national conference 2018 “Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation”
24-27 July 2018 Timberland Sports and Nature Club, San Mateo, Rizal
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 1 2 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 national conference 2018
“Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation”
24-27 July 2018 Timberland Sports and Nature Club, San Mateo, Rizal
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 3 Copyright 2018 All rights reserved.
GEF Small Grants Programme in the Philippines. 2019. SGP-5 National Conference 2018.
The GEF Small Grants Programme in the Philippines (SGP- 5) is a program of the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the Biodiversity Management Bureau of Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines.
GEF Small Grants Programme in the Philippines (SGP-5) Country Programme Management Unit Biodiversity Management Bureau Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, North Avenue Diliman, Quezon City, PHILIPPINES Telefax: 63 2 2944082 Email: [email protected] Website: http://ww.sgp.org.ph
4 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Introduction
The Philippines is one of the most biologically diverse and unique places on Earth, hosting over 52,000 recorded plant and animal species, and counting. Many communities, especially the poor, depend on biodiversity for life and livelihood. It is also a big part of many cultures. Biodiversity is a source of environmental services from shelter to food, fuel, water, medicine and even protection from disasters or extreme weather events. However, habitat destruction, overexploitation and pollution, among others, continue to threaten the integrity of biodiversity. In fact, the Philippines is considered to be the most threatened megadiverse country in the world.
The poor are the most at risk with biodiversity loss. Working on their own or through their organizations and other partners, many of these communities have taken the responsibility of protecting and managing the natural resources on which they depend. Armed with legal and other policy instruments as well as customary laws and traditional practices, these local stakeholders have proven the indispensable role of community-based stewards in biodiversity conservation. Through the years, their efforts have attained varying levels of success.
Thus, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) established the Small Grants Programme in 1992. SGP is a global program, pursued through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide grants of up to US$ 50,000 to support the initiatives of local stakeholder groups in five focal areas: Biodiversity, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Land Degradation, Sustainable Forest Management, and International Waters and Chemicals. It has three geographic focuses: The Sierra Madre mountain range in Luzon, Samar Islands and Palawan.
SGP embodies the very essence of sustainable development by “thinking globally, acting locally”. By providing financial and technical support to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people’s well-being and livelihoods, SGP demonstrates that community action can maintain the fine balance between human needs and environmental imperatives.
Currently, SGP is in its fifth operational Phase in the Philippines and is leveraging the experiments, experiences, and achievements of the past two decades to further explore innovative and improved responses to the great variety of evolving needs at local and country levels.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation i Conference theme and objectives
With the theme “Realizing Community-based Biodiversity Conservation,” the Small Grants Programme (SGP) National Conference, held at the Timberland Sports and Nature Club in San Mateo, Rizal Province from 24 to 27 July 2018, aimed to:
1. Draw lessons and insights from the SGP 5 operations and identify major resource management challenges and how were these addressed; 2. Showcase various management models that are inclusive, replicable, participatory, easily mainstreamed or institutionalized, have positive impacts to biodiversity and community well being; 3. Share and exchange ideas on the social and environmental impacts of biodiversity friendly agriculture and biodiversity friendly enterprises, including their impact on women and vulnerable groups; and 4. Explore the appropriateness and effectivity of various approaches and technologies to biodiversity conservation and protection.
The event was co-organized by the Global Environment Fund-Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The core focus on communities is grounded on the critical role they serve in biodiversity extraction and conservation. The conference also served as a platform to share experiences and approaches on how to better engage communities by highlighting the social and economic benefits of environmental protection.
Participation
The conference was participated by more than 250 representatives from national government agencies and local government units, non-government organizations, national and international development agencies, media, academia, the business sector, and peoples’ and indigenous peoples movements.
Outcome and results
The main outcome of the conference is a manifesto which embody the salient recommendations emerging from the discussions and presentations in the conference. The manifesto also covers the proposed roadmap for biodiversity conservation.
ii SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Conference Manifesto
SGP National Conference 2018 Manifesto
Whereas, the Philippines is a megadiverse country one of only 17 megadiverse countries that holds some of the richest terrestrial, coastal and marine environments in the world in its 7,641 islands and 36,000-kilometer coastline, the fifth longest in the world and the second longest coastline per unit area, that host 52,177 described species of which more than half is found nowhere else in the world.
Whereas, these vast resources provide the services and goods that the Filipinos are enjoying everyday – food, water, medicine, irrigation, clean air, etc.
Whereas, the value of benefits we get from biodiversity is worth at least 24 trillion dollars per year globally and 44 million dollars for the Philippines.
Whereas, the Philippines is also known as a biodiversity hotspot. Deforestation over exploitation, unsustainable practices, encroachment in forested and coastal areas, pollution, over-fishing, poor land management and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change all contribute to the alarming rate of biodiversity degradation.
Whereas, President Rodrigo Duterte in his 2018 State of the Nation Address, urged Congress to pass the National Land Use Act to rationalize, in a holistic and sustainable manner, the utilization, management, and development of our land. He also pushed for initiatives to reduce our vulnerabilities to natural hazards, and bolster our resilience against the impact of natural disasters and climate change.
Whereas, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorized in its Red List of Threatened Species 540 animal and 245 plant species in the Philippines (vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered) as of 2018. The total forest cover is estimated at over 6.846 million hectares or 24 percent of the original forest cover in the 1900’s. Less than five percent of coral reefs remain in excellent condition and 30 to 50 percent of Philippine seagrass beds have been lost (Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2022).
Whereas, the country’s national bird, the Philippine eagle, and other iconic flora and fauna of the Philippines such as the tarsier, Dugong, green turtle, Philippine hornbill; and the lauan, mangkono (ironwood), and rafflesia are included in the Red List of Threatened Species. We consider this a symptom of the extensive damage of our biodiversity and a symbol of our diminished patrimony.
Whereas, the unabated extraction and destruction of the country’s natural resources result from human- induced activities of an ever-growing population, currently at more than 106 million, majority of whom
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation iii live in abject poverty. The inequitable distribution of wealth, a profit-driven economy, unemployment and the lack of livelihood opportunities, a consumerist lifestyle, ineffective governance and corruption, among others, exacerbate the related critical problems of widespread poverty and ecological degradation.
Whereas, those who belong to the marginalized sectors of society like subsistence farmers and fisherfolk, the urban poor and indigenous peoples who depend most but receive the least benefit from the bounty of nature are the ones who bear most the burden of disasters resulting from environmental destruction like flooding and landslides, and the impacts of climate change.
Whereas, local and indigenous communities are in the frontline of environmental protection and a key to successful biodiversity conservation programs with the support of government, responsible private sector, civil society, academe and grassroots movements and organizations.
Whereas, community-focused development interventions can make a significant impact through effective strategies, inclusive dialogue and engagement, the synergy of partnerships and cooperation, and the replication of best examples. Anchored on providing small grants to grassroots, the Fifth Operational Phase of the GEF-Small Grants Programme (SGP5) has supported 55 projects in 135 communities in Palawan, Samar Island and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range covering almost 170,000 hectares of protected areas and almost 845,000 hectares of production landscapes and seascapes. These projects are largely responsible for ensuring inclusion of women, Indigenous Peoples, and artisanal fishers and farmers in biodiversity conservation work.
Whereas, we cannot have a “business as usual” attitude given the effects of climate change; our immediate and urgent response is needed, including the consolidation of our efforts to fight corruption in government.
We, the delegates of the SGP National Conference -2018, hereby resolve that:
A liveable, healthy and climate resilient environment is a human right. Biodiversity conservation must be viewed within the framework of inclusive development, social equity, justice and human rights. The use of natural resources must not only be sustainable but everyone must equitably benefit from the blessings of nature.
Biodiversity conservation and sustainable development are for all and by all. We recognize that rights must be accompanied by our responsibilities as citizens of this country and as custodians of the planet for the next generations to come. To support and augment this responsibility of citizens and communities as custodians of the planet, it is necessary for funds to be appropriated to citizen and community law enforcement efforts over their resources.
Biodiversity conservation will flourish and be sustained when local communities and indigenous peoples have secured land tenure and better access and control of their resources. Biodiversity conservation must be based on science, sound data and indigenous knowledge and practices (IKSP) as well as cultural sensitivity. Necessary investments must be made in research and technology. Citizen science enables local residents to participate or lead in research and data gathering. iv SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The seminal work of SGP5 and its partners in various landscapes and seascapes has contributed to socio- economic development and biodiversity conservation. The synergy of these projects is a powerful stimulus for building the country’s social, economic and environmental resiliency.
The effective and full implementation and enforcement of Republic Act 11038 (Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 [ENIPAS]), and Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) by national government agencies and local government units should guarantee the rights of indigenous and local communities to the management of their conservation areas and to participate in the management of NIPAS sites and biodiversity important areas. Government should reassess all ongoing and cancel approved infrastructure, road and mining projects inimical to biodiversity and communities, especially those that encroach restricted zones.
The passing into law of the Indigenous Community Conserved Areas (ICCA) Bill should recognize and protect the rights of the indigenous peoples and local communities and strengthen locally conserved areas and territories. Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprise (BDFE) is a social enterprise model that promotes the sustainable use of biological wealth and contributes to increasing biodiversity. It must be supported through the provision of free assisted developmental recognition scheme which incorporates support on value chain development, feasibility/valuation study, marketing linkage, and policy development. Government should increase its investments in biodiversity friendly livelihoods to support communities in biodiversity conservation areas. A simpler and free certification scheme will boost community-based BDFEs.
Government should increase investment in research, studies, projects and programs on biodiversity assessment, conservation, ecosystem goods and services, among others.
Presidential Proclamation No. 489 (2018) declaring the 49,684-hectare Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve (PRMRR) should strengthen the roles of local governments, civil society organizations and communities in biodiversity conservation and management, enforcement and security in a bioregional context in partnership with national agencies. An integrated marine biodiversity strategic sustainable development plan should be put in place and implemented immediately.
We sign this manifesto as a reaffirmation of our commitment to biodiversity conservation.
27 July 2018 | San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation v Acronyms and Abbreviations
ADSDPP - Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan ACB - ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity ASEAN - Association of Southeast Asian Nations BDFAP - Biodiversity-friendly Agricultural Practices BDFE - Biodiversity-friendly Enterprise BDS - Business Development Services BCSD - Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development BDFE - Biodiversity Friendly Enterprises BFAR - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources BMB - Biodiversity Management Bureau BuCor - Bureau of Corrections CADT - Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title CBDR - Common But Differentiated Responsibilities CBFM - Community-based Forest Management CCA - Community Conserved Area CLUP - Comprehensive Land Use Plan CoMA - Co-Management Agreement CP - Certification Precondition CSO - Civil Society Organization CTI-CFF - Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security DA - Department of Agriculture DAO - DENR Administrative Order DENR - Department of Environment and Natural Resources DILG - Department of Interior & Local Government DAR - Department of Agrarian Reform DOT - Department of Tourism DRR - Disaster Risk Reduction DTI - Department of Trade & Industry EAFM - Ecosystem-based Approach to Fisheries Management EBA - Ecosystem-based Adaptation EBSA - Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas ECS - Extended Continental Shelf ENIPAS - Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System FLET - Fishery Law Enforcement Team FLUP - Forest Land Use Plan FPIC - Free and Prior Informed Consent
H2O - Highlands to Oceans
vi SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 ICCA - Indigenous Community Conserved Area ICMP - Integrated coastal management plan ICRM - Integrated coastal resources management IDBD - International Day of Biodiversity IEG - Institute of Environmental Governance IFP - Indigenous Food Plant IKSP - Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices IP - Indigenous People IPRA - Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act ISNM - Integrated School Nutrition Model IUUF - Illegal, Unreported, or Unregulated Fishing KBA - Key Biodiversity Area LCA - Local Conservation Area LCO - Local and community organizations LED - Local Economy Development LGU - Local government unit M&E - Monitoring and Evaluation MAA - Managed Access Areas MENR - Municipal Environment and Natural Resources MKBA - Marine Key Biodiversity Areas MOU - Memorandum of Understanding MPA - Marine Protected Area MPAN - marine protected area network MSME - Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises NCIP - National Commission on Indigenous People NEO - Newly-Elected Officials’ Training NGO - Non-governmental organization NGP - National Greening Program NIPAS - National Integrated Protected Areas System NLUA - National Land Use Act NPS - North Philippine Seas NPOA - Philippine National Plan of Action NSDP - National Seaweed Development Program NTFP - Non-Timber Forest Products NTMR - No-Take Marine Reserves PA - Protected Areas PAMB - Protected Area Management Board PBSAP - Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan PES - Payment for Ecosystem Services PGS - Participatory Guarantee System PIDS - Philippine Institute of Developmental Studies
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation vii PO - People’s Organization PRS - Policy Review Sessions PSF - People’s Survival Fund RPOA - Regional Plan of Action SA - Sustainable Agriculture SDG - Sustainable Development Goal SIAD - Sustainable Integrated Area Development SGP5 - GEF Small Grants Programme (5th operational phase) SGP - Small Grants Program SMART - Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool SMMR - Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges SSME - Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion SSS - Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape TDA - Transboundary Analysis UNCLOS - United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea UNDP - United Nations Development Programme UNDRIP - UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UPLB - University of the Philippines Los Banos VMM - Vessel Monitoring Measures WMA - Women-Managed Area WMMB - Watershed Management Monitoring Body
viii SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Table of Contents
Introduction i Conference Manifesto iii Acronyms and Abbreviations vi
Plenary Sessions 1
I: Welcome and Opening Remarks 2 A. Welcome Remarks 2 B. Keynote Addresses 5 C. Overview of the National Biodiversity Convention 9 D. Thematic Discussions of Key Issues 9 II: Biodiversity Conservation Status and Trends 11 III: Some Best Practices in SGP5’s Landscapes and Seascape Work 19 IV: Working Together: Role of the Site Hubs and Lessons Learned 27 V: Popularizing Biodiversity Conservation 34 VI: Putting Health Work in the Forefront of Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation 40
Concurrent Sessions 43
I: Elements of Protected Area Management 44 II: Conserving Biodiversity in Production Landscapes and Seascapes 49 III. Biodiversity-based Livelihoods: Boon or Bane? 55 IV: Stakeholdership in Knowledge Management and Communication 66 V: Community Participation in the Protection of Key Bodiversity Areas 69 VI: Governance of Community Protected Seascapes and Landscapes 75 VII: Strengthening BDFEs through Business Planning 79 VIII: Ensuring Inclusivity and People Empowerment in Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 81 IX: Establishing Community Protected Areas 88 X: Various Landscape/Seascape Approaches 96 XI: Certifying BDFEs: A CSO-Government-Private Sector Dialogue 104 XII: Building Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation 115 XIII: Sustainable Financing and Management of Community Protected Areas 127 XIV: Making BDFEs Successful and Sustainable 135 XV: The Future of SGP 150
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation ix x SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Plenary Session
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 1 1 WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS
Welcome Remarks
Forester Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez Officer-in-Charge/Director Biodiversity Management Bureau Department of Environment & Natural Resources
Director Rodriguez welcomed the conference delegates on behalf of the DENR Secretary and reiterated the Government’s thrust on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection as expressed by President Rodrigo Duterte during his 2018 State of the Nation Address (SONA). With the presidential pronouncements, the Department supported the implementation of the fifth operational phase of the Global Environment Facilities (GEF) - Small Grant Program (SGP) in the Philippines. The Department expressed its gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for supporting the country’s efforts to conserve and sustain biodiversity through the initiative.
The conference is expected to facilitate the sharing of experiences both successes and challenges among various government agencies, local government units (LGUs), institutions from both the public and private sector, assistance and services providers, non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations (POs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and other biodiversity conservation stakeholders.
With the theme “Building Towards a Community–based Biodiversity Conservation”, the conference drew insights from SGP’s five years of operations and identified resource management challenges; showcased various management models with positive impacts to biodiversity and community well-being; promoted
2 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 biodiversity friendly agriculture and biodiversity friendly enterprises, including impact to women and vulnerable groups; explored various approaches and technologies to biodiversity conservation and protection, and, demonstrated examples of sustainable and effective biodiversity conservation initiatives in ancestral domains.
Mr. Titon Mitra Country Director (Philippines) United Nations Development Fund (UNDP)
Country Director Mitra congratulated the BMB-DENR SGP5 Country Project Management Unit, its benefactors, partners, and grantees of the various biodiversity conservation initiatives for the success of the conference and the SGP5 project.
In his message, he highlighted the following:
• The Philippines is among of the 18th most bio-diverse countries in the world, which host two-thirds of the earth’s total biodiversity and between 70 to 80 percent of all plant and animal species of the world; and is considered to be the global biodiversity hotspot with at least 700 migrant species. The Philippines, sadly, has lost two percent of its forest cover annually, which is the second fastest in Southeast Asia next only to Myanmar. Its marine and aquatic ecosystem has been rapidly declining due to various factors in the last 15 years. • Conserving biodiversity for future generations should be motivating enough in most circumstances. The Philippines’ collective initiatives in popularizing biodiversity conservation integrates social and environmental concerns but should also promote public understanding of its economic benefits. Globally, the value associated with biodiversity is worth at least 24 trillion dollars per year. In the Philippines, there is very high dependency on biodiversity and the estimated value of ecosystem services is about USD 44M annually. • SGP5 has supported 56 projects reaching 141 communities in the provinces and islands of Samar, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, and Palawan. The collective projects resulted to 168,231 hectares of community protected areas (CPAs), both newly-established and enhanced. There are 7,745 hectares of mangrove forest and seagrass beds, 840,907 hectares of production landscapes, and 106 community-based biodiversity friendly livelihoods in agricultural, forest, coastal, and marine ecosystems benefiting approximately 6,000 individuals.
