MANILA, Philippines — A network of organizations is pushing to make the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL) in Rizal province quarry-free to conserve the biodiversity in the area, prevent disastrous flooding events, and address climate change. The Upper Marikina Watershed Coalition (UMWC)—a network of over 60 groups—was launched Wednesday, ahead of the Earth Day. The Upper Marikina Watershed is a 26,126-hectare protected area that forms the upper area of the drainage basin of the Marikina River. “There is increasing forest cover loss as population increases in those protected areas,” he said. Rico recommended there should be rainforestation in critical watershed areas.

Source: Philippine Star April 21, 2021 13:41 UTC