BBC Trending: An (online) storm in a Philippine rainforest
Sep 25, 2024
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Hollywood icon Leo DiCaprio, known for his environmental activism, joins climate crusader Greta Thunberg and zoologist Jane Goodall to discuss the fight for the Masungi Georeserve in the Philippines. They dive into the viral impact of DiCaprio's social media post, illuminating the struggles against misinformation campaigns and threats to defenders of nature. The trio unveils the tangled web of political resistance faced by the reserve, while highlighting the urgent need for public support in combating these harmful tactics.
The transformation of the Masungi Georeserve from barren land to a biodiversity-rich rainforest underscores the importance of local grassroots conservation efforts led by dedicated individuals.
Despite facing physical threats and a coordinated online disinformation campaign, environmental defenders like the Dumal Yang sisters continue to advocate for the protection of the reserve with global support.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Masungi Geo Reserve
The Masungi Geo Reserve in the Philippines has undergone a significant transformation from a barren landscape to a lush rainforest, largely due to the efforts of the Dumal Yang sisters and their foundation. Their father initiated the conservation project in the early 2000s, leading to the restoration of around 3,000 hectares of forested land. This restoration not only enhanced biodiversity but also provided natural flood protection for the surrounding areas, marking Masungi as a critical green corridor amid urban development. The sisters express a deep emotional connection to the reserve, describing it as a 'little brother' they have grown up with and are dedicated to protecting.
Challenges Faced by Environmental Defenders
Environmental defenders in the Philippines, including the Dumal Yang sisters, face severe threats both physically and online. They have experienced direct intimidation, including armed intrusions, illegal logging, and death threats as they work to protect Masungi. Additionally, their campaigns against destructive practices like quarrying are met with disinformation tactics aimed at undermining their credibility and mission. The sisters report a marked increase in hostile online behavior and misinformation campaigns targeting their foundation, complicating their efforts to preserve the reserve.
Social Media Manipulation and Disinformation
An investigation reveals a coordinated disinformation campaign on social media designed to discredit the Masungi Geo Reserve Foundation. Fake accounts proliferate, sowing confusion by posting supportive comments for the government while attacking the foundation’s initiatives. This manipulation effort, potentially linked to organized political strategies, presents a significant challenge for those advocating for environmental protection. Despite these tactics, the foundation continues to receive support from global figures, which they believe is vital for sustaining their protection efforts amid rising political and social pressures.
What do Hollywood legend Leo DiCaprio, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and English zoologist Jane Goodall have in common? They have all taken to social media to call for the protection of the Masungi Georeserve, a popular ecotourism destination in the Philippines. This comes after the Philippine government proposed scrapping a contract with the reserve that handed it control over 2,700 hectares of land for reforestation purposes. As public debate rages on, BBC Trending has uncovered evidence of an online disinformation campaign targeting the nature reserve’s keepers. But who is the puppet master pulling the strings from the shadows?
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