He also acknowledged the results of the project’s efforts which are as follows: • Generated support from the private sector such as the Daluyon Resort, which invested millions in environmentally friendly architecture, technologies, and management. • Mainstreaming of social inclusion in biodiversity conservation work, especially among women, youth, indigenous peoples, and artisanal fishers and farmers;
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 3 • Consultations and preparations for the Six National Biodiversity Conservation Reports of the Philippines which included data from Regions 1, 2, 4A, 4B, and 8. The reports are important in the Philippine effort to meet the AICHI targets as well. • Participated in the enactment of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act. The new law provides for the recognition of the conservation areas declared by local governments and indigenous cultural communities as part of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). SGP5 also emphasized two conservation work aspects: (1) the landscapes approach, and (2) building and strengthening biodiversity friendly enterprises. Both features were integrated in the 2017 – 2022 Philippine Development Plan.
He also emphasized that the Philippines’ landscapes and seascapes in small communities are keys to genuine success to biodiversity conservation. The small community-based initiatives have come together in synergy with the landscapes and seascapes approach, which gave a powerful stimulus for a large-scale, bottom-up engagement for development.
The conference provides the opportunity to reflect on different experiences toward biodiversity conservation as it attempts to answer the following questions:
• Do community initiatives make an impact in reducing the continuing biodiversity loss in the country? • How do we achieve economies of scale from SGP? • What is the value added in the landscapes and seascapes approach? Has SGP introduced innovations on this? • Are we delivering the right messages to the right audience to generate more support in biodiversity conservation?
He shared that the UNDP is holding series of consultations to design the next operation phase of SGP. Insights from the conference will provide valuable inputs to the design of the successor program. For the next phase, SGP would aim to strengthen the linkages between climate change, sustainable land management, and biodiversity conservation that have been resurrected in selective landscapes. UNDP sees the need to integrate a whole-of-society approach to address biodiversity challenges and highlight the environmental, social, and economic benefits of biodiversity conservation. UNDP’s efforts to scale-up the great biodiversity- friendly enterprise models make a significant difference in the economic conditions of its partners. Biodiversity conservation is also intended to support addressing poverty in many countries. He called for the urgency to act. He emphasized that the earth is in its early stage of sixth mass extinction and the loss of habitats and ecosystem services which people are highly dependent is continuing. He urged allowing ecosystems to recover. Lastly, he acknowledged the impact of SGP5’s collective efforts in the future’s world resources.
4 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Keynote Addresses
Dr. Theresa Mundita S. LIM, DVM Executive Director ASEAN Center for Biodiversity
Executive Director Lim expressed her appreciation for including the issue on biodiversity conservation in the statement of the President for the first time. In his statement, the President underscored the need to balance development and environment. He emphasized that industries such as mining should not only be responsible in terms of paying taxes but should also ensure environmental protection in all of their business operations.
Executive Director Lim also shared how the SGP5 started, the challenges encountered, and how it has improved its operations through time. These experiences of the SGP5 is seen relevant and contributing to the succeeding operational phases of SGP.
She highlighted that government would need the support of relevant stakeholders in biodiversity conservation efforts especially in the implementation of ENIPAS. She also conveyed that the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) and SGP5 may provide resources in the implementation of ENIPAS and biodiversity-friendly livelihood programs. ACB has similar programs that support countries like Vietnam and Myanmar, and the Philippines shall be included in the next phase of the ASEAN SGP.
The final phase of the GEF-SGP exceeded its respective targets demonstrating commitments toward continuing biodiversity conservation through the landscapes and seascapes approach. Meanwhile, mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation in all areas of development is still a challenge. Development of industries, tourism, agriculture, and health sectors should not be at the expense of biodiversity conservation otherwise, development would not be sustainable.
Drawing from the lessons learned and best practices in biodiversity conservation, ACB is planning to hold a regional conference among partners from various countries to share about their different biodiversity conservation initiatives. She also shared the initiatives of BMB such as the assistance to biodiversity friendly enterprises which started since 2018, the coordination with BFAR through Undersecretary Eduardo Gongona to seek support on the fishery sector and biodiversity conservation, and the partnership with non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs).
It is also important to note in the SGP implementation that it should have an impact on biodiversity conservation policies, especially in the formulation of the ENIPAS Implementing Rules & Regulations. She urged the need to carefully weigh decisions and options relating to biodiversity by looking into reliable data and considering social equity and human rights. More specifically, this translate to the need to engage more stakeholders, integrating social equity of natural resources in development goals, and building resilient communities within
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 5 the framework of human rights. The protection of those most vulnerable to climate change is a basic human right and must be guaranteed. The establishment of the Department of Disaster Management which was also mentioned in the July 2018 SONA indicates that biodiversity is an important component of adaptation. Hence, disaster risk management should also be considered in the succeeding SGP operational phases. As the final phase of SGP 5 is approaching, it is seen that cooperation and partnership between with government, non-government and people’s organizations, different stakeholders including IP communities and the lessons learned and best practices are important considerations in the successful implementation of the project.
Hon. Teodoro Brawner Baguilat Jr. Representative, Lone District of Ifugao House of Representatives
Congressman Baguilat shared that he has been advocating for the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) and the upholding of Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) rights, particularly in the IP Communities’ Conservation Areas or ICCA. He explained that the advocacy is part of the BUKLURAN Consortium of IP organizations that is linked with a global network.
He further explained that in the ENIPAS, local protected areas are determined by local communities and LGUs making it a more proactive conservation strategy compared to the fortress conservation wherein the state declares, controls, and defines priorities on conservation of protected areas. The latter is also characterized by limited and minimized participation of communities in conservation efforts. Community-based conservation is inclusive conservation, a term used by NGOs’ in their advocacies, which recognizes community agents, respects local rights, adopts local governance, and acknowledges positive results for local conservations. He shared that inclusive conversation efforts which regard indigenous peoples and local communities is not fully achieved even in discussions in international conferences.
After decades of lobbying, the ENIPAS Act or Republic Act 1103A has been ratified by President Duterte on 22 June 2018. Other pending bills include the Comprehensive Land Use Act, Mining Law and Forestry Law. The ENIPAS identified 94 protected areas in addition to the 13 legislated areas of NIPAS making a total of 107 protected areas. These translate to a coverage of three million hectares. Among the new sites are Paranaque Park in Las Pinas, Agusan Marsh, Siargao Island, Chocolate Hills, Mount Mayon, Hinulugan Taktak, and Taal Volcano. With the passage of ENIPAS, these protected areas will be under the direct management and control of the DENR.
Indigenous people’s rights are also covered in ENIPAS. Specifically, ENIPAS recognizes the territories and areas occupied and conserved by the IPs and indigenous cultural communities. They are given the responsibility to govern, maintain, develop, protect, and conserve such areas in accordance with their indigenous knowledge system, practices, and customary laws with the assistance of DENR, NCIP, and other agencies.
6 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 There are provisions from the ENIPAS that pertain to IPs’ rights, as follows:
1. Section 7 amending section 9, on the management plans of protected areas, states that within one year from the establishment of the protected area, a management plan shall be formulated for each PA that shall serve as a basic long term framework plan for the management of the protected area and a guide in the preparation of its annual operation plan. The plan shall be harmonized with the ancestral domain sustainable development and protection plan (ADSDPP), comprehensive land use plan (CLUP) of the LGUs, and other plans. This means that the IP communities and LGUs join the DENR in planning the management of the protected area.
2. Section 9 pertaining to the Protected Area Management Board, the policy making body of the PAs. Within three months from the effectivity of the Act, a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) shall be created for each PA. If designated as an initial component and established by Presidential Proclamation, or by law, among the members of the PAMB, are, at least, one but not more than three representatives from the IPs or ICCs present and recognized by the NCIP.
3. Section 13 pertaining to ancestral domain and customary rights. Territories and areas occupied and conserved by the IPs are recognized, respected, developed, and promoted through mechanisms of coordination between the IPs, NCIP, DENR, LGUs, and NGOs that shall be created.
4. Section 18 on prohibited acts. It will allow the cutting, gathering, and collecting of timber in the protected area only if such acts are done in accordance with the duly recognized practices of the IPs for subsistence purposes. It will allow IPs to operate motorized conveyance within the PA without a permit from the PAMB, only if it will be a means of transportation to access their ancestral domain. It prohibits mutilating, destroying, excavating, or in any manner disrupting religious rituals and damaging any natural formation, historical sacred sites, artifacts or other objects, natural beauty, scenic value, or object of interest to IPs communities.
He shared that they have assisted IP communities in declaring established ICCAs as new PAs through the help of Bukluran Consortium, DENR, NCIP and UNDP-SGP. He also support the passage of ICCA into law as it will complement the ENIPAS. Moreover, he shared the importance of biodiversity conservation education and the balance between economic development and environmental conservation. He emphasized that the recognition of the right to develop and protect a particular ancestral domain should not result to the depletion of mountain forest resources as demonstrated in the case of Mount Pulag, a popular mountain hiking destination in northern Luzon. It has been declared as PA and an ancestral domain among the Tinoc tribes.
He also stressed that biodiversity conservation should be considered in the proposed forms of governance such as the federal system as well as in the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL). He further emphasized that exclusive conservation and ancestral domain management should be taken with careful considerations. He recommended for the conduct of consultations and deliberations on the proposed federal system in light of the provisions in the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) where possible conflicts in terms of conservation and management arrangements may arise.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 7 He added that the call of the President for urgent passage of the National Land Use Act or NLUA is notable. The NLUA intends to provide LGUs the mandate and guidelines in planning the proper use of lands and resources. Prime agricultural lands should be protected for food security use while watersheds should not be converted for infrastructure or commercial purposes. Proper planning and zoning is highly important especially that the country is disaster prone. He also support the establishment of the Department of Disaster Management. He urged to continually lobby with the President the regulation of the mining industry.
Lastly, he reminded the importance of working on conservation. He stressed that the natural ecosystems are lifelines of future generations. He hopes that the implementation of the ENIPAS and passage of related policies such as the ICCA Bill will help in the mitigation of environmental destructions and rehabilitation and recovery of natural resources.
8 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Overview of the National Biodiversity Convention
Mr. Oliver Agoncillo Executive Director Foundation for Philippine Environment
The primary purpose of the National Biodiversity Convention is to encourage and sustain interaction among local stakeholders, especially civil society, and help forge partnerships on technological and information exchanges, skills enhancement and policy development. She highlighted that the accomplishments coming from individual and collective efforts are great source of learning and must be considered in the deliberation of topics for the breakout sessions in the Convention. She cited that the participants can learn so much from the wealth of experiences of the first SGP partner-grantees, namely, EVPRD, Tanim Kalikasan, PCCARD, KEM, and CFFQI who are present in the Convention.
The Convention is structured to highlight the experiences and practices from the past years and present findings of the evaluation with the view of improving the implementation of the next SGP phase. It is expected to result to a manifesto containing the agreements, resolutions, and proposed priority actions.
Thematic Discussions of Key Issues
The State of the Philippine Environment
The Philippine biodiversity is rich, unique and invaluable nationally, regionally and globally. However, the extent of damage in the country’s landscapes and seascapes is alarming. While, the country is one of the 18 megadiverse countries in the world, hosting 2/3 of the earth’s biodiversity, and around 70 to 80 percent of the world’s plant and animal species, it is also one of the global biodiversity hotspots with at least 700 threatened species. It is home to more than 52,177 described species of which more than half is only endemic in the country.
The Philippines lost 2.1 percent of its forest cover annually between 2000 and 2005, which is considered the second fastest in the Southeast Asia, next to Myanmar. The total forest cover of the Philippines is estimated at 6.840 percent which is down to less than 24 percent of the original forest cover in the 1900s. The burgeoning human population against a limited land base causes forestland conversion.
Poor coral cover is found in 40 percent of the country’s reefs, while areas with excellent cover have steadily declined to less than five percent from 2004. Between 30 and 50 percent of Philippine seagrass beds have been lost due to industrial development, ports, and recreation in the last 50 years.
Today’s population are living in the early stages of the earth’s sixth mass extinction. Since the 1500s, over 300 terrestrial or land species have been extinct. The population of the remaining species shows 25 percent average decline in abundance including the continuous loss of habitats and ecosystem services upon which people depend on a daily basis. The Philippine ecosystems are resilient and can easily recover if they are given the opportunity.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 9 Communities in the Forefront of Biodiversity Conservation
Communities play important role in pushing for biodiversity conservation efforts despite the challenges. The accomplishments in 135 communities in Palawan, Samar Island and Sierra Madre Mountain Range highlight the important contributions of the grassroots such as the farmers and fisherfolks in establishing resilient communities that are able to withstand impacts of climate change, disasters and global economy.
SGP5 also provided opportunities for smaller NGOs and POs to work hand in hand with the government. Activities under SGP5 maybe considered small but collectively they contribute to achieving the intended impact.
There is need to put balance between natural sciences and the social sciences in biodiversity conservation. Climate change resiliency must be integrated in all aspects of biodiversity conversation.
Balance between Economic and Environmental Interests
Popularizing biodiversity conservation may not only focus on the inherint environmental and social benefits but should also make efforts in raising the understanding of the economic benefits and consequences of environmental conservation. Global and national data provides the compelling reason. Globally, the economic value of benefits people get from biodiversity is at least $24 trillion worth per year, which is around 30 percent more than the value of the US economy.
In the Philippines, people are highly dependent on biodiversity but it has not been fully calculated. Based from a compilation of existing valuation studies in the Philippines, the estimated value of ecosystem services is approximately $44M annually.
Biodiversity Friendly Enterprises (BDFEs) is a cutting edge approach that is important in community development and the protection of ancestral domains. BDFEs is integrated in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022.
ENIPAS
The successful passage of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (ENIPAS) under Republic Act No. 11038 is attributed to the strong advocacy and excellent work of the indigenous peoples (IPs) and civil society, specifically SGP5. It is seen to open new partnerships and opportunities among concerned stakeholders.
ENIPAS aims to empower local communities and ensure the protection of the rights of IPs in light of sustainable management of ancestral domains. Moreover, other policies such as the Indigenous Community Conservation Areas (ICCAs) and the National Land Use Act compliment with ENIPAS specially in building local government’s capacity to plan and implement conservation programs.
Politics and Good Governance
Good governance and the right political culture is key in enacting policies and implementing efforts supportive of biodiversity conservation and protection of ancestral domain rights.
10 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION STATUS AND TRENDS
Session Chair:
Ms. Corazon De Jesus Coordinator for Small Grants Program for ASEAN Heritage Parks ASEAN Center for Biodiversity
The session focused on the current status of the biodiversity in the country and in the ASEAN region.
Ms. De Jesus shared about the efforts being undertaken by the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) specifically in terms of conserving and protecting the core zones. ACB provides livelihood assistance to the communities surrounding protected areas. In the country, there are ten (10) heritage parks which are classified as Protected Areas. These include Mount Makiling, Mount Apo, and others parks that are mostly found in Mindanao.
Currently, ACB is providing program assistance to Myanmar, Indonesia and Vietnam. ACB is negotiating for the inclusion of the Philippines in the next project phase. ACB’s Small Grants is funded by a German-based facility known as Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) or “Credit Institute for Reconstruction”.
Presenters:
Dr. Christine V. Casal, PhD Environmental Scientist
Dr. Casal presented relevant data on coastal biodiversity threats, risks and impacts to humanity. Seventy percent of the world is water and 30 to 50 percent of oxygen people breathe is generated by ecosystems in the sea. More than 50 percent of the carbon emitted by humanity is absorbed by the sea. Meanwhile, over 50 percent of the world’s population reside within 200 kilometers from coastlines indicating that more than 10 percent of the population depends on fisheries.
The country is considered the center of marine biodiversity. It has the third largest reef area in the world1 with plenty of hard corals. However, less than one percent of the remaining reefs are in excellent condition. Based
1 5th NR of the Philippines
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 11 from the 2014 data, only five percent of municipal waters have MPAs which is a clear violation of the provisions of the Fisheries Code of 1998. Moreover,the 2011 Fishery National Report (FNR) reflected that only 28 MPAs are being managed by the LGUs. Meanwhile, mangrove coverage increased from 2003 to 2013.
Sixty percent of communities are dependent on the health of the coastal–marine environment. Given the archipelagic nature of the country, changes in the Philippines’ marine biodiversity have affected 78 percent of the 81 provinces of the Philippines, and 15 percent of cities and municipalities indicating that threats to the biodiversity have immediate impact to the coastal biodiversity. Furthermore, this data strengthens relevance of the ASEAN Outlook 2 made by ACB which highlighted the need to consider habitat change, over-exploitation, pollution, ineffective governance, and climate change.
Dr. Casal also shared that there are five (5) out of 20 themes in the AICHI that are relevant to coastal biodiversity, namely Theme 6: Sustainable exploitation; Theme 7: Biodiversity-friendly fisheries; Theme 10: endangered ecosystems; Theme 11: Protected areas, at least 10 percent of which was conserved effectively, equitably managed, ecologically representative, and well connected (MPAs & MPANs); and Theme 12: Extinction of threatened species. The status of AICHI targets in 2010 shows the Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO) from 196 country (Figure 1).
Efforts relating to sustainable fisheries which is regarded as “sustainable and managed harvest” were also shared. However based from the status of AICHI targets, both the GBO and ABO metrics indicate that current efforts are falling short to hit the target (see figure 1).
Fig 1.
Another graph was presented wherein the stars symbolize the level of confidence of their targets on the particular reading, and by using the above GBO & ABO rating as shown in Figure 2.
12 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Fig 2.
These efforts include regulations, temporary closure, bans on juvenile fishery, national planning actions for conservation of at risk species, and the study being done by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on the removal of the 15 kilometers restriction on the subdivision of municipal water boundaries in light of expanding fishery grounds for commercial fishers. Since the implementation of the law, there has been a 20 to 22 percent reduction in the catch. Thus, DA Secretary Piñol recommended for its review.
Aquaculture is proposed as an alternative to open sea fishing in light of depleting ocean resources. However, precautionary approach to aquaculture is important ensuring sustainability. Species of tilapia are found in Manila Bay which might have come from nearby aquaculture facilities. The introduction of these species could affect the livelihood and ecosystems in the coastal waters of Manila Bay.
