An Analysis of How the Arroyo Government Complies with the Demands of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Abstract

The threat posed by the continued degradation of the environment reached an alarming level. Natural resources of nations are continuously utilized in an unprecedented manner, most often than not, in erroneous means. With this trend at hand, the concept of sustainable development, which means being able to meet the needs at present without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs, came into existence and served as the guiding principle of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Many nations became signatories of the convention and the Philippines is one of those. This study aimed to determine how the Philippines, the Arroyo government in particular, complies with the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Also, it aimed to give an overview of the CBD and its main provisions. This study also aimed to give recommendations on how the Arroyo government should comply with the demands of the CBD. In order to achieve the objectives set in this study, the researcher used qualitative technique of data gathering. In particular, it looked into the policies, programs, and projects of the Arroyo government from 2002-2005 in relation to the implementation of the objectives of the CBD. The researcher conducted Key Informant Interviews to gather primary data for this study. After gathering the data needed, secondary analysis and coding for themes were applied. Based on the findings, the researcher found out that the Arroyo government adheres to the Convention on Biodiversity through implementing programs and policies which are supportive of the provisions of the convention. These policies and programs however are considered to have shortcomings. Hence, at the end of this study, the researcher gave her recommendations on how the government should comply with the demands of the CBD.