Activists Rally As Part Of Global Day For Climate Justice In Manila

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - NOVEMBER 06: Climate activists hold up signs next to portraits of slain Philippine environmental defenders as they take part in a Global Day of Action for Climate Justice protest on November 06, 2021 in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines. As world leaders convene for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, the Philippines continues to be among those in the top list of the most murderous countries for environment defenders. Since the Paris accords were signed six years ago, more than a thousand deaths of environmental defenders were recorded worldwide. In 2020, over half of the attacks took place in Colombia, Mexico and the Philippines. In the Philippines, with an already deteriorating human rights situation under the rule of Rodrigo Duterte, groups and individuals opposing damaging industries and corporate forest and natural resources destruction are often met with violent crackdowns from the police and military. International non-profit Global Witness has recorded incidents in relation to defenders’ opposition to mining, logging, and dam projects. The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area protected under a Republic Act of 1992, is one of the only remaining watersheds with a unique biodiversity of 400 species of flora and fauna, 60-million-year-old limestone formations, and tens of thousands of indigenous trees. Its proximity to the country’s capital, and its restoration puts it in the crosshairs of mining and developers as well as resorts and businesses owned by ranking Philippine military generals who want to exploit its resources. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)