growth forests, harbouring unique species like the IUCN Red-listed Palawan pangolin. Indigenous communities, farmers and fishers too depend on the islands\u2019 natural wealth. 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