Sibuyanons Against Mining

Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM) is an environmental advocacy group organized primarily by Sibuyanons. It has been fighting for mining moratorium in Sibuyan Island (Philippines). It aims to protect the island, which has the world's densest forest, the Philippine's cleanest river and the majestic Mount Guiting-Guiting, from future environmental degradation and exploitation.[1]

History

SAM was primarily an online advocacy created in February 2006 and formed formally on July 2, 2006 in Intramuros, Manila. From then on, it helped organize the creation of a worldwide environmental advocacy campaign against mining operations in Sibuyan Island.

Advocacy

SAM adheres to responsible stewardship. Mining in the island is not sustainable because the island-people live by the island's bounties. Endemism and biodiversity are major factors why SAM is also looking for mining moratorium in the island since it is a center of endemism and critical plant site. They 'think that exploration could destroy the environment, the ecological balance, particularly the Mount Guiting-Guiting, which means posing a threat to the human beings of the area.'[2]

On September 2, 2006, almost 8,000 people (first in the history of Romblon province) gathered in front of a mining site to express their environmental concern. The mobilization was realized in collaboration with the sambuligan or basic ecclesial communities of the Immaculate Conception Shrine Parish of San Fernando, Romblon and the Vicariate of Sibuyan.

Network

The advocacy is now worldwide through its online petition and local and international environmental organizations' support. SAM is also a member of the Philippine's alliance against mining, Alyansa Tigil Mina.

References
  1. The opposition of the islanders was noted in a document 'Mining in the Philippines: Concerns and Conflicts' published by Society of St. Columban in 2007, West Midlands, UK written by Cathal Doyle of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, Clive Wicks of the IUCN, and Columban priest Frank Nally. SAM officials met the authors together with the MP Hon. Claire Short of the British Parliament. at Internet Wayback Machine from 2006
  2. Fortuna, Julius F, East and West column, Manila Times. November 9, 2006. at Internet Wayback Machine
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