Leonardo DiCaprio on the set of ‘The 11th Hour,’ a documentary he helped make about the environment, directed by Nadia Conners and Leila Conners Petersen. (Warner Independent Pictures)

The Bicol Center for Environmental Protection (Pangataman-Bikol) has asked Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio to see the state of Albay’s environmental health in case he visits the region.

DiCaprio is reportedly keen on visiting Albay to launch environmental promotion and protection activities in the province.

Prof. Joel Batanes, president of the Board of Trustees of Pangataman-Bikol, said that “while it is welcome that an international environmental advocate will be coming here to boost our advocacy, it would still be best if DiCaprio visits eco-critical areas in the province rather than drop by like most tourists do.”

He added: “He should visit areas like Rapu-rapu Island and see the creeks that have been contaminated by mine tailings, Palanog in Camalig where a cement factory destroyed the local habitat and Tiwi, where a dubious solid waste injection project is being done. We are not asking him to forgo the tourist spots of Albay but he should see the real situation of the environment in the province first, without the packaged tour. He should interview the people and the victims firsthand so that he can effectively convey their message and suffering.”

“We are also asking DiCaprio’s, handlers to allow him to have a dialogue with local environmental groups and non-government organizations (NGOs) for him to have a concrete feel of the different initiatives for the environment being done here in Albay and the whole region. He is also invited to participate in our activities,” stressed Batanes.

“We hope that DiCaprio’s visit here will be very fruitful and serve to internationally highlight the environmental damage being done to the province by big foreign companies. We hope that this will also entail other nationalities to help in our struggle to combat climate change,” he said.