Coral reef cover both at the global and regional level is declining suggesting the need to minimize anthropogenic pressures. It also shows a continuation of destructive practices, increasing population of coastal communities, and other factors that do not contribute to conservation. This condition is also true at the country level where less than one percent of the coral cover is in excellent condition. In line with this, several projects such as regulations of destructive fishing, establishment of marine sanctuaries and protected areas, and implementation of ENIPAS are being pursued.
With regard to protected areas, at least 10 percent of coastal and marine reserves failed to reach the global target. Areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystems services were not met. Protected areas as ecological representative also failed to keep the mark on track. Meanwhile, protected areas that were effectively and equitably managed, well protected, and integrated with wider landscapes and seascapes were globally reflected in the scorecard. At the regional level, the country is rated as “having mostly achieved the target” while other countries exceeded the 20 percent target. The ratings suggest that more efforts are needed to manage PAs effectively and equitably.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 13 In the Cabral paper of 2015, the data below was shown:
Fig 3.
Data also shows that on a global scale, addressing the issue on extinction is not being achieved. At the regional level, protection and conservation measures have been undertaken but generally not every country is putting enough effort. According to the fishing food web, high value species are rare while low value species are much more common but quantitatively declining. Efforts in establishing MPAs and advocating responsible governance through core management initiatives, EIC campaigns, and local initiatives are being undertaken.
Moving forward, there are many things that are yet to be addressed but there are various initiatives and support are being done as well. Among these include making available biodiversity information from the websites of different agencies. Opportunities for biodiversity partnership are also accessible online. The SMART Sea Protect tool website provides status of species being monitored and listings of species in marine and aquatic resources conservation sites. Specifically, these sites that are closely monitored include Southern Palawan, Lanuza Bay, Verde Island Passage, Tanon Strait, and Davao Gulf. There are also tools available for assessing management of selected fishery resources such as the fish ruler which can be used in determining if the species is juvenile, mature, and sustainably available for catch in fishing communities. Through the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI), a CTI mapping tool was developed to provide information on projects, partners, and opportunities for collaboration and other information to avoid duplication and redundancy of efforts, maximize available resources and leverage on the comparative advantage of each stakeholder.
14 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Ms. Lisa Marie Paguntalan Executive Director Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI)
Executive Director Paguntalan highlighted that biodiversity is not only about species as it also pertains to ecosystems such as wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, sea grasses, caves, and forests. She suggested the need to look into the classifications and types of plant and animal species found in the Philippine environment. She shared that by doing so one will find that there are species which are endemic in other parts of the country and not found in other areas. She cited that the Philippine Eagle while known to have originated in Davao is also found in Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. The Platymantis, a small type of Philippine frog whose life cycle does not pass through the tadpole stage, is found in many parts of the country except in Palawan. Similarly, the different specie of the bleeding heart pigeon is also available in Mindoro, Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Panay, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Basilan except in Palawan.
During 1970s and 1980s, there was only one known type of deer in the Philippines until studies revealed the existence of other deer species in Negros-Panay, Calamianes and Palawan. Tamaraws which can be found in Mindoro are also found in Cebu. Tarsiers which are known in Bohol are also be found in Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Basilan, and the Siargao-Dinagat group of islands. The Philippine cockatoo which are mostly in Palawan are also found in the Tawi-Tawi group of islands. Meanwhile, there are also species that are only unique in some areas in the country such as Palawan, Tawi-tawi and Calamianes. A type of pig found in Borneo, peacock species and talking myna are only found in Palawan. While, the brown dove can only be found in the forest areas of Tawi- Tawi island. The flat headed frog which is the most primitive frog in the world and the largest type of frog in the Philippines is only found in Northern part of Palawan and Calamianes group of islands.
This makes the Philippines unique except for Palawan. Palawan is not biologically though politically part of the Philippines. But, the origin of the plants and animals does not come from the rest of the Philippines. What we have in the country is only found here and not anywhere else in the world. It is only found in the aforementioned group of islands. Many of these endemic species found in the Philippines, except for Palawan, are restricted in other groups of islands or are single island endemics.
The different animal species contribute to the progation of plants and trees. Bats are the primary pollinators of durian and banana. Flowers or fruits near trunks are pollinated by mammals since birds prefer fruits or flowers hanging from branches. Without these natural pollinators, people need to be hired to do manual pollination in order to sustain the fruit business.
Biodiversity does not hinder economic growth but there are activities promoting economic development that needs to be looked at in terms of their impact on biodiversity. Biodiversity also ensures food security. Availability of various food is only possible if there are mangroves, sea grasses coral reefs and other rich ecosystems. Damaged agricultural lands affect the production of rice which is a staple food among Filipinos.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 15 Water is a valuable resource. It is important to note that the preservation of water sources requires the preservation of forest areas. Forest also provide habitat for most of the species of animals, plants, and other organisms. Forest restoration does not only involve planting of trees but it is bringing back biodiversity in all the different forest layers.
The Philippines has more than 700 types of birds, and more than 50 percent of the species can only be seen in the Philippines. The country has extensively promoted bird watching activities across 35 ecotourism sites, 24 of which are also designated as protected areas. These created jobs and provided income. Crocodiles are perceived as predator but they are helpful in increasing fish productivity. Biodiversity does not hinder but rather sustains economic growth.
Discussions on managing biodiversity is often associated with political jurisdictions. For instance, the MIMAROPA region has four major separate biodiversity geographic regions, namely: Palawan, Calamianes, Romblon and Mindoro. Each region has its own sets of requirements but is only under one political jurisdiction. Officially, the country has 7,641 islands making it a biodiversity hotspot.
The SGP, governments, partner organizations, and the communities in the local conservation project areas and initiatives are pushing for the protection of habitats while ensuring people’s livelihood and the conservation of species. New discoveries in the field of Philippine biodiversity are continuing. Sixty percent of country’s wildlife species are located in Local Conservation Protected Areas which are being managed by people’s organizations and local governments. In Tayabas, the CENRO designed their synchronized citizen’s environment monitoring systems in order to help volunteers appreciate habitats, support common goals, and learn from relevant experiences. Clearly, the messages call for greater support to the biodiversity conservation initiatives by not putting wildlife at more risk, pushing endemic wildlife to extinction, harm watershed and forest areas, and risk people’s livelihood.
Ms. Amparo Ampil Chief, Food, Agriculture, and Fishery Policy Division Department of Agriculture
The DA’s initiative is focused primarily on agricultural biodiversity specifically dealing on the variety and variability of animals, plants, and microorganisms including crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries that are important for food and agriculture. It encompasses the diversity of genetic resources (varieties, breeds) and species used for food, fodder, fibre, fuel, and pharmaceuticals. It also includes the diversity of non-harvested species that support production (soil micro-organisms, predators, pollinators), and those in the wider environment that support agro-ecosystems (agricultural, pastoral, forest and aquatic), as well as the diversity of the agro-ecosystems.
16 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Internally, the Department is working towards strengthening its planning, programming and budgetting organizations, and agro-biodiversity agencies, which include PRS, PMS, BAR, Climate Change Office, and all technical bureaus. Improvements of policy frameworks are also being undertaken and convergence with DENR on joint policies, programs, and proposals for submission to the Biological Diversity subcommittee.
Under the Biodiversity Partnership Project, the DA and DENR have formulated a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) entitled “Mainstreaming Biodiversity-Friendly Agriculture Practices In and Around Protected Areas and Promoting the Same in Wider Agricultural Landscapes”. The JAO is anchored on the Sustainable Development (SD) Framework and Goals. It aims to sustain biodiversity-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices within the multiple use zones and buffer zones of terrestrial and aquatic Protected Areas (PAs), including existing cultivated areas in production zones of Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) areas.
Biodiversity-friendly Agricultural Practices refer to practices that use traditional and modern technologies, and agriculture, fishery, agro-forestry, and multi-cropping management techniques to contribute to the maintenance of ecosystem resilience; pr otect biodiversity reserves and sanctuaries, including agriculture- important species, habitat networks and biological corridors; facilitate regeneration of natural habitat; protect watersheds and wild habitats against conversion to other uses; using low-input or less environmentally damaging systems that reduce soil erosion and water run-off; and adopt the principles of sustainable livestock and poultry production, and use of water and fishery resources.
Other local and international policies that contribute to agriculture biodiversity include:
• International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in 2006; • Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) in 2006; • Treaty on “Providing for the Collection, Characterization, Conservation, Protection and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and Providing Funds Therefore” in 2009; • Water Resource Act; • Nagoya Protocol on Access, Benefit Sharing, & Genetic Resources; • Protocols for “In Situ Conservation of Traditional Varieties of Crops”
As a member of the FAO commission on GRFA, DA is involved in the technical working groups (TWG) on plant, animal, forest, aquatic, and associated biodiversity. Reports in the TWG revealed that current threats to plant species include habitat loss and destruction, biological, chemical, and environmental pollution, displacement of indigenous crop species and varieties by modern varieties, natural disasters, biotic stresses, delayed development of in situ conservation knowledge systems of indigenous crop species and indigenous varieties, and subsequent lack of inclusion into mainstream production systems. Increase in population, climate change, changing consumer demands and patterns (acceptance of organically grown/produced food products), appreciation of native food animals both by policy makers and consumers, access to information and technology on animal GR, and improvement of animal health status in the country (FMD-free, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI-free) were identified as key trends and driving forces affecting Animal GR Management . Almost similar factors were found to have impacts on aquaculture. More specifically, factors include increasing human
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 17 population which also results to increasing demands for fish, increasing competition for resources especially in fresh water, changing consumer behaviors, climate change and the capacity of government and private industries in managing these resources,. Proposed measures to address these include a) strict implementation of fisheries laws in the municipal and national levels; b) reinforced implementation of rules and regulations on Good Aquaculture Practice and/or Responsible Aquaculture; c) conduct of research on the improvement of farmed aquatic genetic resources to mitigate adverse impacts on aquatic genetic resources, especially for those farmed species that are collected from the wild and then cultured; d) establishment/rehabilitation of brood stock development facilities and breeding/hatchery facilities to provide quality brood stocks and seed stocks; brood stock development of farmed species to support adequate supply of fingerlings/juveniles for aquaculture; e) strengthened coordination and partnerships with concerned agencies and private entities for sustainable aquaculture; f) strengthened access to information on fish genetic diversity, environmental integrity, and aquaculture practices; g) establishment of marine protected areas to recover stock from the wild, and implementation of regulatory measures and proper management for resource conservation; h) conservation of fish genes for future use; and, i) revival of native species for sustainable fisheries.
Open Forum
During the open forum, participants raised questions regarding the processing of the EO and JAO. It was shared that ongoing works are being done to push for both although the process is taking time. Consultations at various levels have been conducted but more work needs to be done to address agency mandate concerns and expedite the processing, involve wider stakeholders in the consultations, and finalize the implementation arrangements. Each agency has its respective focus and structure. DA aims increase in agricultural productivity while DENR is focused on biodiversity conservation. The policy promotes biodiversity-friendly agriculture, hence, the involvement of DA in the implementation. Given this, appropriate implementation arrangements taking into considerations the local structure of both agencies are also being studied in the finalization of the policy.
Further questions were raised with regard to the need for including wild species aside from commercially viable animals and crops in light of the Wildlife Act. DA responded that wildlife conservation is not fully captured in the NIPAS but the Department see it as important and should be considered.
18 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SOME BEST PRACTICES IN SGP5 LANDSCAPE AND SEASCAPE WORK
Chair:
Mr. Oliver Agoncillo Executive Director Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE)
Speakers:
Ms. Teresita Acosta Executive Director Friends of the Environment for Development and Sustainability
Mr. Gregorio Sarmiento, Executive Director Eastern Visayas Partnership for Rural Development (EVPRD)
Mr. Reynante Ramilo Programme Contributor Community Centered Conservation (C3) – Philippines
Mr. Michael Olave Sabang Sea Ferry Multi-purpose Cooperative (SSFMPC)
Reactors:
Ms. Maria Lourdes Padilla Senior Lecturer College of Social Work and Community Development Univresity of the Philippines-Diliman
Mr. Errol Gatumbato President Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI)
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 19 Mr. Jerome Ignacio Assistant Director for Development Foundation for a Sustainable Society (FSSI)
The plenary session highlighted the best practices achieved by various SGP5 grantees in modeling community- based biodiversity management in various ecosystems such as in Palawan, Samar Island and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.
Connecting local government units (LGUs) through local conservation areas (LCA) Networking: The Mts. Palali-Mamparang Landscape in Nueva Vizcaya
Three different components in the management model was adopted and implemented, namely, institutional development, physical development and socio-economic development. Partnerships were established with various stakeholders at different levels including with LGUs at the barangay, municipal and provincial levels; and national government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as with peoples’ organizations (POs) and civil society organizations (CSOs).
The accomplishments include the following: The enactment of Provincial Ordinance No. 2017-138 declaring 26,116.57 hectares of the Palali-Mamparang Mountain Range (PMMR); the formulation and approval of the PMMR Management Plan; the implementation of management plan through the support of SG-5 which includes species management; and the establishment of the Bantay Kalikasan Team for forest protection.
Connecting NIPAS Sites: The Ridge-to-Reef Production Landscape and Seascape of Northern Samar
The biodiversity-rich province in Samar Island hosts two (2) major National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) sites including the country’s second largest natural park covering 333,330 hectares of lowland evergreen rainforest, and the Biri-LaRoSa Seascape consisting of islands and coastal towns covering 33,000 hectares of various ecosystems such as seagrass and mangroves.
Three (3) CSOs are implementing projects in upland and lowland agriculture landscape through biodiversity enhancing technology such as establishing check dams (bamboo); intercropping in abaca production with cassava, agroforestry in open areas; and rice-duck production. Its forest areas are models of social fencing through organized abaca and rattan production and marketing which create and strengthen the buffer zones. Projects in the seascape include the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) and beach forests, mangrove reforestation, mud crab fattening, and seaweeds production.
20 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Conservation and Ecotourism in a Small Island Ecosystem: The Calamanianes Landscape and Seascape
The Calawit Island in Busuanga, Palawan is part of the ancestral domain of the Tagbanwas. With Palawan regarded as the dugong’s final stronghold in the Philippines, Calawit Island is seen to be the most promising place for its feeding and nesting grounds. It can ensure the species’ survival which is threatened by fishing and aquaculture (e.g., the dugong getting trapped in nets and seaweed farms) and disturbances caused by boats and human interaction which affects the dugong’s reproductive system.
The Community Managed Dugong Watching Tourism was established with the support of SGP5. Dugong watching started as early as 1997 as private tourism ventures. The project has accomplished the following: the formulation of the Manual of Operations and Procedures; the organization and capacity building and training of 35 Calawit Bantay Dugong teams; the development of the Research and Adaptive Management Strategy; and a Resolution declaring eight core zones as a Dugong Conservation Area (DCA) covering 617.36 hectares.
Current practices are still considered unsustainable as disturbances from tourism are still high due to the following limitations and concerns: the lack of English proficiency hinders the proper explanation of Dugong Watching to the general public; the lack of communication skills of the Bantay Dugong teams; the absence or weak compliance of tourists and tour operators to the Guidelines and Protocols of Dugong Watching Tourism; and the low entrance fee of PHP 300.00 as research shows that tourists are willing to pay an average of Php 7,000 for one to three dives.
Social Fencing to Support Conservation in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Recognizing the importance of community organizing and in instilling a sense of collective responsibility to protect, social fencing was institutionalized to support the conservation and protection of this globally renowned national park. From 14 POs and indigenous people’s organizations (IPOs), the SURUGEDIN People’s Consortium and Council now has 24 member-organizations.
The three-pronged strategies involve building of small social fencing areas by engaging POs and IPOs; strengthening these fences by establishing local foundations through strong collaboration with Barangay Councils and cooperation with other community stakeholders; and implementing the buffer to buffer approach of interconnecting the different interrelated ecosystems within the area.
Various barangays have successfully achieved the following through social fencing: the development of monitored seagrass areas; the patrolling of the bay to lessen, if not eliminate, compressor fishing and other forms of illegal fishing; teaching fisherfolks not to anchor on corals but on sand; the setting up of a nursery for almaciga trees as existing trees are already over-tapped; production of fiberglass-hulled tourist transport boats; expansion and systematization of mangrove tour; organic farming; the securing of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) that will give the legal basis for ancestral lands and consequently, earn through
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 21 sustainable use of its resources; and the establishment of MPA and its development as a Community-based Sustainable Tourism Sites (CBSTs). Constructing the fence ironically deconstructs the exclusive fences built by apathy and distrust.
Summary of Common and Specific Challenges and Opportunities of the Projects
Speakers Views Reactors’ Views
1. There is noticeable difficulty in getting the 1. Communities are, indeed, the key to successful population’s support and in mobilizing conservation as seen by the shared experiences stakeholders and leaders of the community (Acosta of the four (4) projects. There are two (2) factors and Olave); for instance, in obtaining approval though that also need to be considered: (1) project and endorsements from communities and LGUs time frame to see how respective projects can be on the declaration of PMMR as Conservation Area replicated; and (2) budget counterpart of the LGU (Acosta); and in resolving problems arising from – to encourage other local governments that even conflicts among IPs, Diwans (non-IPs), between small counterparts can contribute to achieving IP’s and Diwans, and between communities and impacts (Padilla). management (Olave).
2. There is lack of cooperation and coordination 2. There are different models of governance and among stakeholders. Institutionalizing partnerships forms of livelihood with different production among stakeholders especially between the levels. This include abaca and rice, private model private sector (CSOs, NGOs, POs and IPOs’) and of conserving,biodiversity-friendly agriculture, government (NGAs and LGUs) encourages the and coastal conservation through MPAs (fish sharing, maximization and synergy of limited sanctuary and mangroves). These should result to resources (Acosta, Sarmiento). It is important improvement in the quality of life which can be to invest in time and effort to create long-term indicated by increase in household incomes, among relationship for environmental protection that others (Gatumbato). would transcend beyond a single transaction and project implementation period (Acosta). Collaboration enhances holistic understanding among stakeholders (Sarmiento).
