Masungi's Ann and Billie Dumaliang among TIME's 2024 Next Gen Leaders. Screenshot from TIME's video

MANILA — Filipina conservationists Ann and Billie Dumaliang have been recognized in TIME Magazine's 2024 Next Generation Leaders for their work protecting the Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal, which is home to indigenous communities and hundreds of species of flora and fauna, including prehistoric limestone formations.

TIME named the Dumaliang sisters among the 10 new "trailblazers shaping a brighter future" after surveying its reporters, editors, and partners worldwide to identify leaders "who will define the future, with an emphasis on business, climate, sports, the arts, and advocacy."

In a statement on Thursday, the georeserve park said the Dumaliang sisters' inclusion in TIME's 2024 Next Generation Leaders highlights the global significance of Ann and Billie's leadership and commitment to protecting the Masungi.

A TIME feature on the Dumaliang sisters put a spotlight on their determination despite the physical and legal threats they and their more than 80 rangers face from property developers, poachers, and loggers, as the Philippines consistently ranks as the "worst place" in Asia for environmental defenders.

The feature mentioned the environment department's plans to void the agreement that allowed the foundation to reforest and conserve 2,700 hectares of the Masungi Georeserve due to supposed constitutional issues, along with a recent BBC documentary that presented evidence of an online smear campaign targeting the ecotourism destination.

The sisters told TIME that they were open to renegotiating with the government, but said they were ready to take the issue to court.

Masungi says conservation deal 'valid' unless canceled by court

Masungi said in the statement that the sisters worked for years alongside local community partners, government officials and agencies, and international allies to protect the biodiversity hotspot consistently 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," it said.

In a separate statement posted on X, the sisters said the recognition "belongs to everyone who has stood with Masungi, fought for our forests, and believed in the power of collective action to protect our planet."

"The courage to imagine bold solutions, and even more courage to bring them to life—whether that means weathering the challenges or speaking truth to power—has always been our guiding force," they said.

"But none of this would have been possible without our incredible team, who have faced this difficult work with unwavering dedication, and the larger Masungi community, who embody the spirit of hope and resilience."

Masungi Georeserve was also honored at the 2024 World Economic Forum and awarded the 2022 UN Sustainable Development Goals Action Campaign Inspire Awards for its exemplary ecosystem restoration practices.

Leonardo DiCaprio supports call to protect Masungi Georeserve

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