A journey of environmental activism and impact
Our journey is one of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a better, more sustainable world. This page takes you through the milestones that have shaped us, the victories that have powered our resolve, and the campaigns that continue to move our mission forward.
History: How it all began
The roots of Greenpeace can be traced back to 1971, when a small group of courageous activists set sail from Vancouver, Canada, to protest nuclear testing in Alaska. This bold act of defiance marked the birth of Greenpeace, an organization that would grow into a global force for environmental protection.
Greenpeace Philippines was officially established in March 2000, bringing the organization’s mission to Southeast Asia. From our humble beginnings, we have worked tirelessly to address the most pressing environmental challenges that Filipinos face, from protecting our oceans and the air we breathe to advocating for climate justice and a plastic-free future.
What we’ve done: Victories in the Philippines and beyond
Over the years, Greenpeace Philippines has been at the forefront of environmental activism, achieving significant victories that have had a lasting impact on both the local and global stage. Here are some of our most notable achievements:
- Defending Our Oceans: Our campaigns have helped secure marine protected areas in the Philippines, safeguarding the rich biodiversity that is vital to the health of our planet.
- The Clean Air Act of 1999: The landmark law established strict measures to reduce air pollution in the Philippines. Greenpeace and allies played a key role in its passage, leading to improved public health and stronger environmental protection nationwide.
- The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000: The act mandates systematic waste management, emphasizing reduction, recycling, and proper disposal. Greenpeace Philippines, along with allies, played a crucial role in its passage, leading to nationwide MRFs (materials recovery facilities) and promoting zero-waste practices.
- The Renewable Energy Act of 2008: The law marked a major step in the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable energy. Greenpeace, with allies, campaigned for this law, accelerating renewable energy use and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, paving the way for a greener future.
- Climate Justice: We have been instrumental in pushing for the recognition of climate change as a human rights issue, beginning with a petition filed in the Philippines in 2015. This effort led to a landmark ruling by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in 2022, recognizing the responsibility of corporations and governments in addressing climate change, particularly for vulnerable communities most affected by its impacts.
- Plastic-Free Future: Greenpeace has worked closely with communities and allies to challenge single-use plastics, advocating for plastic bans and promoting sustainable solutions while driving corporate accountability through policy changes. These victories are not just milestones—they are testaments to the power of collective action and the resilience of our supporters.
These victories are not just milestones—they are testaments to the power of collective action and the resilience of our supporters.
Previous campaigns: Building our collective legacy
Our past campaigns have laid the groundwork for the ongoing campaigns we continue to pursue today. From the early days of fighting against toxic waste to our more recent battles for clean air and sustainable agriculture, each campaign has contributed to the larger environmental movement in the Philippines and beyond.
Key campaigns include:
- Toxics and E-Waste: Our efforts to address hazardous waste management led to groundbreaking policies that continue to protect communities and ecosystems.
- Food Safety and Sovereignty: In 2015, Greenpeace Philippines, alongside farmers and allies, secured a Supreme Court ruling halting Bt talong field trials, emphasizing the precautionary principle. Continued efforts with allies led to a reinforced ruling in 2024, mandating rigorous GMO (genetically modified organism) safety assessments to protect biodiversity and public health.
While these campaigns have evolved, their core messages and goals remain central to our current initiatives, driving us to push for even greater change.
Past ship tours: Taking our message across the seas
Greenpeace is known for its iconic ships that have sailed the world’s oceans, bringing attention to environmental issues and supporting our campaigns on the ground. The Rainbow Warrior, Esperanza, and other Greenpeace vessels have visited the Philippines multiple times, playing a pivotal role in our advocacy work.
These ship tours have been instrumental in raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and bearing witness to environmental destruction firsthand. They symbolize our commitment to being on the front lines of environmental protection, wherever we are needed.
Join us in our journey
The story of Greenpeace Philippines is far from over. The fight for environmental and social justice is ongoing, and by signing up for our newsletter, you can be part of the journey. Together, we can achieve even greater victories and create a future where people and the planet thrive in harmony.