Basic Principles of Ecology

Prof. Anne Jane C. Gamboa

BS Chemical Engineering
Real Estate Broker
Real Estate Appraiser
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Basic ecology terminologies

Environment
Commonly perceived as the immediate surroundings of an individual.
Complex ecosystem which deals with a network of living and non-living
things.

Ecology
Is the scientific study of the interrelationships and interdependencies
of organism (plants, animals) with their environment.
Is the branch of biology that deals with relationship of living things to
each other and to their environment.
Science of living environment.

Basic ecology terminologies

Primarily concerns with:
Population
Communities
Ecosystems

Basic ecology terminologies

Broader than and uses much knowledge from other disciplines like
chemistry, physics, mathematics and even computer science.

Comes from the Greek word “Oikos” meaning house; coined by

German Scientist Ernest Haeckel.

“Ecologist” - the scientist who studies these relationships

SUBDIVISION OF ECOLOGY
Autecology – deals with the study of the individual organism, its life
history, behavior, characteristics and its adaptation to the environment.
Synecology – deals with the study of groups of organisms which are
associated as a unit in relation to its environment

POPULATION AND COMMUNITY ECOLOGY

Population ecology is the study of these and other questions about
what factors affect population and how and why a population
changes over time.
Community ecology or synecology is the study of the interactions
between species in communities on many spatial and temporal
scales, including the distribution, structure, abundance,
demography, and interactions between coexisting populations.

DIFFERENT STAGES OF LEVEL OF ORGANIZATION

Atom – smallest unit of particle of matter.
Molecule – the basic chemical unit that makes up the parts of a cell
Organelle – the parts of a cell
Cell – the smallest unit of living things
Tissue – group of similar cells

DIFFERENT STAGES OF LEVEL OF ORGANIZATION

Organ – group of differentiated tissues doing the same work
System – group of different organs performing different functions
Organism – individual living thing, either plant or animal
Population – group of similar organisms occupying a definite area

DIFFERENT STAGES OF LEVEL OF ORGANIZATION

Community – group of different populations interacting with one
another
Ecosystem – group of communities interacting with their physical
factors.
Biosphere – all the ecosystems on earth with the physical
environment
Earth – the planetary environment of the Earth

THE PLANETARY ENVIRONMENT

a) Biosphere – this layer on the surface of the earth where all living thing
are able to exist.
b) Atmosphere – is the gas or air that envelopes the earth
c) Hydrosphere – the bodies of water
d) Lithosphere – the rocks, soils and its derivatives.
THE PLANETARY ENVIRONMENT
Earth – is the only planet in the solar system that is capable of
supporting life because of its right distance from the sun, the presence
of oxygen and the abundance of water

INTERACTION IN AN ECOSYSTEM/ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC FACTORS

1. Abiotic – abiotic: interaction relationship among physical factors in the
environment.
2. Biotic – biotic: interaction relationship among biotic factors in the
community
3. Biotic – abiotic: relationship between living and non-living things in a
community

ABIOTIC FACTORS
1. Water
2. Soil
3. Sunlight
4. Temperature

BIOTIC FACTORS
1. Plants
2. Animals
3. Microorganisms

WATER
An important ecological factor
An inorganic substance which plays an important role in the
ecosystem
Brings about changes in the life forms of plants and animals;
Very irregularly distributed on the earth’s surface

SOIL
Another important ecological factor
Determines largely the character of vegetation and the types of
animals that maintain themselves upon it.
Complex inorganic material in which plants are anchored.
Types : Sandy Clay, Loam, Silt

SUNLIGHT
An important physical factor
 The main source and oldest of all energy sources
The major factor in the process of photosynthesis

TEMPERATURE
Increases vapor pressure by increasing molecular motion.
Directly proportional to the intensity of light.

