MANILA, Philippines — Leonardo DiCaprio, the renowned actor and environmental advocate, expressed his support for the protection of the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal province, Philippines.

In an Instagram post on July 4, DiCaprio underscored the impressive restoration efforts in Masungi led by local communities in the late 1990s, which transformed a once illegally deforested area into a thriving rainforest ecosystem.

He stressed that the current success is threatened by the potential cancellation of the agreement that safeguards Masungi.

“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. 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,” he explained.

DiCaprio closed his message with a plea to safeguard the Masungi Georeserve and tagged Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“Join local rangers in urging President @bongbongmarcos to intervene and continue safeguarding Masungi. Success stories like Masungi demonstrate that the Philippines can lead in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action. Protect Masungi Georeserve.”

The Masungi Geopark Project in Rizal, recognized for its conservation efforts, aims to restore a significant portion of the Upper Marikina Watershed. However, the project is currently in jeopardy following the announcement by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga that she intends to terminate the 2017 agreement between the Masungi Georeserve Foundation and the DENR.

Leonardo DiCaprio, celebrated for his film career, is also distinguished for his environmental advocacy. He serves as a founding board member of Re:wild, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and rejuvenation of biodiversity.

📷 Renz Reyes (Masungi Georeserve Foundation), Leonardo DiCaprio IG, Wikipedia
📹 Kal Joffres