kalikasan

Kalikasan is the Filipino word for nature or the natural world. It comes from the root likas, meaning innate or natural, and is used to refer to the environment as a whole—its ecosystems, plants, animals, and natural resources. In Tagalog and broader Filipino discourse, kalikasan also carries connotations of the order and balance found in nature, as well as human relations with the natural environment.

In language and culture, kalikasan appears in literature, education, and media. It is often invoked in discussions about environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate resilience. The concept reflects traditional Filipino and indigenous values that emphasize stewardship, community responsibility, and reciprocity with living beings and landscapes.

In contemporary Philippines, kalikasan is widely used as a banner for advocacy and organizations focused on environmental protection. Notable among these is the Kalikasan PNE, the Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment, a national network coordinating campaigns on conservation, pollution, and resource governance.

Beyond advocacy, kalikasan is a general reminder of the interdependence between people and the natural world. It underscores the idea that safeguarding ecosystems and natural resources is linked to human wellbeing and cultural heritage.