IMPORTANCE OF WATER:
a) Helps in the germination of seeds
b) Transport substances in the body of plants and animals
c) Aids in the erosion and breaking of rocks
d) Is needed to support plant tissues. Lack of water will mean low
pressure which causes the cell to shrink. Water is absorbed by plants
through the roots by osmosis and released into the environment by
transpiration
e)Comprises a large percent of the body tissue of organism. No organism
will survive without water [¾ (75%) of the earth’s surface is water 50% -
95% of the weight of any functioning living system

PLANT WATER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Hydrophytes – those plants that thrive in places where the amount of
water is abundant. Fresh water plants like lotus, water lettuce.
2. Halophytes – plants thriving in a place where the water available
contains much dissolved salts ex. mangrove, nipa, algae
IMPORTANCE OF WATER:
3. Mesophytes – need a moderate supply of water for their substance.
ex., Plants bearing flowers and fruits.
4. Xerophytes – plants that can tolerate where water supply is very
scanty; dry places like deserts ex., Cacti, maguey
5. Trophophytes – plants that can adopt itself year after year where
seasonal changes bring marked changes in the amount of available
water from the soil.

ECOSYSTEM
Commonly referred to as the life – support systems
Involve on interaction of the communities and the non-living
environment

COMPONENTS OF THE ECOSYSTEM

• Non-living components
1. Inorganic Substances
2. Organic Compound
3. Climatic regimes

COMPONENTS OF THE ECOSYSTEM

Living Components
1. Producers
2. Consumers
3. Decomposers

COMPONENTS OF THE ECOSYSTEM

Functional Components
1. Food Chain (Food Cycle)
2. Energy Flow
3. Diversity
4. Evolution
5. Ecosystem development (ecological succession)
6. Control or cybernetics
7. Biogeochemical cycle

ECOSYSTEM CYCLES
1. Water Cycle

ECOSYSTEM CYCLES
2. Carbon – Oxygen Cycle

ECOSYSTEM CYCLES
3. Nitrogen Cycle

ECOSYSTEM CYCLES
4. Phosphorous Cycle

ECOSYSTEM CYCLES
5. Sulfur Cycle

Properties of Ecosystems
1. Productivity – refers to the net growth of biomass
2. Stability – is the ability of ecosystems to with stand minors forms of
stresses
3. Sustainability – ability of ecosystems to with stand major forms of
stresses, e.g. droughts, pest disturbances
4. Equitability – disturbance of productivity among the beneficiaries.

Properties of Ecosystems
1. Productivity – refers to the net growth of biomass
2. Stability – is the ability of ecosystems to with stand minors forms of
stresses
3. Sustainability – ability of ecosystems to with stand major forms of
stresses, e.g. droughts, pest disturbances
4. Equitability – disturbance of productivity among the beneficiaries.

Philippine agenda 21

Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Development Productivity

The 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development
(WCED) in its report “Our Common Future” defined Sustainable
Development as “meeting the needs of the present generation
without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet
their own needs.”
In the Philippine context, sustainable development is the
“harmonious integration of a sound and viable economy, responsible
governance, social cohesion/ harmony and ecological integrity to
ensure that development, is a life enhancing process. The ultimate
aim of development now and through future generation.”

Principles of Sustainable Development adhered to by the PHILIPPINE

AGENDA 21
Primacy of Developing Human Potential
Holistic science and appropriate technology
Cultural, moral and spiritual sensitivity
Self-determination
National sovereignty
Gender sensitivity
Peace, order and national unity
Social justice, and inter-intra generational and spatial equity
Participation democracy
Institutional viability
Viable, sound and broad-based economic development
Sustainable population
 Ecological soundness
Biogeographical equity and community-based resources
management
Global cooperation.

