Photo credit: Leonardo DiCaprio

Hollywood actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio has taken to social media to call on Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to protect the Masungi Georeserve, a crucial ecological site facing imminent threat.

In an Instagram post shared with his millions of followers, DiCaprio highlighted the ecological and community importance of Masungi, a lush montane rainforest located just outside of Manila. The area, which was heavily deforested in the late 1990s, has since seen significant restoration efforts thanks to the Masungi Georeserve Foundation and local communities.

“Masungi is a lush montane rainforest landscape outside of Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines,” DiCaprio wrote. “In the late 1990s, much of Masungi was illegally deforested. Local communities fostered the development of the Masungi Georeserve, spurring efforts to restore this precious ecosystem. From these conservation initiatives, trees were able to grow taller, wildlife numbers slowly increased, and more locals became involved in protecting this ecosystem.”

The actor's plea comes in response to potential changes in the protection status of the area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The department is reportedly considering canceling the agreement that has safeguarded the georeserve from land grabbing, logging, mining, and illegal developments. This cancellation threatens to undermine years of successful conservation work and expose the area once again to exploitation.

DiCaprio underscored the urgency of continued protection, emphasizing that the cancellation would roll back the achievements of the internationally acclaimed conservation initiative and endanger the biodiversity and ecological health of the region.

“Now this success is in jeopardy, as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources threatens to cancel the agreement that protects this area from prolific land grabbing activities,” he warned. “This cancellation would set back the success of an internationally acclaimed conservation effort and leave the area vulnerable again to mining, logging, and illegal developments.”

The actor urged his followers and local rangers to appeal to President Marcos Jr. to intervene and ensure the ongoing protection of Masungi. He stressed the potential of such conservation efforts to position the Philippines as a global leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action.

“Join local rangers in calling on President Bongbong Marcos to intervene and continue to protect Masungi,” DiCaprio encouraged. “Conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action. Protect Masungi Georeserve - link in bio.”

The Masungi Georeserve, spanning over 2,700 hectares, has become a symbol of successful conservation and community-driven environmental stewardship. Its rich biodiversity and unique geological formations attract eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

DENR: “No one is above the Law”

The DENR meanwhile emphasized adherence to existing laws and processes, stating "No one is above the law." It continues to strengthen enforcement efforts while respecting legal frameworks.

Masungi Georeserve Foundation (MGF) claims ownership of the reserve but faces scrutiny over non-compliant operations, including resorts offering public services contrary to national laws. The area is also involved in Joint Venture and Supplemental Agreements related to government projects, currently under investigation.

DENR and Congress are investigating the agreements involving MGF, highlighting ongoing legal complexities surrounding the protected area.