Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan seeks environment heroes from grassroots

Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan seeks environment heroes from grassroots

Published on June 24, 2011
“The GBK wishes to emphasize the sacrifices and contributions of the Filipino people and grassroots organizations in protecting our environment.”
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — Usually, it is the “established” or “big people” in society who receive awards and accolades, noted Lisa Ito-Tapang, coordinator of Research, Education & Advocacy program of the non-government organization Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC). In fact, a few scions of tycoons in the Philippines, not to mention some corporations with foundations or CSR (corporate social responsibility) projects for the environment, have garnered such awards and recognition in the past.

But in 2008, the CEC initiated the Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) awards to recognize efforts and initiatives by individuals, groups and communities to protect the environment at the grassroots level.

Cordillera People’s Alliance recipient of 2009 Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan. (Photo courtesy of CEC / bulatlat.com)

“The GBK intentionally seeks out stories of heroism by the common folk who would otherwise have gone unrecognized–farmers, workers, indigenous peoples, teachers, NGO workers, community leaders, and youth, for example. It also seeks to emphasize the value of collective unity and struggle in protecting the environment and people’s rights by recognizing the contributions of grassroots organizations,” said Ito-Tapang.

Not only that, in recognizing individuals or communities and groups who spearheaded or helped lead significant struggles for the environment, this award also honors, at the same time, the protection of people’s basic rights. According to Tapang, GBK is an initiative to “acknowledge and recognize exemplary individuals and organizations who have become a part of the people’s movement in defending the environment, and thus our lives and our human rights.”

“The GBK wishes to emphasize the sacrifices and contributions of the Filipino people and grassroots organizations in protecting our environment,” Tapang said.

The GBK award is given every two years. This year, the search is on once more for environmental heroes and heroines who would be awarded the Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) 2011.This endeavor is being undertaken through the cooperative efforts of the GBK Awards Committee, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Agham-Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, Haribon Foundation, Ecowaste Coalition, Panalipdan Mindanao and Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. and the CEC, which serves as the secretariat and lead organization..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/24/wanted-heroes-for-the-environment-and-for-the-people-i-gawad-bayani-ng-kalikasan-2011/