Challenges of Implementing PHILIPPINES AGENDA 21

Strengthening the roll of major groups
Localization
Financing Means and Strategies
Information, education, and communication
Monitoring and assessment

Ambisyon natin 2040 (NEDA)

The Life of All Filipinos in 2040:
Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay

The Sustainable Development Goals in Philippines

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end
poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure
that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are
the goals the UN is working on in the Philippines. Data in this section
is currently being updated and under review.
The Sustainable Development Goals in Philippines
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end
poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure
that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are
the goals the UN is working on in the Philippines. Data in this section
is currently being updated and under review.
The Sustainable Development Goals in Philippines
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end
poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure
that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are
the goals the UN is working on in the Philippines. Data in this section
is currently being updated and under review.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (EM) AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT (EIA)
What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
E I A – is a systematic study of the relationship between a project
and the environment.
 A tool for both planning and decision-making
A process whereby an estimate is made of the environmental
consequences which may be expected to result from a proposed
development activity or project.
It determines what influence a project will have on the environment
and how the environment will affect the project
Concerned with: identifying, predicting and evaluating the potential
environmental effects of public and private development activities.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (EM) AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT (EIA)
What is Environmental Management (EM)?
E M – identifying all the practical elements needed to implement a
proposed environmental strategy such as the type of technical
experts, cost and timetable for the implementation and the steps
needed to resolve any conflicts that arise during implementation.
Make use of the information and analysis provided by EIA and adds
an element of dynamism by designing strategies to protect an
conserve the environment and by focusing on the implementation of
such strategy

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (EM) AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT (EIA)
What is difference between EIAs and EM?
EIAs – focused mainly on the identification of existing or potential
environmental problems.
Mainly a descriptive and planning tool that is helpful in determining
actually what happens to the environment

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (EM) AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT (EIA)
EM - emphasizes also identification and use of environmental
opportunities.
A set of more dynamic action – oriented tools that assist in
formulating, implementing and monitoring strategies to protect,
enhance and conserve the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP):
A section of the EIS that details the prevention, mitigation, contingency
and monitoring measures to enhance the positive impacts and minimize
the negative impacts of a proposed project or undertaking.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (EM) AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT (EIA)
Major Objectives of EIA:
1. Understand the likely consequences of new projects on activities on
the environment;
2. Identifying measure which can minimized these consequences;
3. Provides sufficient data for decision making

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (EM) AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT (EIA)
What are the legal basis for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
1. Presidential Decree (PD) 1151, issued 1977: • Mandates all agencies
and instrumentalities of the national government including GOCCS. Or
well as private corporation firms and entities to prepare Environmental
impact Statement EIS for any or undertaking which significantly affects
the quality of the environment.
2. Presidential Decree 1586, Issued 1978:
Established the Environment Impact Statement EIS system and Defines
its scope which covers Environmentally Critical Project (ECP) and
Environmentally Critical Area (ECA).

What is the EIS System?

The EIS System refers to the entire process of organization,
administration and procedure institutionalized for the purpose of
assessing the significance of effects of physical developments on the
quality of the environment.

What are the processes involved in the EIS System?

A. The Pre-study Phase
a. Pre-Screening
b. Scoping

B. The Study Phase

c. Site characterization & Prediction of Impacts
d. Evaluation of Impacts and Proposal of Alternatives/Options
e. Identification and assessment of mitigating measures
f. Preparation of the EIS

C. The Post Study Phase

g. Review of EIS
h. Granting of the Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC)
i. Post auditing and monitoring

What projects are covered by the EIS System?

A. Environmentally Critical Project (ECP) -A project that has a high
potential for significant negative environmental impact
1. Heavy Industries
Non-ferrous metal industries
Iron and steel units
Petroleum and petrochemical industries, including oil and wild gas
Smelting plants
2. Resource Extractive Industries
Major mining and quarrying projects
Forestry projects: logging, major wood processing, grazing
Fishery projects: dikes or fishpond development
3. Infrastructure projects:
Major dams
Major power plants
Major reclamation
Major road and bridges
4. Golf courses

B. Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) -An area that is environmentally

sensitive
1. National parks, watershed reserves wildlife preserves and sanctuaries
2. Potential tourist spots
3. Habitat for any endangered or threatened species of indigenous
Philippine wildlife (flora or fauna)
4. Unique historical, archaeological scientific interest
5. Areas traditionally occupied by cultural communities or tribes
6. Areas frequently visited and/or hard-hit by natural calamities (flood,
typhoons, volcanic activities)
7. Areas with critical slopes (slopes 40% or more)
8. Prime agricultural lands
9. Recharge areas of aquifers
10.Water bodies characterized as: tapped for domestic purposes,
protected areas, supportive of wildlife & fisheries activities
11.Mangrove areas
12.Coral reefs
Proclamation no. 2146
Proclaiming certain areas and types of projects as environmentally
critical and within the scope of the environmental impact statement
system established under PD 1586
Coverage
The EIS system covers projects and undertaking categorized as
Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) and projects located in
Environmentally Critical Area (ECAs).

