The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday welcomed Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s call to preserve Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal from further deforestation and unwanted human activities.
However, the department said it does not need to be nudged into action by famous personalities as it has made inroads in trying to protect the georeserve.
“We appreciate the statements of concern for the Philippine environment from international celebrities who are distinguished in their respective fields,” the DENR said in a statement.
“The Filipino people own the area occupied by Masungi Georeserve Foundation and the operation of resort venues that charge the public for day tours, meetings, and weddings remains non-compliant with Philippine laws,” it added.
“No one is exempt from the law,” the agency further said.
The actor’s call came amid a heated dispute between the DENR and conservation group Masungi Georeserve Foundation (MGF), which controls part of the protected area.
On his Instagram page, DiCaprio narrated the story of Masungi, citing how the area was illegally deforested in the late 1990s.
He recounted how the local communities helped develop and restore its ecosystem.
“From these conservation initiatives, trees were able to grow taller, wildlife numbers slowly increased, and more locals became involved in protecting this ecosystem,” the Titanic star wrote.
DiCaprio also posted photographs of the Masungi Georeserve, saying Masungi’s success “is in jeopardy, as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources threatens to cancel the agreement that protects this area from prolific land grabbing activities.”
“This cancellation would set back the success of an internationally acclaimed conservation effort and leave the area vulnerable again to mining, logging, and illegal developments,” he said.
The actor even tagged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Instagram page “to intervene and continue to protect Masungi,” and shared the link to the Protect Masungi petition.
Others celebrities rallying behind Masungi protection efforts include renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, environmental activist Greta Thunberg, and musician Sting.
Local celebrities SB19’s Justin, and actresses Nadine Lustre and Glaiza de Castro also joined the call to protect the georeserve.