The Threat of Environmental Crimes: Effects of Green Crimes on Vulnerable Communities in a Province in the Philippines

Environmental crimes were categorized into three types: brown, blue, and green. Blue crimes are illegal activities damaging water bodies, encompassing illegal fishing, water pollution, and the dumping of waste. Brown crimes are pollution damaging cities and human health, such as air contamination and improper disposal of toxic substances. With illegal logging, animal trafficking, and other destructive activities, green crimes target terrestrial biodiversity. However, this study focused only on green crimes against vulnerable groups in a Philippine municipality and applied qualitative methods to investigate violations of environmental law. The data were provided by people from the community, policemen, and the Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). The findings indicated a lack of awareness about environmental law among people from the community, thus emphasizing greater education and the dissemination of information. Environmental crimes are highly dependent on socio-economic factors when it comes to participation by the community. Imposition of laws, fines, influential individuals, underreporting of offenses, and other factors pose challenges to law enforcement. The study developed an action plan for campaigns and education on matters to deal with problems and create awareness about environmental legislation. Further, with emphasis on the need to ensure protection of the environment, the action plan is harmonized with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Such actions are fundamental to enhancing environmental justice and sustainability in the region.