We stand in solidarity with those who are protecting their coastal ecosystems in Dumaguete, Leyte and the different parts of Manila Bay.

Reclamation projects disrupt ecosystems, lead to soil liquefaction, pollute the water at the same time cause more emissions through vehicle and machinery fuel use and through the release of carbon stored in vegetation, soils, and sediment in mangroves and seagrass.

Reclamation projects disrupt ecosystems, pollute our waters and cause more greenhouse gas emissions. We need to rally behind the science and protect our coasts from destructive development projects. We must focus on providing the means for communities to pursue low-carbon development. Development that would benefit the people and ecosystems. Photo: Carlito Luaton

We believe that hastily planned reclamation projects have no place in the development pathway under the climate crisis where among its chief impacts is sea-level rise.

We need to rally behind science and protect our coasts from destructive development projects. We must focus on providing the means for communities to pursue low-carbon development that would ultimately benefit the people and ecosystems.