An Environmentally Critical Project is one that has a high potential for

negative environmental impacts. It also includes other projects which
the President may proclaim as environmentally critical.
Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs)
Heavy industries -Non- ferrous metal industries, Iron and steel mills,
Petroleum and petro-chemical industries, including oil and gas, Smelting
plants

Resource Extractive industries- Major mining and quarrying projects,

Forest occupancy, Forestry projects, Extraction of mangrove products,
Logging, Grazing, Major wood processing projects, Fishery projects,
Introduction of fauna(exotic animals) in public/private forests and
fishpond development projects.

Infrastructure projects -Major dams, Major power plants (fossil-fueled,

nuclear fueled, hydro-electric, or geothermal, Major reclamation
projects, Major roads and bridges

Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs)

national parks, watershed reserves, wildlife preserves and

sanctuaries;
potential tourist spots;
habitat for any endangered or threatened species of indigenous
Philippine Wildlife (flora and fauna);
Areas of unique historic, archaeological, or scientific interests;
 Areas which are traditionally occupied by cultural communities or
tribes;
Areas frequently visited and/or hard-hit by natural calamities
(geologic hazards, floods, typhoons, volcanic activity, etc.);
Areas with critical slopes;
Areas classified as prime agricultural lands;
Recharged areas of aquifers;
Water bodies characterized by one or any combination of the
following conditions;
tapped for domestic purposes; within the controlled and/or
protected areas declared by appropriate authorities; which support
wildlife and fishery activities;

Mangrove areas characterized by one or any combination of the

following conditions:
(a) with primary pristine and dense young growth;
(b) adjoining mouth of major river systems;
(c) near or adjacent to traditional productive fry or fishing
grounds; which act as natural buffers against shore erosion, strong
winds and storm floods; on which people are dependent for their
livelihood.

Coral reefs, characterized by one or any combination of the following

conditions:
(a) With 50% and above live coralline cover;
(b) Spawning and nursery grounds for fish which act as natural
breakwater of coastlines.

Priority development areas for land conversion are

specific sites in regional agri-industrial centers/regional industrial

centers (RAICs/RICs) identified by the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA);
tourism development areas (TDAS) identified by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) as indicated in the current Medium Term Philippine
Development Plan, and
sites identified by the local government units (LGUs) for socialized
housing, which are presently used for agricultural purposes and
which need conversion approval from the Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR)
Which government agency implements the EIS system?
Pursuant to Executive Order 192, which reorganized DENR, the
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is mandated to
implement the EIS system.
The Regional Offices are mandated to implement the EIS System
pursuant to DAO – series of 1992.

What is the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)?

The ECC is a document issued by the DENR (the Secretary or the
RED) certifying that based on the representations of the proponent and
the preparers:
The proposed project on undertaking will not cause any significant
negative environmental impact.
The proponent has complied with all the requirements of the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The proponent is committed to implement both its approved
Environment Management Plan (EMP) and any mitigating measures

Who issues and sign the ECCs?

a) For Environmentally Critical Project (ECP):
ECC are issued by EMB
Signed by the DENR Secretary
b) For Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA)
ECCs are issued by DENR Regional Offices
Signed by the Regional Executive Director (RED)

Can Project Be Implemented Without an ECC?

