Uniting Forces with Land Preservation Activists
In a united stand against the destructive impacts of mining, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), a coalition in the Philippines, recently participated in the "Building Power with Land Defenders" event hosted by the Global Grassroots Support Network (GGSN) and Leading Change Network (LCN) on June 19, 2025.
The event, which featured speakers from Guatemala, India, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe, aimed to highlight the struggles faced by communities worldwide due to large-scale mining activities. Speakers shared their experiences and called for action to protect the environment and promote a just transition for affected communities.
In the Philippines, ATM is actively engaged in lobbying for an alternative minerals management bill that includes community participation in decision-making. The coalition is resisting against the disruption of livelihood for farming, fishing, and the use of ancestral domains caused by mining.
According to data, there are 6 financial agreements with over 103 hectares of land being mined, 305 permits for mineral processing, with shared agreements for 548 hectares of land, and 49 registered community mines in the Philippines. This has led to significant environmental degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
ATM is advocating for stricter environmental regulations and enforcement, and prioritizing renewable energy and a just transition in communities. However, bureaucratic capitalism, where mining companies back politicians during elections, is a concern for ATM as it prevents the passage of laws to protect the environment.
Christian Jake S. Tabara, a representative of ATM, mentioned that the Philippines is not benefiting from the extraction of minerals and ore, and is lobbying for the Senate and Congress to pass the alternative minerals management bill. He also highlighted the need for a just transition in the process of transitioning to solar energy, wind energy, or e-vehicles, as there are sacrifice zones like the Philippines, Indonesia, and some parts of the global south.
ATM is creating solidarity networks among various marginalized sectors like farmers, fisher folks, youth, women, members of the LGBTQ, and disabled people. The coalition can be found on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
EarthRights International, a non-governmental organization that combines the power of law with the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment, supports ATM's efforts. Global Witness, another organization, records the names of land and environmental defenders who are threatened, arrested, or killed for their activism. Based on their report, the Philippines is the number one place in Asia where land and environmental defenders are threatened, and worse, being killed.
Sandra Portela, Director of Alternativas de Desarrollo para las Juventudes y las Mujeres (ADEJUM) Izabal, made a statement about the need to value differences and recognize oppression and inequality. Her words resonated with the attendees, reiterating the importance of solidarity and unity in the fight for environmental justice.
As the fight against large-scale mining continues, ATM calls on the public to advocate, donate, volunteer, amplify stories, and support community-based alternatives like solidarity economies, ecotourism, and agroecology. Together, we can build a sustainable future for all.
