NATURAL RESOURCES

Week 1

I. Introduction to Law on Natural Resources and Environmental Law

a. Significance of the subject

Environmental Law, or also known as Environmental and Natural Resources

Law, is a term used to explain the regulations, statutes, and treaties designed to protect
the environment from damage while maintaining a harmonious relationship between
man and nature.

Environmental Laws are enacted for many reasons, well, public health and
resource protection being the most common. Without the enactment of these laws
there would be no regulations concerning pollution, contamination or even response to
disasters. It plays a huge part in protecting not just the present but also the future, not
just because it protects the nature from degradation but also considers the people’s
needs and general welfare.

b. What are the three (3) categories of Environmental Laws?

i. Law which regulates the exploitation, development and utilization of

natural resources.

For e.g.

RA 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 – which

regulates mineral resources development in the country

ii. Law which regulates the protection, preservation and conservation of

natural resources involving flora (plant life) and fauna (animals)

For e.g.

RA 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and

Protection Act – provides for the conservation and protection
of wildlife resources and their habitats

iii. Law that deals with the pollution and environmental management

For e.g.

RA 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 –

aims to protect the country’s water bodies from pollution from land-
based sources.

ANCHETA, EDLI ANE JUNE V.