3. Sustaining presence and visibility of representatives 3. Access to these stories shared in the conference of government agencies gives a feeling of security should not be limited to the donors and partners among communities that there are agencies as they are already converts . There should be ways which respond to their needs, issues, and concerns and venues to disseminate these stories and spread related to environment and natural resources. the advocacy to a broader audience as it is hard to Hence, regular fieldwork and community visits find good write-ups on experiences such as those conducted by PENRO and MENRO is important shared in the conference. (Padilla). to gather and quickly address these concerns and establish assurance. The quick response of DENR on forest violation reports also indicates that efforts in protecting forests and its resources are not futile (Acosta). Forging partnerships with LGUs and NGAs is a key mechanism for institutionalizing and mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in development planning and implementation, especially within LGUs (Sarmiento).
22 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Common and Specific Challenges and Opportunities of the Projects (cont.)
Speakers Views Reactors’ Views
4. Incentives such as livelihoods, addressing basic 4. These are good models for study. The sense of needs such as food and shelter, and the delivery ownership by people and LGUs is one strong of public services are needed to create an impact point of the project. Ownership is an important and encourage the cooperation and participation consideration for sustainability of project gains of communities, especially at the grassroots (Padilla). level. This contributes to food security as well (Acosta, Ramilo). Livelihood opportunities and benefits must be equitable and impact must be felt by all beneficiaries and members of POs (Acosta). Ecotourism provides additional income to community members but there should be transparency in the allocation of income, social services and conservation efforts (Ramilo).
5. Initiating and sustaining capacity building, skills 5. The people factor, or people investment is evident enhancement and research are important (Acosta, for Palali-Mamparang Landscape and Northern Ramilo). Farmer to farmer transfer of learning Samar (Ignacio). was found to be an effective strategy for capacity building among POs as it creates a more relaxed atmosphere (Acosta). Continuous research and monitoring for sound planning and decision- making complements traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) (Ramilo).
6. External funding is needed for continuity and 6. In the Mts. Palali-Mamparang Landscape in Nueva upscaling of initial gains in production landscape/ Vizcaya, Local Conservation Area (LCA) has been seascape for biodiversity conservation (Olave, established, declared and managed with clear Sarmiento). There should be an SGP-7 to support delineation of responsibilities of each agency which the up-scaling of projects started by SGP5. This is is good especially for its sustainability. However, to achieve economies of scale and create an impact, there should also be a core unit within the provincial and strengthen the capacities of local CSOs to be LGU and a clear process on how the provincial more effective conduit and link of LGUs to poor and leadership and management will evolve towards vulnerable communities (Sarmiento). A facilitating developing the municipal LGU. The largest coverage factor that propels a project to succeed is funding area declared as LCA can potentially be developed from the LGU and PO Federation as implementer of as a protected area later. A business plan can evolve these activities (Olave). from the 26 hectares of terrestrial forest which has been in place using the local governance as policy mechanism (Gatumbato).
Nueva Vizcaya has been known for timber cutting in the past. The question is – was the project in Nueva Vizcaya able to address the risks, stop or reduce the timber cutting in the forest areas. It would be good to mention this in the presentation to see how the project is able to address these major issues affecting biodiversity in the area (Padilla).
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 23 Summary of Common and Specific Challenges and Opportunities of the Projects (cont.)
Speakers Views Reactors’ Views
7. Focusing of development efforts 7. The project in Northern Samar showed a paradigm of going beyond in only a specific area and in one one’s territorial boundary of the ecosystem. The message for network ecosystem will not sustain biodiversity members was to go beyond each one’s ecosystem at the local level conservation efforts (Sarmiento). and be more cognizant of the broader ecosystem for the landscapes Beyond the Dugong Watch, the and seascapes in Samar (Ignacio). diversification of Ecotourism activities and options in Calamianes is beneficial It is also important to include concerns for donor continuity in terms of (Ramilo). lessons learned, because the people were able to learn from earlier phase of implementation and were able to sustain the projects (Padilla).
8. The Dugong Watch is a species-focused kind of conservation in a single island endemic species. It can be developed as a conservation model. Developing a species conservation plan would include mapping of the habitat types of dugong. Eventually, each site may be declared as a Dugong Conservation Model and a network of dugong conservation models in the Calamanianes Group of Islands can be formed. There is a need to compare the methods employed by different areas that have been engaged in similar efforts, i.e. the butanding models in Donsol and Cebu (Padilla).
The Dugong Watch in Calamianes is a classic example where the objectives for profit conflict with and even outweigh the aim to conserve and protect the planet, a common experience in many ecotourism sites when an increase in the number of visitors, and an increase in income that goes with it, leads to the deterioration and sometimes, destruction, of the once-beautiful ecotourism sites. The resolve to protect the environment must be strengthened (Ignacio).
9. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is the first co- managed protected area in the Philippines. The establishment of a buffer, social fencing outside of the declared protected area, is good. It is important to assess the value of Puerto Princesa as a Ramsar Site in the Philippines, for example, for bird watching as another ecotourism project. Based on the presentation, there are many POs involved. Given this, there is a need to conduct a study that will investigate the implications of this in terms of sustainability of the project (Gatumbato).
The simple approach adopted in Puerto Princesa is to empower and strengthen people’s organizations, allow them to discuss things among themselves and be the ones responsible in managing the Underground River and the ecosystems around it and integrate the objectives of protecting the environment and providing for human welfare. However, some details were not clearly stated. There was the assumption that all concerned community members were getting benefits from the social fence that was established; otherwise, it would be difficult to unite the different communities with the objective of protecting the environment (Ignacio).
24 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Open Forum
Several questions were raised about the Dugong Watch Project, specifically if it went through the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPCI) process, if a Certification Precondition (CP) was granted, and what is the role the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) in the project.
In response, it was explained that the project implementor, C3 was not required to get the FPIC by Calawit since it was the community that approached it to help establish their programs for coastal management. However, there was a disagreement with regard to such explanation as well as the submission of a CP.
On the presence of IPs in the project site in the Palali-Mamparang Landscape, it was informed that there are “migrant IPs” in the area but there is no ancestral domain within the project site. However, there are plans to reach out to connected barangays within the Sierra Madre ecosystems in light of the threats caused by mining. There were many Timber Logging Agreements issued in Nueva Vizcaya which resulted to the decrease of natural forests.
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges Opportunities Projects/Examples
Community indifference; Incentives through livelihood and Biodiversity friendly agriculture poverty and lack of livelihood other benefits such as rice-duck farming; opportunities ecotourism
Human intrusion, extraction of Social fencing Buffer zone in the subterranean resources river
Enhancement and/or establishment NIPAS sites and local conservation of protected areas areas; formulation and implementation of management plans
Strike a healthy balance between Information and awareness profit and planet campaigns, capacity building
Lack of coordination Strengthen collaboration among Institutionalization of partnerships and between CSO’s, PO’s, LGU’s through formal agreements NGA’s based on reciprocity of and making civils society and responsibilities and benefits, and community players part of mutual accountability LGU programs in biodiversity conservation
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 25 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Challenges Opportunities Projects/Examples
Lack of government support Higher visibility and presence of Strict and visible implementation of local and national government environmental laws and ordinances
Funding constraints Tap funding from government and SGP-7 will help sustain many of the private donor agencies here and ongoing projects abroad
26 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 WORKING TOGETHER: ROLE OF THE SITE HUBS AND LESSONS LEARNED
Chair:
Ms. Grace Tena Programme Analyst Inclusive and Sustainable Development United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Speakers:
Mr. John Vincent Castro Consultant Tanggol Kalikasan (TK)
Mr. Pablo Paet Jr. Networking Officer Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)
Atty. Robert Chan Executive Director Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI)
Mr. Julio Galvez Tan Managing Trustee Center for Empowerment and Resource Development, Inc. (CERD)
Introduction
The session examined the role played by SGP5 site hubs in bringing grantees together to achieve synergies. The four site hubs are Lower Sierra Madres, Upper Sierra Madre, Palawan and Samar Island.
The Session Chair provided a brief history of the site hubs. The hubs were not part of the original SGP5 plan. However, in the course of SGP5 implementation, it was realized that pulling groups to work together
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 27 could synergize capacities and build on the strengths of civil society organizations involved. There was the potential to “building family.” The site hubs could be leaders in analysis, a big brother or sister, model, mentor, adviser, guide, consolidator of data and knowledge. They could assist the Country Programme Management Unit (CPMU) and facilitate communication.
The following were the discussion points: (1) What have been accomplished by the site hubs? (2) What have been the challenges in managing a hub? (3) What have been the lessons learned in managing a hub? (4) Is this something worthy to continue in the next phase of SGP? (5) What are your recommendations to make it more effective? (6) How will you sustain the hub after SGP?
The Lower Sierra Madre (Castro)
The Sierra Madre Mountain Range is the longest mountain range in the Philippines with 1.4 million hectares of forest. It represents 40 percent of the country’s forest cover and is considered as the largest remaining tract of old-growth tropical rainforest in the country. It is included in the 221 global key sites for biodiversity conservation. It hosts 10 important bird areas and 68 protected areas. The high diversity of flora and fauna makes it an important biological corridor. Its forests are home to hundreds of wildlife species, many of which are endemic to the Philippines, including the Philippine Eagle and Golden Crowned Flying Fox.
The site hub area covers approximately two-thirds, or about 560,000 hectares, of the whole Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It covers six central and southern provinces: Aurora, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, and, Bulacan.
The serious threats to Sierra Madre are human encroachment, associated illegal logging, mining, the conversion of forests for agriculture, burning/wildfires, unsustainable agricultural practices, and, migration. Development is also a threat. There are road constructions passing through forested areas, construction of dams, eco-tourism projects, and retirement villages. Economic projects such as the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority pose additional threats. All these directly affect CADT (Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title) areas of indigenous peoples. The threats have resulted in forest loss, degraded watersheds, loss of biodiversity, and siltation and sedimentation of the rivers and ecosystems at the rivers’ mouth such as estuaries, reefs, mangroves, and wetlands.
Between February 2016 and December 2017, the project goal was for communities in the lower Sierra Madre to continuously manage, conserve and protect, and enjoy the ecological services and economic benefits of biodiversity through community initiatives to synergistically contribute to the enhancement, protection, conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity in Lower Sierra Madre. These entail CSOs to collectively, actively and effectively engage government and other stakeholders towards sustainable development; to have capabilities to develop, implement, evaluate, and derive lessons from projects that enhance, protect, and conserve biodiversity; and to implement the Establishment and Strengthening of Institutes of Environmental Governance (IEG) Project.
28 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 In terms of stakeholders’ engagement, partnerships were established among and between NGOs, POs and LGUs; specifically, the following have been achieved: partners and CSOs database, landscape profiling of Aurora province, Information and Education and Communication (IEC) needs assessment and materials, annual site- wide/hub conferences and partnership agreements with Bulacan and Nakar.
In terms of capacity building, the following were accomplished: development of internet-based exchange platforms, mentoring of partners in proposal writing, participation in trainers’ training and SGP partners’ training.
Institutes of Environmental Governance (IEGs) were established in Bulacan State University, Southern Luzon State University, Central Luzon State University, Aurora State College of Technology, and Quirino State University as the strategic response to the ever-increasing demand for training and capacity building needs of local governments. The institutional training framework includes basic ecological concepts, applicable management models, relevant environmental policies/laws, basic enforcement skills, and integrated area specific action planning.
The hub brought together several groups: Tani Kalikasan, Inc. in implementing a community-based alternative livelihood in Southern Sierra Madre in Quezon by providing a community-driven sustainable agro-enterprise project; Daluhay in undergoing a synergistic and ecocentric capacitation of Sierra Madre’s indigenous and artisanal communities; the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance in holding a capacity-building and reforestation project with partner indigenous peoples organizations to secure the biodiversity of the ancestral domain of the Dumagat –Remontado tribe; the Earth Day Network Philippines implemented the roselle plant project, making tea and other products; the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF) implemented the Bioregional Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation on the Benham Rise Seamount in the Pacific Area; the University of the Philippine Los Banos Foundation implemented organic farming as a sustainable approach to biodiversity conservation in ecologically vulnerable areas in Tanay, Rizal; and the Siningbayan Mga Awit ng Magdaragat: Ethnoecological Coastal Resource Management Stewardship explored the links of culture and traditions to biodiversity conservation and stewardship. Songs were made and recorded in coastal communities.
There are still many challenges but there is strength in numbers.
The Upper Sierra Madre (Paet)
The Sierra Madre ranges covers nine (9) provinces with the hub for the upper Sierra Madre covering work in the four provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and, Nueva Vizcaya. The mountain range supports 63 percent and 28 percent of the known endemics in Luzon faunal region and the country, respectively. It is estimated that there are 3,500 species of which 58 percent are endemic to the Sierra Madre and 3 percent are threatened species. It is major watershed and a provider of critical environmental services. In upper Sierra Madre (Region 2), there are eight watershed areas that support the major economy of the region which is agriculture. Forests, caves, waterfalls, rivers and varied species of flora and fauna make the hub an ideal place for ecotourism. Abundant water resources supply agriculture and domestic needs.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 29 The major challenge is environment degradation and biodiversity loss primarily due to anthropogenic activities. The local population sees the mountain range as primarily a source of food. Thus, the focus of the grantees’ projects are (1) Biodiversity conservation, watershed management, wetlands/lake conservation; (2) Improvement of forestland management through acquisition of land tenure instrument (i.e. co-management agreement); (3) Declaration of Local Conservation Area (LCA) and community/village watersheds; (4) Strengthening the management of Indigenous Community Conservation Area (ICCA); (5) Development of biodiversity-friendly enterprises (BDFEs) and livelihood development; (6) Promotion of sustainable agriculture, organic farming and establishment of learning sites; and (7) Building capacities: development of farmer trainers/pool of trainers.
The Community Forestry Foundation, Inc. (CFFQI), Friends of the Environment for Development and Sustainability, Inc. (FRENDS), Gabriela Masipag Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Kalahan Educational Foundation, Inc. (KEF), Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. (MERF), Sitio Maguli Marginal Farmers Producers Cooperative (SMMFPC), Sustainable Environment for Rural Development Association (SERD), Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance (SSMNA), Malasi Lake Producers Cooperative (MLPC), Philippine Permaculture Association, and the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) are the 10 grantees.
The PRRM coordinates national activities of other grantees (i.e. monitoring, evaluation, audit, conferences). It participates in conferences of other hubs and national SGP5 activities. The conferences and training work towards collaboration and building synergies. The hub provides support to SGP5 grantees and their partners through training and active participation in grantee’s activities. It leads in the planning and conduct of hub activities (e.g., hub conferences, training roll-outs). The hub does advocacy and promotion of best practices of SGP5 grantees. The hub slogan is “I care for Sierra Madre”. Trust building is key. The hub needs to be a recognized leader in the area capable of expanding its influence through solid track record, networks, presence and visibility, cross-cutting work and expertise. It can strengthen existing collaborations and complement the needs of other grantees. Given limited funding and primary focus on biodiversity conservation, there is a need to mobilize resources so the hub can ensure long term sustainability of projects. This is aside from grantee-initiated resource mobilization.
Samar Island Biodiversity Hub and Learning Project (Tan)
Communities in Samar Island are resilient and are continuously managing, conserving and protecting, and enjoying the ecological services and economic benefits of the biodiversity therein. With the Center for Empowerment and Resource Development (CERD) at the helm, the hub set out to foster community initiatives that synergistically contribute to the enhancement, protection, conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity in Samar Island.
Specific objectives were as follows: (1) For CSOs to collectively, actively and effectively engage government and other stakeholders towards sustainable development; (2) Capacitate CSOs to develop, implement, evaluate and derive lessons from projects that enhance, protect and conserve biodiversity; and, (3) Promote the Community- Based Coastal Resource Management of Mondragon, Northern Samar as a model for good project governance and implementation.
30 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The role of the hub was to promote biodiversity conservation among CSOs, LGUs and other stakeholders; facilitate the learning process among SGP5 Grantees; develop partnership platforms with Local Governments and other entities to scale-up and/or sustain biodiversity conservation; and, assist FPE in monitoring of grantees.
With six (6) grantees—CERD, the Eastern Visayas Partnership for Rural Development, Inc. (EVPRD), Nortehanon Access Center (NAC), Pasay Kinis and Bangus Producers Association (PAKIBA), Lakas at Pagkakaisa ng Asosasyon sa San Pedro (LAPAS), Northern Samar Environmental Protector, Inc. / University of Eastern Philippines (NSEP- UEP), Sentro ha Pagpauswag ha Panginabuhi, Inc (SPPI), and the Samar Center for Rural Education and Development, Inc. (SACRED) – the hub formed the Samar Island NGO-PO Network and formulated the NGO-PO Biodiversity Agenda and Action Plan 2017-2022.
It engaged LGUs in the Ridge-to-Reef approach with the municipality of Mondragon signing an MOU with EVPRD, NAC, CERD and SGP5 to promote biodiversity conservation. It formulated the Local Climate Change Action Plan, and a Ridge-to-Reef proposal for the People Survival Fund together with the local government unit.
SGP5 grantees are within a particular landscape or seascape area. The Landscape Approach provided the framework for NGOs and POs to complement each other’s work and together promote biodiversity conservation to the local government and other development agencies. These include the Birilarosa Protected Landscape and Seascape with two NGOs and two Pos; and the Municipality of Mondragon and Lope de Vega with two upland NGOs, a low-land agriculture NGO and a community-based coastal resources management NGO.
There must always be trust building, especially among NGOs and POs that are part of the Samar Island NGO-PO net. Civil society organizations were fragmented. Relationship among NGOs were civil but oftentimes critical of each other that had to be transformed into a constructive engagement.