If the projects fall within the scope of the EIS System, it cannot be
implemented without first securing an ECC
But projects that do not fall within the purview of the EIS System are
exempted

What are the criterias for project to be exempted from securing an ECC?
a) It has minimal discharge of waste , and the measurement of such
waste are relatively easy
b) It has a capitalization of not more than Php. 500,000.00
c) It employs not more than 20 persons
But they should apply for Certificate of Exemption from DENR. Some
projects may also be exempted by the President for reasons of national
security and international commitment

Projects not Requiring an ECC

1. A project that is not an ECP or not located within an ECA
2. ECPs or projects within ECAs operational prior to 1982, except where
their operations are expanded in terms of daily production capacity or
area, or the process is modified
3. Countryside business or barangay entities covered by Kalakalan 20 but
good only for five years from date of registration

Is there a penalty for not securing an ECC?

Yes… Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1586 provides the penalties for not
securing on ECC with the imposition of a fine not to exceed Php.
500,000.00 and/ or the issuance of a closure order.

What are the procedures in obtaining an ECC?

Yes… Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1586 provides the penalties for not
securing on ECC with the imposition of a fine not to exceed Php.
500,000.00 and/ or the issuance of a closure order.

Documents in the EIS SYSTEM

What are the types of documents in the EIS System and what should
they contain?
a. Project Description (PD)
a. This is required if a project is not an ECP but shall be located in
an ECA
b. It is essentially a brief description of the project and contains
the following:
i. Description of sources of pollution
ii. Control measures for such
iii. Socio economic problems
b. Environment Impact Statement (EIS)
a. A more detailed and in-depth analysis of the environmental
consequences of an ECP and should contain the following:
i. Description of existing environment;
ii. Description of the various activities to be
undertaken for a particular subject and environmental
parameters affected by the same
 iii. Discussion of alternatives;
iv. Discussion of resources necessary;
v. Mitigating measures for unavoidable impacts.

DENR- Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources

EMB- Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR
EMPAS- Environment Management & Protective Areas Sector of the
DENR
CENRO- Community Environment & Natural Resources Officer of the
DENR
PENRO- Provincial Environment & Natural Resources Officer of the
DENR
RED- Regional Executive Director of the DENR

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
This should be initiated by the proponent to ensure that the public’s
concerns are fully integrated into the EIA process.

PUBLIC HEARINGS
Required if:
1. The magnitude of the project is such that a great number of the
people are affected
2. There is a mounting public opposition against the proposed project
3. There is a written request for the conduct of such public hearing from
any of the stakeholders.

CEASE & DESIST ORDER (CDO)

The EMB Director or the RED may issue a CDO in order to prevent grave
or irreparable damage to the environment. Said CDO shall take effect
immediately. An appeal or any motion seeking to lift the CDO shall not
stay its effectivity.

FINES, PENALTIES & SANCTIONS

1. For projects established or operating without an ECC: -Will be closed
through the issuance of a CDO -Fine: Not exceeding P50,000 per
violation
2. Projects violating ECC conditions, the EMP provisions or the DENR
rukes & regulations: -Will be closed through the issuance of a CDO -
Suspension or cancellation of the ECC -Fine: Not exceeding P50,000 per
violation
3. Misrepresentation in the EIS or other documents: -Suspension or
cancellation of the ECC -Fine: Not exceeding P50,000 per violation -
Proponent or preparer responsible shall be solitarily liable for the
payment of the fine -Withdrawal of the accreditation of the preparer

THE EL NIÑO AND LA NIÑA PHENOMENON

La Niña:
Spanish word for “the little girl”
The extreme cooling of the Central and Eastern Pacific
Often observed after an El Niño event
THE EL NIÑO AND LA NIÑA PHENOMENON

El Niño:
Every time Christmas approaches in South America, the sea water
becomes warmer
The Peruvian fisherman describe the warming of the sea water as El
Niño
A Spanish word for “the little boy”

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

An atmosphere disturbance and recurrent ocean warming
This massive warming kills many sea birds and fish by preventing
nutrient-rich cold water from rising to the surface
It is linked to Southern Oscillation (SO) which is the relationship
between atmosphere pressure which affects the wind over the
Southeastern Pacific, represented by the Indian Ocean, Tahiti and
Australia, represented by Darwin

First Occurence of El Niño

In 1500
A weather pattern that has returned 28 times worldwide the past
century
It occurs once every 5 to 8 years but it comes earlier from 3 to 5
years

