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The Human Development International Vanguard Corps for Peace and Development, - the mover of the Call to Save the Mountains of the World in an official statement warns, that if no prompt, concentrated and well coordinated action to save the tallest mountains of the Philippines, Mt. Apo from the rapid depletion of its mountain’s life giving resources due to perverse economic incentives and political motives, inappropriate technology, land tenurial insecurity, greed and indifference, - communities around the mountain will soon face grieve consequences of such acts. Ian Jon Mendoza, CEO HDI – Philippines said, that despite this reality large number of people have remained callous as Mt. Apo continued to be beaten up, stripped with trees, fouled with wastes, exploited and vandalized through the years. Worst majority continued to be unmoved by emerging ecological indicators that forewarn of events of catastrophic dimension. Further, he said that it sad that our people are still locked-up with the “culture of reaction than the culture of prevention” brought by lack of foresight and decisiveness to prevent catastrophic events.
Rich and influential people continue to exploit the mountains’ natural resources for economic gains; and squat on lands inside the nature park transforming it into summer haven and vegetable basket. Slash and burn technique of farming goes unabated as farmers continue to open land at the edge of the forest that systematically destroyed the mountain’s remaining forest. This is exacerbated by the knowledge that poverty in the area has reached a point where it is on a downward spiral with environmental degradation where the poor are forced to exploit remaining resources in order to survive. Likewise tourism in the area are geared more towards generating profit rather than establishing a development that enhances people’s well being without jeopardizing the ability of the mountain to sustain life. Like in many instances, the mountain has been invaded by thousands of climbers during climbing season far beyond its carrying capacity that destroyed trails and plants, left unimaginable waste, desecrated the tribal’s God’s abode and displaced wildlife.
The "Call to Save the Mountains of the World" was done at its peak in February 25, 2002 in respond to these realities which are also true to other mountains due to human beings irresponsible and uncaring actions on the earth’s natural processes. It appealed to everyone to expand its _expression of justice, compassion and harmony to the natural realm of mother earth, for just like human beings mountains too are pained by countless neglects and abuses. Further, for everyone to awaken their human heart with its healing and transforming power and re-establish a productive and sustaining relationship between the legitimate demands of civilization and uncompromising reverence to the fragile resources of nature. Above all, - for all those who have the power, the opportunity and the dedication to initiate, support and maintain local, national and global interaction where resources, expertise, lessons and experiences are collectively pooled, institutionally arranged and effectively utilized for a common direction – to save the mountains of the world.
Today the Call to Save the Mountains of the World has become a global movement as it continues to spread in other countries deriving its strength from the support and inspiration of people of various nationalities, culture and creed. No less than the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has endorsed the call worldwide in 2003, that was followed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama of the Mountain Kingdom of Tibet, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines, Former President of the Philippines Fidel V. Ramos, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte of Davao City - Philippines, Mayor Joe Esteves of the City of Milpitas in California, U.S.A., APL.DE.AP of the Black Eyed Peas and other leaders, luminaries and common people. Ryan C Largo, HDI International Executive Director based in the United States calls on Filipinos whether in the Philippines, the United States or in other countries to support the cause particularly efforts of the organization to save mountains and enhance the well being of mountain people in the country much so, in view of recent environmental related calamities that struck the country.
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