The experience of CSOs in Samar Island, especially successful advocacies -- total logging ban (1989, 2004), proclamation of the Samar Island Natural Park (2003), and large-scale mining ban by Provincial Governments (Eastern Samar) – provided grounding to move forward.
The partnership between and among SGP5, FPE and Samar Island SGP5 grantees, including the hub, was fostered, nurtured and sustained. Adequate resources were provided by SGP5, personnel committed to projects and programs, the Country Programme Management Unit (CPMU) staff gave timely inputs and advisories, and FPE provided timely insights to the hub regarding grantees’ capabilities.
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change policies and funding can complement and sustain biodiversity conservation initiatives. When the operations and resources of local government units were made transparent for the hub to review and analyze, it was discovered that of the five percent budget earmarked for Disaster Risk Reduction (DDR), 70 percent was not used.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 31 LGUs provided venues for CSOs to promote biodiversity conservation and involved the hub in DRRM and Local Climate Change Action Planning and implementation. The hub also worked with the provincial planning teams on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).
In the program design, it is important to include resource persons that are able to provide knowledge and insights to sustainable development work. Academicians of CSOs provided additional capacities to SGP5 grantees to address biodiversity conservation issues. A researcher who focuses on social capital building and financial inclusion of poor farmers and fishers regular shared data and findings to key leaders of Northern Samar grantees and at the same time willingly coached and mentored some CSO leaders.
The CSO hub leaders recognized the lessons from its past experiences in biodiversity conservation and applied these to organize and consolidate the hub as an NGO-PO network. The lessons are: Trust building, nurturing and sustaining partnerships; continually tapping skilled and experienced persons to coach and mentor NGOs and Pos; and tapping government resources especially from local governments and government programs.
Furthermore, the SGP5/CPMU provided the CSOs a framework, the Landscape Approach, to engage LGUs to know the status of biodiversity and related issues in each municipality. Together, the LGU and NGOs-POs were able appreciate and recognize each other capabilities to address sustainable development issues.
Hubs are necessary for SGP5 to reach out to more partners on the ground even as grantees push for more biodiversity conservation initiatives. Unified communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) materials on biodiversity conservation will increase awareness and appreciation of biodiversity conservation. Hubs need to be institutionalized within SGP to sustain and maximize the meaningful participation and collaboration of partners and the advocacy of good practices for adoption and replication. Hubs need to also provide technical assistance to PO grantees to fill in knowledge gaps and deficiencies. The monitoring and evaluation system was unfortunately not finished.
Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI) (Chan)
Palawan is full of wonders but is marred by illegal activities such as illegal logging, illegal mining, and illegal fishing. This is illustrated in the pictures of the Museum PASYAR of confiscated chainsaws and axes, and citizens’ arrests of the illegal loggers and traders in wildlife like pangolins and myna birds. The museum is dedicated to PNNI’ s community para-enforcers.
The hub has to maximize the impact of the works of NGOs and POs to thwart illegal activities and gain the upper hand in protecting the biodiversity of Palawan. The hubs enumerated the common problems which include mining, illegal logging, unsustainable agricultural practices, wildlife trading, siltation of rivers and waterways, land conversion and encroachment of protected areas. These can be summarized as either anthropogenic activities or human encroachment.
32 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The common principles are the need to capacitate individual CSOs in a particular hub through training and effective educational materials; strengthen partnerships among government and private players; and consolidate knowledge, resources and actions to make full use of limited funding and resources, maximize impact in communities both in terms of biodiversity conservation and socio-economic benefits of residents, and unify and synergize plans of action and road maps.
Atty. Chan said that, “The problem is not poverty but pride. We need to speak less and do more. We need to pray.”
Open Forum
The life of the Sierra Madre impacts the lives of all. People must realize that despite the importance of livelihood, right processes and procedures to strike the balance of conservation and pecuniary needs must be observed.
Legal action against illegal activities must be intensified, people are too coy to mount this challenge. People who exploit natural resources are people in power who use media to protect their interests. This raises the question, “Is there a media block against biodiversity conservation?”
Education, vigilance and strengthening partnerships are key to success. There is also the need to involve the academe for research.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 33 POPULARIZING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Chair:
Ms. Faith Bacon Program Head Lopez Group Foundation, Inc.
Presentations
Mr. Roby Alampay Vice President, TV5 Editor-In-Chief, Interaction
Alampay shared his experiences as a young reporter years ago wherein he wrote a feature article on forest biodiversity in Bicol National Park, and he discovered the reason behind the invitation to fly aboard a helicopter from Manila to Bicol. This particular assignment showed him four (4) relevant areas of concern: (1) there is no infinite space and time; (2) the need to put yourself on the other side; (3) the need to know how to get the story out there; and (4) how do get people interested in this story.
Reporters and media practitioners know that there is limited space in newspapers, limited air time on television and radio, and limited space even in digital and social media. There are no hard and fast rules nor best practice to follow. Limited space and time is a reality for both reporters and editors, and there are several stories fighting for that limited allocation with preference for stories that catch the attention of the different publics. Reporters are usually asked to do, at least, two stories a day. This quota system for having to come up with interesting stories remains to be most intimidating to this day. In any situation, journalists have the power as gatekeepers. And a reporter’s power lies on knowing the story. A reporter will find it hard to resists someone who has a good story to tell. People should understand that a reporter must be on the other side as well by listening to the story.
Bribery from interested groups remains a challenge since people want to get media attention. Bribery is not necessarily limited to money. Access is a more powerful incentive. If you want media to pay attention, you
34 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 must actively engage with them. You call them, you email them and actively get in touch with them. It is a symbiotic relationship between you (the source) and media.
“Bribe” the media with the prospect of a good story, with the promise that they will talk to real people; with exclusivity; with stories or insights outside the usual press conferences, power point presentations and media releases; and with the promise of whatever beyond what is expected. Thinking of extraordinary stories or out of the box scenarios hook one because there is need to write a story that would make a difference and change the world. Keeping this in mind would create access to the hearts and minds of the media because you have given them access to your stories.
Ms. Yasmin Arquiza Senior Manager for Communications R.A.R.E. Philippines
Coming from the perspective of both as editor-reporter and an NGO person pitching to media, Arquiza stressed the importance of always referring back to the communication strategy, which oftentimes have been forgotten by NGOs. The three (3) elements to look into are as follows:
1. Audience: Identify the particular sector in the public to be reached whether donors/funding agencies or policymakers in order to influence or advocate policies. It is essential to have a specific target audience in mind. 2. Expected Outcomes: Determine what the NGOs really wants to happen with their materials and the set objective to be achieved. 3. Key Messages: Specify the message. Avoid the tendency to use general or motherhood statements.
These are the areas of concerns to take into consideration in communication in terms of content development:
1. Press Release Focus primarily on the agenda, what has been achieved or the outcome of the event for the lead story. Void a press release that reads like the minutes of the meeting-- how many attended, who attended, where it happened. 2. Feature Stories: These are lenghty and unique articles like making a profile of a particular project and showing what makes it interesting and newsworthy. NGOs must be aware of the interesting stories they have. Mass media is Manila-centric. There are plenty of stories in the provinces that do not make to the national media simply because it was not written. 3. Photos: These are oftentimes ignored or taken for granted. For example, there are a lot of phorographs on bidodiversity that can be utilized in capturing and conveying the intended message. Materials from photo exhibits, for example, can be shared with the media. 4. Short Videos: Videos are currently very popular. A one-minute interview on video can be useful. 5. Opinion Pieces: This can be explored for an NGO to share their views on certain issues. Rappler, for example, encourages this from the public.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 35 Arquiza also offered some tips on writing, for instance, how to pitch in a story. She suggested to try avoiding jargons in the media material such as technical terms. She suggested to use simple terminologies and common names instead of scientific names. Avoid the use of more than three syllables, use shorter words.
She added that press releases must be kept to one page, having three to five short paragraphs, with a contact person, contact number and address below the text. A press release can also be a feature story. A feature story is preferably 500 words. She also highlighted the need to attach photos in the stories. Photos that try to tell a story or action.
She shared the following recommendations in terms of media engagement:
1. Press releases should be dissemintaed to media within a day to a week after the event. It should be given to the newsroom as urgently as possible;
2. Feature stories would be helpful if you know the media outfit schedule. Good news often comes out on Sundays. Local stories from the regional or local networks should be in by Wednesday in time for the weekend news;
3. Make the story interesting to the media. This may be in the form of site visits, onsite actions, adventurous events or documentary materials; and
4. Strategically select the media outlets. Do not limit the target to national media and explore other options like community page websites and regional and community media agencies including local/community radio stations. These are best for local-based or site-based advocacies.
As for media strategies, she reminded participants of the following:
1. Having its own website is vital for an NGO to establish identity and build credibility. It should provide information on the organization, programs and projects.
2. Setting up a blog is a good outlet for putting out personal narratives and experiences.
3. Digital contents is the effective presentation of visuals like a photo gallery, short videos (30 seconds to one minute), graphics and memes.
Social Media Strategies include (1) a Facebook (FB) page which is a good outlet for sharing to a wider community; (2) Instagram (IG) is used for unique photos; (3) Twitter is an instrument for advocacy, to issue statements on certain issues; and (4) Hashtags # is best for joining the conversations about a particular topic.
She also encouraged the use of local language whenever possible. The vernacular language or dialect is the best means to communicate with the target audience of a specific geographic area to effectively convey messages and promote advocacies. The use of the vernacular should be considered in all information materials.
36 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Ms. Shaira Panela Independent Science Reporter
Panela discussed biodiversity conservation vis-à-vis millennials (classified as those born from 1993 to present) who are active in social media. According to the research of the Digital Report Research Center (DRRC), Facebook usage of Filipinos as of 2017 averages 3.5 hours a day, with internet usage at 9.5 hours a day. This is second highest worldwide next to Thailand. Given the slow internet in most parts of the Philippines, this translate to a significant amount of time devoted online and Facebook. Apparently, the use of Facebook has surpassed porn viewing in the Philippines. This is mainly because Facebook is provided free by cell phone network providers but only texts and status updates can been seen in free Facebook data.
She shared that the trends online are:
1. Viral Stories. Filipinos in general are very emotional and often engage in online video posts. Millennials are fond of liking and commenting on stories that touch the heart; e.g., animals being rescued. Millenials become more aware of biodiversity issues and programs if interesting stories about them are posted in facebook or online media. 2. Harness Online Facebook Groups. Reach out to the communities online. The thing about social media is that like-minded people tend to talk to each other. Social media is intended primarily to broaden the scope of communications but in reality, it is not happening because people tend to set-up cliques and talk among themselves. If opinions are contrary, they are ignored. 3. Facebook Live. Millennials can be influenced and educated on the protection and conservation of biodiversity, which everyone is in favor of, through the use of Facebook live. This can be in the form of short stories, thirty seconders to one minute Facebook or IG video stories. The information shared should be able to connect and interact with the audience through a Q&A segment. There are also stories that are being liked and followed. Reality shows, like Pinoy Big Brother, are the ones that started utilizing these online live stories. Visuals are more powerful in media. It is simply called “Show don’t tell”. 4. Use the Common Tongue. Millennials love catchy phrases and they love travelling. Tagging online can also be done with biodiversity conservation and protection initiatives. Programs and projects done in the sites on biodiversity should be tagged because it is shown in online pages ones clicked or searched. 5. Stories Using Tagged Location. Locations are used to show, follow and update a particular story, whether with regards to culture, community of IPs, species, ecosystems and other issues on biodiversity. 6. Know Your Audience. Together with the visuals, NGOs should know their particular audience on a given issue. Millennials online are fond of “hugot lines” which explains the use of “hugot” posts to attract or encourage millennials to follow or be involved. Create an idea that would connect to the interest or catch the attention of millennials. This then will help them be educated and eventually engaged in deeper dialogues and actually involved in biodiversity conservation and environment protection.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 37 The prime movers of the zero waste against the use of plastic were the millennials. By observing the abovementioned, the cause of biodiversity conservation and environmental among millennials is advocated; thus, creating a broader movement for action.
Open Forum
Bert Peterson addressed his question to all the panelists. He narrated that they lost the campaign against the Ilagan-Divilacan Road because nobody in media was interested even if there were many angles to the story. The road was already there and there was a possibility that whatever story media would bring out might be killed. Free plane rides were even offered to media so journalists could see for themselves the road but nobody went there. Despite the many infrastructure projects being built in the area of Sierra Madre, nobody wrote about these developments. There were good stories which were never picked up by the media. Corporations can have their stories covered because of their financial resources. NGOs cannot match these resources and people in the area are also afraid.
Alampay was curious on how the story was pitched - if it was tagged, how, and to whom was it pitched. He admitted that he did not know the story about this in Iligan. It was his first time to hear about this and expressed his interest. He shared that sometimes the situation is really frustrating. Limited time and space is a main factor for why some stories are not captured. He added that we are always constantly asking, what is wrong with our media. He explained that the principles of story telling are still valid. Competition is not only by providing access but essentially, the story that really starts with you.
Arquiza stressed citizen journalism which some of the people in the provinces are practicing. She emphasized that the people do not wait for the media to write their stories. Instead they are writing these themselves and putting them in social media and blogs. Sometimes, these are picked up by media especially when the story goes viral. Probably, there are photos, video or write ups showing what were going on and in Sierra Madre, like the roads and destruction of forest which can be posted in social media. Eventually, it will be picked up by the mainstream media.
Panela asked Peterson if he was familiar with the koala that was viral a few years ago due to a forest fire in Australia. There was a photo of a koala with the bird that went online and it was even covered by National Geographic. The powerful image captivated audiences from different areas and generations. Mainstream media are based in Manila which is already saturated with stories from politics, macro economics, among others. He suggested for them to start with the community media, though it is difficult because it is more dangerous for them but the main stakeholders are within community. He encouraged to write the story in their own website. Then probably media, like Rappler, will be interested.
Alampay presumed that the story was being pitched. The editor-in-chief will not be able to see 90 percent of stories pitched; at least two editors may have gone through it. It is important to understand the structure beyond the newsroom. It is helpful to know the various editors, aside from the news editor, there are managing editor or editor-in-chief. It was suggested that they look for their audience whom they want to pitch the story along with the appropriate media persons and outfit. For online presence, hiring a young person or millennial to take charge of your social media is suggested. It is hard to teach older people new technology.
38 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Fr. Pete Montallana cited the reality that media outlets are owned by oligarchs. There are cases where NGOs had no shortcoming in reaching out to the media. But there are powerful forces who control and determine what would be published or not. He shared that he rallied together with Bishop Labayen against mining but it never came out in the Inquirer because the owner of Inquirer is closely related to the president of the chamber of mines. He asked how can small people be empowered to raise its advocacies in such kind of set-up? What transpired in that Ilagan-Divilacan road are all illegal and nobody wanted to stand up against it, especially people in Isabela. And, they are continuing the construction of the road from Divilacan going to Palanan which will destroy the remaining forest biodiversity in the Philippines.
Arquiza admitted that it is hard to fight head on against the oligarchs because of their business interests. Based on the story mentioned, the most powerful visual is the road being constructed. For example, images of mining in TawiTawi as well as the planned construction of a six (6) lane road in Puerto Princesa were posted in media and people have campaigned against these and prevented their implementation. In the case of the Ilagan- Divilacan road, once it is put in social media, people will have a chance to react to it.
Panela asked if they know popular media personalities that have environmental advocacies, like Kara David or Howie Severino; or from younger generations, and popular social media influencers. These are other ways of going around these things. Reaching these types of people would bring the issue directly to their followers. Tapping the likes of Vice Ganda or Kris Aquino who have big social media following will bring stories to the public though not necessarily in traditional news coverages. This digital influencers are the future of social media. In the Philippines, the most popular are health blogs, beauty blogs but the environmental movement is now picking up, especially nowadays that the Philippines is the third biggest country in the world in terms of plastic wastes. The country’s endemic animal species can also make it to the National Geographic.
Alampay stressed that the objectives of the conference can become advocacies. He suggested that as an NGO they should know their advocacy strategy and look into the communication perspective of a journalist. He reminded not to look at media as an advocate because they are not an ally. The professional journalist or media people would try to avoid advocaies during their professional hours. The commonality for the media and NGOs is the interest in educating the public in terms of telling the truth. He highlighted that this generation has already all the platforms in using the powerful media for their advocacies and these are not traditional media. However, he also reminded to be cautious with the content. If something goes wrong, the journalist and public will get burned and can lose its credibility. Because trust should come in both ways. Even if people think that oligarchs and business interest dictate their views on the media outlets they own, journalists or media people do not represent the business interests of the owners of media outlets. They are separate individuals. He suggested having a viable communication strategy if there is no way to go mainstream media. However, if there is a need to convince mainstream media, there should be constructive understanding of what that relationship is.
Ms Lisa Paguntalan suggested that for SGP7 phase, there should be an IEC component for the projects that will be funded. She added that there should capacity building on how to communicate the stories. There should be someone designated to write stories. Communication fails because people are preoccupied with doing all the reports. There is lack of technical capacity in communicating using social media. She explained that the hubs that were established can help in handling communications tasks.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 39 HEALTH WORK AT THE FOREFRONT OF SUSTAINABLE BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Facilitator:
Mr. Laurence Padilla Executive Director Palawan Center for Appropriate Rural Technology, Inc.
Presenter:
Dr. Susana Balingit Holistic Medical Practitioner
Presentation
From the recent SONA, the President mentioned bringing back the focus on Primary Health Care; however, there was no mention if traditional health care systems would be included. The lack of enough knowledge of medical practitioners on herbal and traditional medicines led to the demise of the initial Primary Health Care program.
The Philippines is claimed to be one of the most biodiverse in the world. However, the people have neglected to nurture the diversity of the country. Some Filipinos would always say that the country is poor while overlooking the abundance that the country has given the vast landscapes, forest reserves, oceans filled with sea resources, and agricultural lands.
