Masungi conservationists recognized in Time’s leaders list
Ann and Billie Dumaliang, conservationists and co-founders of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, have been named to Time Magazine’s 2024 Next Generation Leaders list. This prestigious recognition celebrates 10 trailblazers from around the globe who are leading with empathy, challenging the status quo, and forging solutions for a brighter future.
The Dumaliang sisters’ inclusion in this distinguished list highlights the global significance of their leadership and commitment to protecting the Masungi limestone landscape as well as one of the Philippines’ most critical watersheds, the Upper Marikina Watershed.
For years, they have worked alongside local community partners, government officials and agencies, and international allies to protect Masungi Georeserve, a biodiversity hotspot threatened by land encroachment, illegal activities, and deforestation. Their work has not only restored large portions of the degraded watershed but has also inspired a new generation of environmental advocates.
The Masungi Georeserve Foundation, a recipient of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Action Campaign Inspire Award in 2022, is a nonstock, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the Masungi karst ecosystem in Baras, Rizal.
The foundation is leading the restoration of over 2,700 hectares of degraded watershed areas through the Masungi Geopark Project. Its commitment extends to research, education, and sustainable geotourism, ensuring the protection of this vital natural heritage.
Recently, the BBC also released a documentary highlighting a disinformation network targeting the foundation in one of the deadliest countries in the world for environment defenders.
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