Forging Strength: Dinagat Islands Communities' Resilience Against the Ongoing Challenges of Mining

Photos of the Municipality of Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands.

​Last February, a week-long fieldwork was facilitated by Bantay Kita within the communities of Loreto, Tubajon, and Libjo in the Province of Dinagat Islands. The aim was to assess the overall developments since the previous visit, address ongoing issues and support livelihood initiatives already underway in these areas. 

Dinagat Islands, a Region Rich in Resources
 
The Province of Dinagat Islands is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, rich biodiversity, and ecosystem. With approximately 400 plant species and 100 bird species [1], it serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including numerous endangered species. Its captivating lagoons, bays, and beaches teem with marine life such as dugongs, manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins [2]. Additionally, the province boasts remarkable natural landmarks like Mount Redondo, the unique Bonsai Forest.
 
However, alongside its natural beauty, Dinagat Islands is also a mineral reservation area, leading to the presence of widespread mining activities in the region. Numerous mining companies are already engaged in exploration and processing, posing both economic benefits and environmental concerns. The mining industry, while being seen as offering economic opportunities, also brings adverse effects, not only on the environment but also on local communities. Throughout the year, and especially during the mining season, these impacts intensify, manifesting in dust clouds, water contamination, increased mining traffic, and other detrimental effects on the area's ecology and inhabitants. 

Environmental and Socio-economic Challenges
            
Furthermore, given the region's susceptibility to natural disasters and other climate-related challenges, mining operations only amplify these risks. Local communities are increasingly vulnerable to landslides, floods, deforestation, and water contamination exacerbated by mining activities. These natural resources are vital for the community’s livelihoods, particularly in farming and fishing. For instance, in Loreto, where rice farming and fishing are predominant, the intrusion of nickel mines directly threatens their traditional means of sustenance. However, some communities remain partially dependent on mining activities. Many people find employment in these operations, which are presented as important sources of income, particularly in this region. Nevertheless, problems such as underpaid workers persist, contributing to persistent poverty levels. Although presented as an economic catalyst, mining activities often do not directly benefit the communities concerned. Then who really benefits from these activities if not the communities whose resources are exploited? In this context, communities are disproportionately affected and often feel powerless against the influence of mining companies and government entities. However, in the face of these challenges, communities are resilient, actively seeking alternative sources of income to mitigate their dependence on mining-related activities and are taking action to get their fair share.

Water contamination in the Municipality of Loreto.

Communities' Resilience Against the Devastating Impact of Mining
            
Some communities have plans to diversify their sources of income towards more sustainable options, such as ecotourism. For example, the community of Imelda has drawn up plans to attract more tourists to its area. These plans include the development of transportation systems to accommodate future visitors, and the construction of a mountain-top lookout. This mountain is part of the reforestation efforts and offers a spectacular view of the wide protected forest and beaches. The locals are motivated to preserve their forests and waters, not only for their livelihoods, but also because they recognize its potential as tourist attractions. They are actively working to develop tourism initiatives, including guided tours, snorkeling and the possibility of observing baby sharks in their natural habitat. These efforts would enable tourists to discover the corals and marine life away from the impact of mining operations, thereby diversifying the community's sources of income.  

The Marine Protected Area (left photo) and the Mountain Peak (right photo) found in Barangay Imelda, Municipality of Tubajon. 

As previously mentioned, the region is home to an enormous bonsai forest. Unfortunately, this renowned forest is situated within the former Krominco Inc. mining site in Loreto, which risks diminishing its appeal to tourists. Nevertheless, there is potential to develop the forest as an ecotourism destination, given that its impact on the environment is minimal and it could provide an additional source of income for the community [3]. Furthermore, aware of the negative effects of mining, members of the Loreto People's Organization are in the process of formalizing their group by obtaining registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This step is intended to facilitate access to formal funding from government and private funders. ​

A photo of the Bonsai Forest found within the KROMINCO mines in the Municipality of Loreto.

In Libjo, fishermen have undertaken efforts to improve their livelihoods. They are currently building a floating cottage with underwater artificial reefs to encourage fish reproduction and sustain their catches. In addition, they act as Bantay Dagat ("sea watchmen"), in order to prevent other local fishermen from engaging in illegal fishing practices that could potentially have a negative impact. However, the issue of mining continues to have a significant impact on their marine environment. Despite their conservation efforts, nickel mining remains a major challenge, particularly during the mining season going from March to October, meaning that they still need to continue their efforts and initiatives to counter the effects of mining activities with limited resources.

Municipality of Libjo, Province of Dinagat Islands.

The visit to Dinagat Islands highlighted the region's natural wealth, as well as the challenges posed by mining activities. These activities threaten the environment, health and the livelihoods of local communities. In response, some communities are turning to more sustainable solution and are showing resilience and courage against the destruction of their environment due to mining. Although challenges remain, the commitment of local people to preserving their environment offers hope for a more sustainable future in Dinagat Islands.​

References:
[1] Rainforest Trust. n.d. “Safeguarding the Endangered Rats and Bats of Dinagat”. Rainforest Trust.  https://www.rainforesttrust.org/urgent-projects/safeguarding-the-endangered-rats-and-bats-of-dinagat/
[2] Ibid.
[3] Mayuga, Jonathan L. 2017. “Renewed hope for Dinagat Islands”. Department of Environment and Natural resources – Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Services. https://faspselib.denr.gov.ph/sites/default/files/Feb%2012%20%5BBUSINESS%20MIRROR%5D%20Renewed%20hope%20for%20Dinagat%20Islands.pdf

About the author
Camille Thom is currently an intern at Bantay Kita. As of this posting, she is enrolled as a graduate student at the Université de Montréal.