The potentials of Filipino food, particularly the indigenous food resources and traditional diets, in health care are the least explored. Balingit explained that indigenous food provide a different kind of strength as compared to mainstream food. The Aetas have demonstrated this. They believe that “wherever we are, that is where God places our food.” Because of mainstream education, people have become unfamiliar with the essential indigenous knowledge.
40 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Dr. Balingit cited that 14,400 Filipinos die everyday because of complications from high sugar levels. This has been brought about by the prevalence of whitened rice that has been stripped off of its nutritional value, only leaving sugar in terms of content. They have worked with communities to bring back unpolished rice as this contains essential B-complex nutrients and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and cobalt, which not only melt fats and cholesterols within the veins but also prevent these from coming back.
The increased cases of diabetes and cancer have also been mainly contributed by the kind of food consumed. The change to mainstream diet has led to nutritional transitions which have ruined inherent diet protocols and causing many health problems, with Western practices and products constantly influencing many places in Asia, especially.
However, if people cannot appreciate the indigenous diet, particularly composed of grains, root crops, locally- grown vegetables and fruits. On the other hand, this also does not mean that if people change their diet to only eating vegetables they are automatically protecting the environment. An important consideration is where the food was sourced.
This also entails changing the mindset of Filipinos from being a consumer to responsible producers of their own food by preserving our unique ecosystem. It is important to create livelihood programs or community- based enterprises that showcase the benefits and abundance of our natural riches as this can lead to creating a different industry that provides for our needs and protects the environment at the same time. For instance, ancestral domains have been granted among IPs for their long-standing stewardship over their lands.
Community-based approaches link health work and biodiversity conservation, in terms of sustainable development. Balingit also suggested creating programs that develop understanding of natural wealth, such as palette education, by first introducing and familiarizing the different tastes around us. This is essential in determining promotion and marketing strategies. With communities at the forefront of the rediscovery of their own local resources, they are not only healing their environment, but they also contribute to the healing of Earth, as part of a larger living system.
Balingit’s protocol for diet is basically to eat unpolished rice and vegetables. She also described the benefits of different types of vegetables as such: sibol na gulay for lightening skin and relieving headaches; dahong gulay for a more defined nose point;bungang gulay for lifting the nose bridge; and root crops for strengthening or enlivening.
Open Forum
Balingit clarified that even if the life expectancy of Filipinos is said to be at 70 years old, it also does not necessarily equate to having a productive life. There is a need to see changes in order to address the concern of young people dying due to stroke even before reaching 50 years old.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 41 Ms. She Kayna Ramos from DALUHAY asked about what unpolished rice is and how it is harvested. Balingit explained that unpolished rice means that the grain of rice still has the bran even after being dehulled. When Masagana 99 came, it introduced high-yielding varieties of rice that goes through a machine, removing the hull and the bran. In contrast to traditional varieties, the bran is left with the grain, making it hard to get polished thoroughly. Ramos then clarified that it would mean that the machine-processed rice has a different bearing compared to rice that was binayo or manually done.
Mr. Raul de Leon of SACRED Inc. shared his concern on the high price of rice and unreliable availability of unpolished rice in the market. Balingit responded that it is also acceptable to consume only corn or potato. On the issue of affordability of rice, there is a need to draw attention to the organizational flow of rice processing as this maybe where the problem lies. Balingit mentioned that there are already some LGUs providing dehulling machines for their communities to have unpolished rice at an affordable price.
It was reiterated that any rice can be brown rice or unpolished rice because it all depends on the way rice is processed. Balingit emphasized that this is part of the education they want to promote for conservation.
Mr. Mark Raquino from DALUHAY requested for examples of cases of coastal resources, considering the number of cases of stunting and wasting in coastal communities. Balingit revealed that this is one aspect that has not yet been explored. While the country is rich in sea vegetable resources, there is lack in proper education on how to use these, therefore these resources are not maximized. Another concern she cited is the use of derogatory terms for own resources, e.g. pagkain ng baboy (food for the pigs). She emphasized the need to influence the mindset of the public.
Raquino also asked Balingit’s opinion on feeding programs. She responded that these are fine as long as these feeding programs make use of local resources, e.g. locally-grown vegetables sourced from the surrounding environment, and they include palette education for children and adults, in order to encourage eating vegetables.
Mr. Zander Bautista from SSMNA asked if there is a website they can refer to for the information that has been presented. Balingit explained that she cannot make her works public yet as her thrusts are not in line with the mainstream health care. For instance, instead of fortification or supplementation, she promotes whole food and vegetables; instead of importation, she promotes use of local resources. She also warned about online content saying unpolished rice is contaminated with arsenic and cyanide. She explained that if there is any contamination observed, this is due to inorganic farming. She added that all unpolished rice in the market in our country are organically grown.
42 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Concurrent Sessions
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 4343 SESSION I Elements of Protected Areas Management
Breakout Session Panelists
Facilitators:
Ms. Salve Narvadez SGP5 Project Coordinator Foundation for the Philippine Environment
Mr. Errol Gatumbato President Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI)
Presenters:
Mary Chris Nierves Program Development Officer Katala Foundation Inc.
Merlinda P. Calubaquib Area Manager Philioppine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)-Nueva Vizcaya
The SGP5 grantees discussed technologies and innovations they employed in the management of their community protected areas, particularly in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, and Upper Sierra Madre.
Guarding the Prison and Penal Farm: The Katala Experience
Puerto Princesa, Palawan is a stronghold of the critically endangered Philippine Cockatoo (Katala) (70 - 90% of its population; 640-1,120 individuals left in the wild), the third most important Katala population sanctuary. The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) is a 28,000 hectare institution managed by BOC and DOJ, and is home
44 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 to Katala and other endemic species. It is also an important water source in Palawan, not just for agriculture but for biodiversity preservation.
The Katala and other endemic species found in the penal farm need to be protected and conserved. However, the lack of guards to even monitor the inmates means that there is not enough of them available to help protect biodiversity in that area. To make up for the lack of manpower, inmates take some responsibility in protecting biodiversity in the penal farm, ex-poachers were converted to patrollers since their knowledge and experience make them more familiar with the practices of poachers.
The Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System, a data collection system and SMART Training, were implemented in the work with prisoners and surrounding communities in the penal farm. Through the Lawin System, they get live- feed tracking of the places in the critical habitat visited by the patrollers. UNDP provided smartphones, eliminating the need for physical maps. They were also able to map out the distribution of species in the area and threats observed by patrollers such as logging trails, snares and traps. The smart phones also enabled them to document indicator species’ distribution in IPPF, mark areas, as well as make general documentation. Communities are also involved in the patrols to let them feel relevant. Nesting areas, which are targeted by poachers, are identified and marked for easier monitoring and protection under the Warden Scheme/Nest Protection Scheme. Through these efforts, 26 wild Katala were documented in Puerto Princesa City, indicating that they still have food sources there, and the city’s forests are still pristine.
In order to promote heightened awareness through the Conservation Education (CE) Campaign, social marketing strategies were employed, hoping to affect behavior. But before any intervention, they gathered baseline data on the level of awareness and knowledge of the community and inmates. Notable results were as follows: (a) there is high level of knowledge on Katala but not on the importance of Palawan for its conservation; and (b) none to low knowledge on coastal forests, such that many are aware of the RA 9147 (Wildlife Act) but not its content and implications. Based on these results, they formulated their campaigns through school visits, radio programs, and Katala Festival celebration.
Elements and Tools of PA Management: Capacity Building Aspect
The organization’s main goal is to address problems in forest communities, particularly the use of agro-chemicals, unsustainable practices, and illegal logging. The project Organic Agri-Based Social Enterprise Development in Support of Biodiversity Conservation in Upper Sierra Madre used the model of Organic Diversified & Integrated Farming Systems (ODIFS). It has seven (7) components including livestock, gardening/ vegetable production, and fish/aquaculture among others. This model was envisioned to become learning centers on sustainable agriculture for PA communities.
Through ODIFS, they used model-building through resource sharing/ counterparting scheme; capacity building for farmers, hands-on skills training, knowledge sharing sessions and promotion of simplified record-keeping techniques; conduct of regular coaching, site monitoring and follow-up with farmers; advocacy activities. The selection of project sites and farmer demonstrators follow a collaborative process of consultation with partners, especially in the
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 45 development of selection criteria and validation of shortlisted candidates. Technology Demonstration engages BLGU, POs and selected farmer demonstrators, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for farmers’ training and provision of farm support. They also have training packages covering different topics through lectures, seminars, workshops and activities for hands-on skills trainings.
Through this project, they were able to train 35 farming households in seven (7) barangays, five (5) different municipalities, and three (3) different Provinces in upper Sierra Madre. A total of 420 farmers were trained on sustainable agriculture technologies, wherein 15 trained farmers are capable of being trainers and 10 farmers can conduct PGS inspection. Training on Biodiversity conservation, DRRM, sustainability agriculture and social enterprise development trainings and orientations were given to CSOs and POs. PGS Quirino was established, an organic producers’ group organized in seven (7) communities, as well as four (4) business plans were finalized as basis for production and market programming.
Participatory assessment and findings show that a total of Php 630,000 SGP project input was provided. Combined and total gross sales amounted to Php 378,485 to Php 680,692 in 2017 from the ODIFS demonstrators. Organic DIFS demonstrators are already accessing support from their respective MLGUs for sustainability of the project. Some Organic DIFS demonstrators are teaching sustainable agriculture technologies to other farmers and organic DIFS farms are slowly becoming learning sites for curious community members. As a result of the project, communities in barangay sites have transformed their backyard lots into sustainable and safe food sources.
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
IPPF PRRM
1. The Lawin System is a good threat monitoring tool but does 1. Added components to the Organic DIFS model not fulfill most of their needs and objectives thus, there is a packages specifically for women should have been need to revise the model for their purpose. To improve this, explored. they conducted other trainings (e.g. 2-day training for the Special Deputy on Environmental and Natural Resources) wherein they were able to deputize nine (9) participants, some of which are ex-poachers, BOC, and community members. They also provided smartphones (sponsored by UNDP) for data gathering using the system. Besides the Lawin system, they also have the Warden Scheme/Nest Protection Scheme and others.
2. Lack of commitment and prompt action from law 2. The O-DIFS will serve as learning sites for other enforcement agencies farmers interested to practice organic food production.
3. Community commitment needs a longer term of 3. The farmers acquired skill in organic production engagement can also be used to expand to other practitioners through farmer to farmer learning.
4. Threats towards the monitoring team i.e intimidation from 4. Integration with the community, and poachers and communities communicating at their level helped build trust among the PRRM workers and the people which in turn made project partnership easier.
46 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Speakers Views Reactors’ Views
5. The all out support of PRRM National Office greatly helped in the smooth implementation of the project. Senior officers provided guidance on how to operationalize the project properly.
6. Cooperation and continuing support of SGP5 grantees, sub- grantees, and their assisting organizations/agencies in major activities helped in mobilization
7. Support organizations should continue assisting community-based organizations for capacity building and resource accessing.
8. Exploration of other components to the Organic DIFS model packages specifically for women like ornamental plants and orchids propagation.
9. Promote more farmer to farmer learning exchanges not only in terms of farm tours but also in terms of skills training.
10. Add another level for the screening of Organic DIFS demonstrators to minimize the risks of selecting non- participative farmers.
When asked how the governance system works in their managed Protected Areas (PA), Katala Foundation acknowledged that the jurisdiction over the IPPF is quite complicated, citing that their proposed 16K-hectare critical habitat is located within the IPPF, which is already a PA by itself through the Presidential Proclamation. The Katala Foundation partnered with the IPPF considering the lack of guards to protect the covered low-land forest and the existing Katala population in the area. (Widmann)
In their current mechanism, the Foundation signed a MOA with IPPF, DENR, and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), while they also have another MOA with the surrounding barangays to engage the communities. They are also planning to invite the Puerto Princesa City Government to be included in the MOA. However, the issue is that the implementation of laws for reported threats get directed to the Katala Foundation since none of the partner agencies are willing to take charge. Thus, to safeguard against the threats, they tap the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command, including the Marines and the PNP, to provide them protection when they go into the forests as there are already encroachments in the IPPF low-land areas. Coupled with community participation, they perform their counterpart in the agreement to guard over the forests within the IPPF.
In general, the Katala Foundation works with different governing agencies and their respective laws, and admittedly, there is still a hard and long process ahead to achieve the proposed critical habitat status. It was also shared that they are already discussing with the DOJ regarding the formal sharing of roles within the Penal Farm.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 47 Considering the complicated governance mechanism in the Penal Farm, it was suggested that they may explore establishing a MOA or a joint memorandum circular with the DOJ and DENR declaring the area as a critical habitat, just as the Haribon Foundation practiced. (Gatumbato)
The indicators for success in conservation work cannot be achieved in just 2 – 3 years and such work needs sustainability, including the funding. For example, their work in Rasa Island in Narra, Palawan took them 20 years after to see results. (Widmann)
Given the lack of quick response from law enforcers, it was asked if the data obtained through the Lawin System are being provided to the DENR. (Soriano) It was affirmed that the data from the Lawin System, which was first implemented in Isabela and Katala Foundation was the first to implement in Palawan, are being provided to DENR. However, despite these information and evidences provided, the Department still lacks the corresponding actions. (Widmann)
PRRM was asked how they integrate forest conservation with their program on organic agriculture. (Vita) Through community education, together with the DENR, they provide the community members and POs with the knowledge on environmental laws to at least, capacitate them on the mechanisms of reporting observed destructive activities that affect biodiversity to the proper authorities. Another intervention is through their active involvement in the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB), wherein they contribute in implementing the board’s policies and programs. (Calubaquib)
PRRM’s role in the implementation of the ordinance for the declaration of the Palali-Mamparang Mountain Range (PMMR) as LCA included the facilitation of the stipulation in the ordinance for 5 percent of the agricultural production zone within PMMR low-land forest to be adopted for Organic DIFS. (Acosta).
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges Opportunities Projects/Examples
Lack of knowledge/awareness, Skills training; incentives • SMART Training community involvement and • Conservation Education Campaign commitment • ODIFS Training
Lack of support from LGUs, Coordination and written • MOA and/or MOU with LGUs, Government Agencies, and Law agreement between concerned Government Agencies, and Law Enforcement parties enforcement
Some inmates of IPPF were willing Inmates of the IPPF were trained and and already have knowledge of the utilized in patrolling and gathering of data Lack of manpower for monitoring practices of poachers or implementation of key project elements CSOs and POs willing to be Training on Biodiversity conservation, involved DRRM, sustainability agriculture and social enterprise development trainings and orientations were given to CSOs and POs.
48 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SESSION 2 Conserving Biodiversity in Production Landscapes and Seascapes
Chair:
Gregorio Sarmiento Executive Director Eastern Visayas Partnership for Rural Development (EVPRD)
Presenters:
Margarita Dela Cruz Executive Director Guiuan Development Foundation, Inc. (GDFI)
Eduardo Bolen Chairman Malililiit na Mangingisda ng Caramay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMCPC)
Melchor Manzano Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya
Roger Garinga Executive Director IDEAS
Reactors:
Atty. Jose Andres Canivel Jr. Dr. Christine Casal, PhD Executive Director Environmental Scientist Forest Foundation of the Philippines
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 49 The session focused on evaluating the establishment process of community-managed landscapes and seascapes, to build on its strengths and address its weakness.
Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation in Eastern Samar Landscape and Seascape (dela Cruz)
Biodiversity conservation initiatives of Lawaan Integrated Ecosystems Project in Eastern Samar included: Samar Island Nature Park (SINP), which is now covered in ENIPAS; A7 Marine Areas; Guiuan Marine Reserve Protected Landscape/Seascape; and Lawaan Integrated Ecosystems Conservation Project.
The Project conducted initiatives for the sustainability of biodiversity conservation efforts such as rehabilitation of portion of the Bolusao Watershed and forest reserve and SINP and tree planting efforts of different organizations. The SINP Co-Management Agreement was in its final stages, and just waiting to be signed by PAMB. The proponents also initiated Coastal Resource Management and Development, and have also started drafting forest use plan.
They had been part of the initiative for the creation of A7 for ICZM and drafting of Uniform Municipal Fisheries Ordinance of A7. They were instrumental in the making of the Municipal Ordinance banning introduction of invasive species in Lawaan River to address the issue when government agencies are concerned in enhancement which involves introduction of invasive species such as tilapias.
Non-destructive and biodiversity friendly livelihood were also introduced, such as (a) Lain Mangrove Ecotourism Park, (b) rainforestation farming, (c) Ube production, (d) wing shell fish production, and (e) bangus production.
The following were advocated for the conservation of Lawaan Integrated Ecosystems:
1. Rehabilitation of the entire core area through rainforestation and the buffer area through rainforestation farming; 2. Establishment of bio-fences to prevent further encroachment into the forest area; 3. Acquire tenurial instruments such as CBFMA, Protected Areas Community-Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA) to strengthen community/PO role in biodiversity conservation, and management of natural resources; 4. Institutionalize LGU support to the community monitoring teams; 5. Avoid total reliance on volunteers; 6. Incentives must be given by LGU for them to continue; 7. Approval of the SINP Co-management Agreement; 8. Conduct of regular knowledge sharing among MPA/PA managers and volunteers; 9. Approval of FLUP, and its inclusion in the CLUP of Lawaan; 10. Adoption/Passing of the uniform MFO by member municipalities of the A7 for ICZM; 11. Passing of the ordinance banning the introduction of exotic and invasive species, and harmful anthropogenic activities in the rivers in Lawaan; 12. Ecotourism Development (ridge-to-reef). Lawaan has waterfalls that can be developed for ecotourism;
50 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 13. Establishment of the critical habitat for Philippine cockatoo in Homonhon Island. There were sightings on this animal. Permanent habitat is essential; 14. Scaling up of the LIECP to cover the other A7 municipalities.