Global effects of El Niño

Besides the effect on marine water, blackish water, and fishponds
have also been affected due to reduction of rainfall and increase in
solidity of tidal water
 It brings a host of planetary climate changes altering high level
winds, and in some cases typhoons and storms

NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM (NGP) - a DENR project which aims to

plant 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares over a period
of six years, from 2011 – 2016

Rationale
Forestland – 15,868,412 hectares
Actually Forested – 6,840,000 hectares, only 23% of forestland
Reforestation Program (1961-2010/50years)
Total area reforested – 1,939,749 hectares only
Annual average : 38, 795 hectares
At an average of 38,000 hectares: It will take 210 years/to reforest 8
million hectares!!!?

DENR’s GUINESS WOLRD RECORD – breaking venture: “Tree Volution” -

2,294,629 trees

NGP = a poverty reduction program

Food security program
Environmental security
Biodiversity conservation
Climate change mitigation and adaptation

LAWS OF THE GOVERNMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Philippine Constitution; “the State shall protect and advance the right of
the people to a balanced and beautiful ecology in accordance with the
rhythm and harmony of nature”

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS OF THE PHILIPPINES

All the 1987 bureaus concerned with environment and natural resources
are placed directly under the DENR

1. Lands Management Bureau (Formerly the Bureau of lands)

2. Forest Management Bureau (Formerly Bureau of Forest Development
and Wood Industry Development Authority)
3. Ecosystem Research Development Bureau (Merger of the Forest
Research Institute and the national Mangrove Committee)
4. Environmental Management Bureau (Merger of the National
Environmental Council, National Pollution Commission and
Environmental Center of the Philippines which was formerly under the
Ministry of Human Settlements)
5. Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (Merger of the Bureau of mines and
Geo-Science Miniral Resources Development Board and the Gold Mining
Industry Development Board)
6. Protect Areas and Wildlife Bureau (Formerly Division of PAR)

GOVERNMENT LAWS ON POLLUTION

Republic Act 6969, or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and
Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, which prohibits the importation,
storage, or transport of toxic of nuclear wastes into or through the
Philippines.
RA 7586, or the National Integrated Protected Areas System Law
(NIPAS), which aims for biodiversity conservation and sustainable
development against a backdrop of the rapid loss of forest cover and
other critical areas. The law integrates natural resources
management and protection of the plants and animals in ecologically
sensitive areas like national parks, game refuges, and wildlife
sanctuaries throughout the country
House Bill 5668, or the Imposition of Environmental Hazard Fee,
which penalizes all chemical, thermal and industrial plants and
factories found to be violating environmental protection laws.
HB 8622, or the Act to Revise the Philippine Environment Code,
which endorse emission and water pollution charge systems by
promoting cooperation and self-regulation among industries and
market-based instruments.
House Resolution 766, or the investigation repollution of industrial
establishments operating without wastes treatment facilities
R.A No. 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, under the
garbage segregation scheme, household and commercial wastes
should be classified into wet and dry categories before they collected
by the garbage collectors.
DENR Department Administrative Order 28, or the Interim Guidelines
for the Importation of Recyclable Materials Containing Hazardous
Substances.
DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2000-18 on Chemical Control
for Ozone-depleting Substances.
 RA 8749 or the Clean Air Act of 1999 which bans almost all forms of
garbage incineration and imposes higher emission standards on oil
products to lower the amount of pollution they generate.
RA 9275 – Clean Water Act (2004) that aims to protect the country’s
water bodies from pollution of land based sources.

SUMMARIZING THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY

Balance of Nature “Nature are maintained by a set of general laws
and processes”
Diversity “All forms of life are important in their own right”
Interdependence “Everything is related to everything else”
Change “Everything changes. Some changes enhance the natural
state of the environment, others degrade it”
Pollution “Unwanted materials must go somewhere”
Finiteness of Resources “Ours is a finite earth”
Population Dynamics “Natural populations are subject to laws of
control”
Stewardship “Humans are part of nature: they must learn to take
care of it”