I admit that when I arrived in the Philippines to begin my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I had very little knowledge about the country. I did expect beautiful beaches, a tropical climate and to be utterly confused by cultural differences. I didn’t expect a crash course in the fundamental role natural resources play in national stability. It’s a lesson I will never forget.

The Philippines is one of the hottest spots of biodiversity in the world. Its representation of coral species is unrivaled and its numerous endemic plant and animal species are a miracle of evolution. But loosely regulated resource destruction — including dynamite fishing and intense deforestation — threatens all of these species and the welfare of humans who depend on their survival here.

Since gaining independence from the United States in 1946, Filipinos have gone through much political turmoil, including a dictatorship, periods of martial law, a presidential assassination, the overthrow of two presidents and for the past two decades, fairly successful democratic leadership.

But the multiple regime changes spawned civil unrest, a feudal system of land ownership and three separatist groups — the New People’s Army, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayaf. All three groups claim to want political reformation, but it often seems their main objective is extorting ransoms and bribery to support their dependents in a country where most workers live on $1 a day.

Filipinos now struggle to attain peace in areas of the country where bombings, kidnappings and hijackings have assumed the political spotlight. Meanwhile, international aid organizations have a more difficult time helping those who need relief.

Where they have gained access, numerous nongovernment organizations have established successful programs in alternative livelihoods, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, habitat restoration and environmental education. But because political unrest does not usually breed dependable enforcement, the longevity of these programs is in question.

The situation in the Philippines seems the perfect representation of that age-old chicken or egg conundrum. Resource protection and fair land use could lead to political and economic stability. But without political and economic stability, who will be inclined to take care of those valuable but underrated assets? It’s a lesson the entire world can learn from.