Establishing the Green Island Bay MPA Network: Strategies and Processes (Bolen)
This project focused on the creation of a network of barangays with established MPAs. The proponents employed different strategies including collaboration from national to local offices. Cooperation was sought from different organizations for logistics, technical assistance, and other relevant concerns. Discussions and deliberations were held through meetings and workshops, in connection with the amendment of the Fisheries Code.
Processes include the establishment of baselines and benchmarks data, community consultation and validation (workshops, meetings, dialogues) for planning and validation of data/info, as well as continuous IEC and advocacy, especially in the institutionalization of plans and policies focusing on enforcement, connectivity, and financial sustainability.
One of the significant outputs of the project is the establishment of the network which covered 10 barangays/ MPAs to its current coverage of 14 barangays/MPAs. There was one additional MPA that was still in the process of being established, covering four barangays in Poblacion, Roxas.
Mangrove planting was initiated in the project site covering a total of 50 hectares of mangroves that were destroyed in previous years. Trainings have been conducted, with 23 out of 29 passing the fishery warden exam, and eight (8) passed the forest guard exam.
Implementation of a project is possible even without funds. It is also essential to give importance to information dissemination. There is so much value in acquiring knowledge and skills in using MEAT and METT in assessing management of MPAs. MEAT is better for using individual MPAs, since its concept applies to the smaller details often found only in community-based MPAs.
Co-Managing the Forest & Forestlands of Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya (Manzano)
The municipality of Quezon is located in the watershed of Cagayan Valley. A common problem identified in this area was the practice of upland farming/kaingin, which caused drastic reduction of forest growth. However, further analysis of the problem identified several other causes that resulted to the degradation of watersheds and the overall impairment of the quality and quantity of our water supply.
To address the problems, the Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) was formulated, with technical assistance from EcoGov in 2005, and DENR/Friends of Envi in 2011. The implementation of the FLUP was done through MENRO which was created to spearhead it. Five percent of the development fund was allotted for environmental concerns of the forest land. A farm plan was developed for those given tenurial rights, and they must plant forest or natural fruit trees on at least 20 percent of the area awarded to them.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 51 An Integrated Resource Management Plan was made to improve the management of the watershed. There was a 366-vacuum on the issuance of IPRs. Those who were awarded are now seeking assistance to comply with the award condition, otherwise the award will be revoked.
The LGU gave incentives to Bantay Kalikasan from the five percent of the development fund. Ecotourism in Mabalyao Falls was managed by POs, and they managed the allotment from the collected fees.
There has been a drastic decrease, even as good as no report at all, of any additional migrants in the area, as well as of kaingin activities, as a result of the implementation of FLUP/com-management initiatives.
Conserving biodiversity in Malanut and Victoria Anepahan Mountain Rnges: Indigenous Food Plants (Garinga)
The presentation focused on indigenous food plants in Malanut and Victoria Anepahan Mountain Ranges, Southern Palawan. Victoria Anepahan Mountain Range had no active management system, while Malanut was the target of a large mining project.
The traditional food plants offered business enterprise opportunities to the locals. Communities presented their traditional way of preparing food as part of the on-site management conservation efforts. A list of indigenous food plants scattered in the area was put together. Product development was done, and it was discovered that there were more potential sources of income in addition to food sources.
Modern technology was utilized. Community mapping was complemented with GIS technology, and Geo Tagging was used for monitoring and planning. Community mapping using GIS applications was done to inform the people of food sources. Younger generations were involved to raise their appreciation in the indigenous food plants available in the community. The community, however, did not disclose knowledge to just anyone for fear of information theft.
Land use planning is important, and useful in defining zones where they operate. Food security is vital and there were also lessons learned in relation to the sustainability of the plan.
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
Project Challenges and Opportunities
Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation in Eastern There were several problems and concerns that led to the Samar Landscape and Seascape (dela Cruz) development of the project. There were issues on illegal logging, mangrove timber poaching, wildlife hunting and poaching, illegal wildlife trade, unsustainable fishery activities, effects of natural hazards, and lack of database for appropriate resource management. There were also ongoing security issues from armed groups such as NPAs and poachers.
52 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Project Challenges and Opportunities
The voluntary nature of the membership also created issues with monitoring—there was a need for continous training of new volunteers because some former volunteers left the municipality after being trained. Another challenge was the mere size of forest to rehabilitate. So far only 10 hectares have been rehabilitated. There was also a barangay in the area that needed to be contained to prevent further encroachment into the rehabilitated area.
There were also concerns regarding certain government programs that threaten biodiversity.
Establishing the Green Island Bay MPA Network: The availability of funds helped implement project Strategies and Processes (Bolen) activities and more activities can be done given these resources. In addition to this, there was strong coordination among concerned agencies. There was now a policy platform to facilitate implementation of the project.
However, most of the members had limited technical and logistical knowledge to activate the entire Green Island Bay MPA Network. The idea of having an MPA Network operating in the entire area was not yet fully understood by the different communities.
Open Forum
The four (4) presentations showed initiatives in environmental protection; the creation of maps; assessment; importance of links on the ecosystem; and understanding that there were many stakeholders in the success of their work. It is possible that the scope of SGP is short, but the effort itself is already very long. This is one of the keys in landscape level organization: looking forward taking into account the understanding/learning from the history. To advance the landscape efforts of a community, sustainable efforts and institutionalizing the same are important. There were three (3) enabling factors based on strengths and weaknesses: (1) broadening of mindsets in the links between the projects and landscape governance/ecosystem; (2) identifying partners and objectives; and (3) broadening the scope of work. Engaging new partners, while acknowledging previous and current partners coming from different organizations, is essential to attain the goals of the projects (Canivel).
Trust of the communities on the partnering agencies is important. It is important to gain the trust of the community and have them understand that the project is beneficial to them and the environment. Participants should involve
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 53 others, including non-members in the community. Technical assistance need not come from only one agency. Projects should really help the communities’ livelihood. The impact of biodiversity conservation should be felt by the communities in terms of their daily needs. For example, squatters are planting fast crops because of the threat of being driven away from the land. If they have rights on the land, they would plant trees that would not only give them source of food or livelihood, but also would hold the soil and prevent landslide. People will try to conserve or plant what they use. There is a need to be mindful of the characteristics of the species planted. If local corn is planted and the neighbor is planting Japanese corn, there would be a possibility of cross breeding. Social media could be used in advocating these projects. But in doing so, it is essential to be mindful of the timing of the posts (Casal).
54 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SESSION 3 Biodiversity-Based Livelihood: Boon or Bane?
Chair:
Bonar Laureto Executive Director Philippine Business for Environment (PBE)
Presenters:
Maybelle Camps Managing Director Multi-Hari Action Access Center, Northern Samar
Flora Leocadio Culion Foundation Inc. Calamianes Island, Palawan
Celestino Santander President Paddle Boat Tour Guide Association
Kerry Ellen Seale Project Officer Sentro Ha Pagpauswag Ha Panginabuhi, Inc (SPPI), Northern Samar
Conchita Diguinat President Bayanihan Egongot Women Farmers Association, Aurora Province
Reactors:
Voltaire Alferez Jovelyn Cleofe Executive Director Swiss Lenten Catholic Fund Community Crafts Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CCAP)
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 55 Introduction
The break-out session focused on examining the economic, social and environmental impacts of biodiversity- based livelihoods and how they may be managed.
The session looked into livelihood projects and their ability to help improve the quality of lives of the beneficiaries, and their impact in terms of conserving biodiversity and protecting ecosystems in the area. In essence, the session examined how biodiversity-friendly were the livelihood programs. The session served as a venue for learning models that can be adopted in the respective localities of the participants. Further, the session looked into needed improvements and challenges that need possible policy recommendations.
The case studies presented were from the following projects: (1) Multi-Hari Action Access Center, Northern Samar, (2) Culion Foundation Inc., Calamianes Island, Palawan, (3) Paddle Boat Tour Guide Association, (4) entro Ha Pagpauswag Ha Panginabuhi, Inc (SPPI), Northern Samar, and (5) Bayanihan Egongot Women Farmers Association, Aurora Province.
Note: The chair decided to change the format of the whole session to an open forum, instead of starting with powerpoint presentations, in a guided process to give more time for interaction among members of the panel and attendees.
Multi-Hari Action Access Center (Camps)
The project started on February 2016 and ended on 15 June 2017. It is an agriculture-based SGP5 funded project. The project is an integration of rice-duck raising rice production. The organization, having a membership of 22 persons, ended the practice of NGOs as project implementer in the pilot implementation. At the end of the project implementation, twelve (12) pilot farmers became advocates for the environment- friendly agricultural practices. They were trained as resource speakers for their fellow farmers. The academe made their technical studies and shared it to the public.
The organization has proven that the farmers can be environment friendly advocates without necessarily sacrificing their production. The use of inorganic fertilizer and chemical based farm inputs like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and the like was rejected. The birds, insects, predators and other species that are dependent and contributory to the preservation of ecosystem are destroyed by using chemical-based inputs in the rice farm. The chemical wastes also affect the water sources and river systems. But with new technology, these were addressed, and river-sea waste and pollution were prevented.
Rice-Duck Project: The organization’s contribution to the environment ecosystems is not to patronize, and to stop the use of chemical-based inputs in their agricultural lands that affect the rivers and coastal areas. This rice-duck project significantly contributes to the restoration of ecosystems. It is evident that there was reduction of insects and predators that infest the rice fields. And, in terms of livelihood, in six months’ time,
56 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 ducks in the rice fields were ready to lay eggs. These rice-ducks were the ones eating the golden snails, insects that infest the rice farms, and the cost for the farm inputs was eliminated as well. Thus, by the end of six (6) months, there was already egg and rice production. The project addressed the environment problem and provided food for the table of farmer households which were the main objectives.
The project, then, was developed into an enterprise. Thirty-five to 55 eggs production per farmer per day were sold through the enterprise center of the NGO and farmers earned money for their children’s allowances, fare, and household needs. These eggs were processed into salted eggs and marketed. The income generated from the sale was subdivided accordingly to the costs and mode of production cycle, processes and systems, from delivery of farmers, processing and marketing of women’s organization and the NGO. This was how the enterprise started. However, the stakeholders realized that it cannot keep up with the demand and there was need to further increase production. The eggs then that were hatched from the farms were brought to the center and placed in incubators. The ducklings were then dispersed to potential farmer-adopters. Production increase to 100 eggs per farmer per day. From 12 farmers, they were increased to 55 pilot farmers eventually became 150 farmers. The members were continuously increasing because they believed that the project provided income for their daily use while it obliged farmers not to use chemical inputs in their agricultural rice farms because it would cause death of the ducks.
Culion Foundation Inc. (Leocadio)
The project is about achieving economies of scale and looking into the value chain of the product through the biodiversity friendly enterprise. There are some contending concerns pertaining to biodiversity friendly, biodiversity-based, environmentally sound, community friendly, community-based or biodiversity oriented.
There is also a different conservation that is both biodiversity friendly and biodiversity-based to community- based and community-friendly. Since the project ended in March 2018 under the SGP, there was the intention to continue this BDFE initiative through the formulation of business plan made with the POs. Biodiversity-based involves utilizing primarily the resources based inside and/or within the biodiversity of the area. The BDFE made by the Foundation identified partner POs which are also the SGP partner-grantees in Calamianes together with SANDANA and C3.
Cashew production: The foundation has selected a BDFE through the consolidation of single production by using the economies of scale as a trader model, like community production of seaweed consolidators and cashew consolidators. An SGP partner-grantee in Calamianes has 14 POs project partners engaged in cashew production. They sell cashew seeds in the area to the trader and the community women were given Php 10,000 and trained as enterprise people to record, collect, and buy the cashew produce in the area wherein the gatherers and community folks went to sell their cashew produce. This experience in Calamianes was replicated in Culion central area which trained women in cashew processing. This is what supply value chain is all about. It started from the gatherers then to consolidators up to the stage of processors of roasted cashew, including the packaging. Unfortunately, this BDFE project was not sustained right after the ending of the SGP project.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 57 Seaweed Production: As for the seaweed farming in Bulwang, there were partnerships with MAO and LGU that led to the signing of MOA in providing planting materials, as well as assistance coming from BFAR for the project. Many projects were already introduced in the area including the Eco FISH project. Also, the people were already familiar with life changing projects endeavors. Thus, the foundation’s intervention was providing additional assistance by allotting trade funds and training the community PO partner. The PO provided counterparts in the form of warehousing, weighing scale, equipment, etc. And, a trader who is also a PO-member also joined the project. The operation continues and products have been sold thrice trice as consolidator-processor.
Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour Guide Association (SMPBTGA) (Santander)
The Mangrove Paddleboat Tour Guide Association Inc. was founded in the year 2000. It was jointly organized by the following partners: City Tourism Office (CTO); Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP); Conservation International (CI); Palawan Conservation Corps (PCC); Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI); Protected Area Management Board (PAMB); Brgy. Cabayugan Council; and local community tour guides. The association was duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 20 March 2002 and was renewed to its new name on 8 October 2014 as Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour Guide Association, Inc. Presently, the association has 19 members from 17 families.
The Sabang mangrove is 30 meters in height which is the tallest in the world followed by 22-meter-high one found in Florida, USA. The project started during the SGP4 wherein the influx of tourists increased. The association requested for four boats from SGP4 and three (3) from PSFI, seven (7) boats in total. Aside from the SGP4 project in 2003, the Association has continued protecting the mangroves and supported various proclamations in Sabang, including the wildlife protection in that particular ecosystem. The organization also ventured in some forest products at that time. The three (3) boats which came from the PPUR increased into 10 boats. They continued to increase along with the need to increase tour boats as well.
In 2017, the gross income of the organization was PhP 10,364, 917.00 and the individual member’s average monthly biodiversity conservation incentive reached to PhP 10,330.00. And, as of June 2018, it already reached the gross income generated last year. This was brought about by promotion done in various ways. The biodiversity conservation volunteers became very happy with the increasing number of visitors both local and international. And, the monthly incentives doubled as of 2018. There was a clear breakdown of income items and budgetary allotments. Sixty percent of the gross income goes to BDC incentives. Aside from the mangrove forest, it currently introduced additional project tour activity which is bird watching.
In 2014, the association received a certification of being wildlife-friendly given by the United Nation and the NCIP Certification Precondition. The Tagbanua IPs culture was protected, preserved, and promoted as well, along with the conservation and protection of biodiversity of the area, which was also the source of its income. There is a PPC ordinance on waste management and smoke free zone that was strictly enforced and implemented. Additional sewerage chambers were constructed to address human waste to avoid direct disposal to the seascapes of the area and probably, in the future, the collected waste can be transformed into organic fertilizer with the help of DOST.
58 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 As SGP5 partner-grantee, the Association has been transferred and distributed to the eight (8) POs that are not yet members. Six out of the eight (8) POs came from the IPs of Tagbanua and the remaining two (2) were mixed people (tribal and non-IP). These POs cannot have funds if the Association shall not avail the grant from SGP5.
The Association also has five (5) kayaks used for patrolling and regular monitoring as part of mangrove forest management and conservation programs. Through this activity, identification of the peak forest was also done which will be a potentially additional ecotourism site. Signages and billboards were installed to identify the borders. The association also installed a nursery intended for seedling dispersal to other communities surrounding the park where the association members are also helping in the tree planting activities. Coastal clean-up is also regularly done by the members and volunteers.
Sentro Ha Pagpauswag Ha Panginabuhi, Inc. (SPPI) (Seale)
The project covers eight (8) island municipalities—Biri, Capul, San Antonio, Mondragon, Law-ang, Pambuhan, and Apisamis—where various tourist spots are found. The association engaged in seaweed livelihood project because it has been the previous source of livelihood for the members from the area, with low investment and potentially high income. The farmer members do not need to have capital due to direct access to BFAR for sourcing of materials for seaweeds and boats. Seaweeds farming is environment-friendly as it does not use fertilizer and natural raw materials. Seaweeds have assured buyers and a market. Seaweeds are used for ice cream, burger, toothpaste, and even beauty products.
The Association established a nursery for farmers to buy seedlings at a cheaper price. Before, seedlings were sourced out at far places like Mindanao at higher costs. It has organized the POs into seaweeds producers and grower farmers, and have partnered with the scientists based at Eastern Philippines in providing technical support needs. The Association, as the provincial consolidator of seaweeds farm productions, set-up barangay buying stations that serves as barangay consolidators. Seaweeds are cash crops; they impose cash-on-delivery (COD), and transactions are on cash basis only.
Bayanihan Egongot Women Farmers Association (Diguinat)
In local dialect “Ilongot” means headhunter and “Egongot” means the men of the forest. Egongots maintain its culture, traits and native traditions.
The objective of the Egongot ethno-tourism project is to promote the Egongot’s culture, to transfer the knowledge and culture to the youth and next generations, to provide additional income to the Egongot people and to restorate the natural resources of its ancestral domain.
The Association organized a project management and monitoring mechanism to ensure its project operations. It established a nursery and native seedlings were taken from the forest mountain areas. These seedlings were then used in restoring the denuded forest and as protection from possible soil erosion of the mountains.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 59 Through the help of DALUHAY, the women farmers association was organized. It is currently working to generate funds. While the organization is undergoing training, the youth also conducted trainings and formulated a business plan. It also engages in the production of herbal medicine, malunggay, and lagundi, which are sold at a reasonable price.
The Egongots were trained on how to entertain tourists and manage the ethno-tourism project and the youth were trained to weave native Egongot outfits. This is to ensure that crafts and traditions will be transferred to the next Egongot generations.
There is also a mechanism formed in charge of the tribal village management, along with creation of organization committees to handle its respective ethno-tourism tasks. The women are in charge of welcoming and catering to the tourists while the youth are the ones staging cultural plays and native dancing shows as additional attraction for tourist. The male elders are the ones maintaining the nursery and seedling sourcing and production. There is also souvenir and product display.
Session Chair Laureto shared insights on the presentations. The case studies can be subdivided into three (3) modalities: (a) tourism-based BDFE was the mangrove and Egongot experience. This model is primarily dependent on the environment and using this as product services to cater to tourist which became a source of income of the community; (b) production-based BDFE is the seaweeds and rice-duck farming. It relies on producing a product in an environmentally sound way in order to generate income for the community. The key to this model is the steady market; and (c) access to market model which the cashew experience has presented. These enterprise models exhibit economic viability while ensuring that the benefits of accrued income will benefit both the community and the environment. The lesson for BDFEs is how to generate income and at the same time protect, preserve and conserve the ecosystems biodiversity of the environment.
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
Project Challenges and Opportunities
Multi-Hari Action Access Center (Camps) The project truly protects the environment and restores the lowland ecology. The farmers are being educated on environment issues and biodiversity conservation concerns. And, it is now evolving into a social enterprise.
Northern Samar’s experience shows that biodiversity friendly enterprise is not a bane but rather a blessing to be nurtured. From its two (2) years of existence, members are increasing and are coming from five (5) additional municipalities. Considering that there was no more funding from the outside, the enterprise is currently continuingly expanding along with the continuous farmers’ education on biodiversity conservation and conscious efforts in ensuring there is food on the table, and benefits of the livelihood and income from the social enterprise.
This experience shows that the farmers and local communities can be the best stewards of ecosystems and biodiversity of the Samar Islands’ environment.
60 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Project Challenges and Opportunities
Culion Foundation Inc. (Leocadio) These projects generated an economic impact because participants earned additional income compared to before wherein they owed debt and made cash advances from the traders. The local economy improved and money circulated among and within the area. There was also a social impact because people have gained the sense of pride in acquiring income out of the project and experiencing having money in their pockets, considering that Bulwang is very far from the heart of Busuanga and the fare was also expensive.
Although the project partnership from SGP has ended, NGOs continuously communicate and monitor the community POs project and endeavor. The POs would likewise make an update on the status of their projects, even consult or seek some advices. Before, they individually brought their products to Coron which was very expensive; thus, minimal income was left. Unlike their current state as consolidator, the buyers are the ones going to the center to buy their products in bulk.
The enterprise was also able to establish linkages with the market. Thus, the POs have already developed direct links as producers to the market through supplier-producer-manufacturer-processor enterprise arrangements. This is the essence of the value chain wherein the POs has leveled-up their enterprise as supplier directly dealing with the processors. The POs relationship with the traders was not jeopardized because the trader was also selling their products to the enterprise trading center as well, using the enterprise model developed in Calamianes.
Seaweed farming was the strongest source of livelihood in Calamianes. The Foundation with other NGOs looked into and studied whether seaweed farming was biodiversity-friendly or not. On the other hand, there was a deeper discussion made on the difficulties in demonstrating the link between economics and biodiversity conservation. Most of the NGOs primary focus was in providing services on livelihood, especially to POs. The framework should be not about giving an alternative livelihood, but instead about providing equivalent income sources that were comparable to illegal activities. There should be a concrete outcome of clear linkages of economics and biodiversity conservation.
In terms of impact in biodiversity, there was a debate with C3 pertaining to dugong watching and dugong protection. There was an incident that a dugong died when it entangled with the rope in the seaweed farm. The C3’s PO partner also happened to be CFI’s PO partner in the area. One of the scientists reported the incident to UNDP that the CFI had introduced a bad project that was not biodiversity-friendly. This brought everyone to talk and discuss the matter and arrived at a consensus to continue the dugong watching and protection along with the ecosystems biodiversity conservation.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 61 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Project Challenges and Opportunities
Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat There are current challenges confronted by the association which is the Tour Guide Association (SMPBTGA) tenurial instruments and access road going to the ecotourism sites. There are (Santander) also private owned lands that occupied mangrove areas bordering the river mangroves forest. The DENR’s intervention is reverting and declaring these private lands into mangrove conservation areas. Everything works through continues networking and partnership and the importance of savings as well.
Sentro Ha Pagpauswag Ha Prior to this project implementation, the farmer-members were engaged in, or Panginabuhi, Inc. (SPPI) (Seale) directly involved with illegal activities. At present, they are the ones policing their ranks and enforcing prohibition of illegal activities and conserving the water areas/seaweeds farms because seaweed farming is their primary source of income. They actively maintain the biodiversity through ensuring that natural methods were practiced in seaweeds farm production processes. Seaweeds production can be turned into income within a 45 to 60-day period. At present, they have 150 seaweeds farmers with average earnings of Php 15,000.00 per cropping.
Bayanihan Egongot Women Farmers The income is properly and equitably subdivided while allocating the needed Association (Diguinat) fund for the preservation and protection of the natural resources. Checkpoints and monitoring teams were also established. Through these, the Egongot might be able to promote the culture of the few remaining native Egongot tribal populations situated in the provinces of Nueva Viscaya, Quirino and Aurora.
There are various ways established for the marketing of the Egongot products. The local Egongot dialect is also taught to the youth to preserve and transfer to the next generations of Egongot tribe.
Reactor’s Views Considering that almost all of the BDFE livelihood model and practices are still in the incubation stage, it is important to think and study the implementation of the program. Business enterprises that were started will be remarkable in achieving its objectives if they do not endanger the lives of the people and the biodiversity resources, whether it is an animal or plant species (Alferez).
Critical in the establishment of livelihood projects is its trajectory that leads towards business enterprise development. Most of the NGOs livelihood practices are not sustainable. And, its sustainability has many fronts: (1) Market Sustainability: Enterprises must know where the product is leading. Otherwise, the projects end and the livelihood end as well; (2) Environmental Sustainability: It is the aspect that marks the need of the environment in their respective localities to avoid the destruction caused by various activities; and (3) Social Sustainability: Almost all of the projects of SGP5 were focused here. They also strongly consider the voices of the people on the ground. It is important that the people are part of decision making processes, at least in all levels. This is to ensure that the voice and power of the people, including the tasks were properly executed by the association. This shall be the foundation that will help towards the continuing enterprise livelihood project implementation (Alferez).
62 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Project Challenges and Opportunities
The presentation of the models has no explanations on measurable social and economic impact of biodiversity conservation. Linkages in social, economic and environment were discussed but as to how it clearly measures that impact were not clear. But, definitely there is impact that can be measured (Cleofe).
To emphasize in terms of fair trade is the concern on the valuation. Oftentimes, the experience in helping a community was not taking into account the small pieces of things performed by every member which were not valued. Therefore, it was not included in the price of the products produced by the community enterprise. There is a saying that “what we do not value is what we cannot protect.” It is important to record each and every stage of the entire processes because it has its equivalent value, and that value is how truly the people and the community values its environment. In the marketing perspective, on one hand, it has an impact because it can be utilized as price premium that will be added to the costs of production in arriving at the selling price of a product. The critical importance of the environment on the part of the consumer is to help in protecting, preserving, or conserving it (Alferez).
Evidently lacking among all of the models was the absence of policy support. Threat is always possible and inevitable in terms of policy. Policy support can further ensure and/ or address the sustainability and development of the BDFEs, including the government’s program implementation and budgetary allocation for these enterprise endeavors (Cleofe).
The rice-duck model is a good business modality of having two integrated businesses. The Culion enterprise clearly manifests the linkage of both biodiversity conservation and economics. Five case studies have introduced changes in values, lifestyle, and perspective, not only for the project implementers and beneficiaries, including the tourists and/ or clienteles. This somehow serves as vehicles in changing the mindsets, practices, and attitudes of the people and creates impact outside of the operational jurisdiction. The Egongot Model shows that earnings are not only from marketing, trading, selling of the products but from culture that can provide economic gains benefited from its culture or traditions. In all the models, the importance of partnership, and even making friends with business competitors was among the evident lessons. Some models are in the incubation stage while full blown business should properly and continuously be studied and managed because there are things to be done to scale-up the enterprise. (Cleofe)
The Community Crafts Association of the Philippines, Inc (CCAP) is an NGO providing help in 27 communities in developing their respective product design and the marketing of their products, domestic and international. And, the business standard practices are grounded on the fair trade. Through these practices, CCAP ensures to look into the following: (a) There is fair payment—payment transaction is critical in terms of transparency practices to ensure that the profit was directly given to its member-partners on the ground; and (b) the protection of the environment—the UNDP SGP5 aims to promote the BDFEs. Looking back on the discussion previously raised between biodiversity-friendly and biodiversity-based enterprise, CCAP falls in the category of a biodiversity-based. Biodiversity-based enterprise means that all of the raw materials used by a livelihood product for business are directly coming from the ecosystems wherein the community is situated. Biodiversity-friendly is highly considerate of its environment; it is more concerned with its effects to the other biodiversity elements from within the community and its surrounding areas (Alferez).
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 63 Open Forum
With regards to the process of rice-duck production, the project has branched out to other product lines. This include turmeric salted eggs as the primary product and moving towards an industry creation to produce powdered salted eggs in the future; ducklings because of incubators; and culling for duck meat after three (3) years, which is at present in the process of expansion to reach out to more farmers and increase in volume of hatching of ducklings (Camps).
On seaweed production, there is a module with boat as capital, with a capacity of 490 kilos per module, which will generate profit five (5) times the value of the module. It contains 10 percent dried and 90 percent fresh seaweeds. The projected income is Php13,000 per cropping season, with three (3) cropping seasons. The module is expected to last up to five (5) years. With regards to the valuation and adding the fish saved, seaweeds are advocated because there is no cash capital required. Zoning of the area can be added by determining the enterprise areas which can also contribute to the income of the LGUs. This is also being practiced in one of the project sites in the northern part of Palawan (Leocadio).
On the effects of ethno- and eco-tourism practices on tourists, tourists visiting the Egongot village were sometimes shocked, especially with the war dance. They are afraid of the bolo used in war dancing, but nevertheless enjoy seeing it because the Egongot culture and traditions are promoted (Diguinat).
Sabang’s source of income from 2017 to June 2019 were generated from entrance fees alone. It is hoped that by October 2019? the exhibit will generate another source aside from the entrance fee. The 10 years of protection activities for mangroves has an equivalent value amounting to Php 9,000 per month which is allocated for protection, preservation, and conservation of the environment in the area. At present, the estimated 1 million pesos spent for environmental protection for the past 10 years has already been recovered. One mangrove can support production of 1,800 fish species. The fishery potential of the 7,000 hectares of mangrove forest in the area is tremendously important in providing adequate source of fishery resources for domestic consumption and livelihood Valuation of mangroves protection is important to measure its impact on biodiversity conservation (Laureto).
Branding of products produced through the livelihood programs has not been fully undertaken yet although the product name and logo of the four (4) NGOs are reflected in the packaging. Dealers have tarpaulins which show the products and logos of the NGOs and partner organizations. Beyond branding, it is good that there is a set of criteria for BDFE identification and recognition, following guidelines of BMB Technical Bulletin 2017- 11. Experiences of BDFE project implementation should feed into the on-going policy discussion on BDFE certification.
Pursuing branding, IPR, and marketing are indications that the livelihood is progressing from merely an alternative or additional source of Eco-tourism and premium standard are important considerations in branding.
64 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Certification can also help in branding, although certification undergoes very serious tedious processes. Certification on one hand has an IPR value without marketing. The experience of fair trade in acquiring fair trade certification requires all fair trade buyers association to be able to access the directory of fair trade associations in the world. Upon inclusion in this list, it will help better promote the business or product.
Handicrafts cannot be copyrighted as these products are not considered as new. Catalogue of designs are only shown after a year so that the products have reached the market saturation already to avoid piracy or imitation of the product and design. Market price for handicrafts is very competitive.
BMB-DENR has a technical working team identifying and recognizing biodiversity-friendly enterprises. It has three (3) criteria, namely; ecology, economy, and equity. Although the technical guidelines drafted is still a work on progress. Support in identifying these enterprises including validation of genuine BDFE practitioners is also encouraged by BMB-DENR.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 65 SESSION 4 Stakeholdership in Knowledge Management and Communication
Chair:
Prof. Michael Pido, PhD Faculty Member Center for Strategic Policy and Governance, Inc., Palawan State University
Ms. Marita Rodriguez Coordinator NGOs for Fisheries Reform
Presenters:
Atty. Marina Rabe-Manuel Tanggol Kalikasan
Engr. Maria Rosario Aynon Gonzales Faculty Member Center for Strategic Policy and Governance, Inc., Palawan State University
Ms. Ginelle Jane A. Gacasan Senior Programme Officer C3 Philippines Inc.
Reactors:
Mr. Felipe Canlas Ms. Yasmin Arquiza Consultant Senior Manager for Communications SmartSeasPH RARE Philippines
66 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The session reviewed the knowledge management and communication activities of SGP5 partners in order to generate and sustain stakeholdership. The presentations focused on introducing new livelihood opportunities for the community in order to encourage and promote local community participation in biodiversity conservation.
Empowering Women and Men for Biodiversity Conservation in Magsaysay Palawan
The main objectives of this project are addressing degradation of ecosystems through community involvement; and identifying major commodities of certain areas in order to encourage community participation.
The project was instrumental in giving beneficiaries grants worth P100,000 for nursery-building of lato seedlings, transportation for salt farmers, and machinery for cashew production and processing. The beneficiary groups were registered under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Numerous Barangay and Sanggunian Resolutions were passed declaring areas around Cuyo Group of Islands as demonstration/showcase sites for eco-friendly livelihood industries.
Bayanihan was practiced by the parties involved through the sharing of available resources among involved members. Experiences from previous projects were also utilized by the members. There was cooperation and support from the barangay councils, as evidenced by the passing of numerous Barangay and Sanggunian resolutions.
Sewing Conservation Communication and Livelihood
This project aims to provide livelihood opportunities for community members, especially women, by conserving and protecting the area as a dugong habitat. The project opened livelihood opportunities for women in the community in the form of selling dugong plush toys, and through participation of the families as Bantay Dugong in tours. Discarded plastics are utilized by using them as stuffing for the plush toys, thereby contributing to the reduction of plastic waste. This project also raised awareness on the dugongs and their roles in seagrass ecosystems.
The creation of Bantay Dugong gave livelihood opportunities to families, while also contributing to raising awareness and protection of the animal. Protection, not just of the dugongs but the ecosystem as a whole, leads to more livelihood opportunities for the community and economic freedom for women.
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
Project Challenges and Opportunities
Empowering Women and Men for The project proponents saw that the synergy between project team and Biodiversity Conservation in Magsaysay stakeholders could have been better. There have been delays in schedule Palawan due to weather, which meant that the project team stayed in the main island while stakeholders were located in the smaller islands.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 67 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Project Challenges and Opportunities
Sewing Conservation Communication Several challenges were faced including marketing costs; setbacks in and Livelihood continuous product development due to costly raw materials sourced from Manila; bulking up production; and low membership. The burden on increasing production causes strain in the household, with much of the time of the women being spent in the making of the toys, resulting to difficulty in meeting the demand. Also contributing to not meeting the demands is the fact that there are only four barangays involved in the project.
Recommendations
It was recommended for the projects to clearly identify communication goals. In the case of Cuyo Group of Islands, it was recommended that they find a member who will specialize in communication to fill the gap in this area. It was also suggested that they create community/stakeholders’ profile to identify the interests of the community.
For Busuanga Dugong, the panelists recommended the adaptation of the learnings of other areas that have undergone the same experiences regarding the influx of tourists, such as in Oslob and Sorsogon. One suggestion to increase and market the dugong toys is to personify the animal to make it more appealing to children, which would hopefully result in more sales. They were also encouraged to market their products to resorts and package the plush toys together with Dugong tours.
Both projects were encouraged to tap into other local or indigenous products that can be marketed internationally, or at the very least incorporate local raw materials to their products to enhance the effectiveness of their products in promoting awareness. One way they could do this is possibly using local plant fibers to create twine, which could replace the cotton material they use for the dugong plush toys.
68 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SESSION 5 Community Participation in the Protection of Key Biodiversity Areas
Chair:
Ms. Lisa Marie Paguntalan Executive Director Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI)
Presenters:
Mr. Ronnie Ian Jann Mabitasan Project Officer Philippine Biodiversity Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI)
Ms. Elizabeth Carig Executive Director Sustainable Environment for Rural Development Association, Inc. (SERD)
Reactors:
Dr. Christine Casal Mr. Kester Yu Environmental Scientist Testudinologist
Mr. Enrique Nuñez Mr. Arnel Andrew Yaptinchay Country Executive Director Director Conservation International Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines Philippines (CIP)
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 69 The session covered the surveying of flora and fauna conserved by SGP5 grantees in their community protected areas in Busuanga Island and Quirino.
Developing Local Biodiversity Conservation Strategies in Globally Important Areas: Busuanga Island
Developing Local Biodiversity Conservation Strategies in Globally Important Areas: Busuanga Island Philippine Biodiversity Foundation, Inc. (PBCF)’s main goals in developing local biodiversity conservation strategies include establishing a participatory network of effectively managed locally managed conservation areas (LCAs); enabling communities and local governments implement sustained forest protection measures; providing technical assistance in the integration of biodiversity in local development plans; effectively managing LCAs with flagship species through local ordinances; and conducting biodiversity communication activities.
To enable communities and local governments implement sustained forest protection measures in Busuanga Island, Community Forest Conservation and Protection (CFCP) training was used as one of the key activities to capacitate forest volunteers in implementing an evidence-based biodiversity monitoring system. Bio- monitoring trails were established through the mapping of biodiversity concentrations, using other methods to monitor species in addition to visual monitoring of the species themselves, such as taking note of footprints, droppings and nest formation.
Community forest volunteers are also trained in CFCP, and are provided with equipment and supplies such as uniforms, field guides, backpacks, raincoats, portable radios, and writing implements. The municipalities of Cheey and Bogtong, which are vital to the program, are closely monitored to assess the progress of the program through the Evidenced-Based Monitoring System (EBMS). The monitoring started with bird species, then eventually also included mammals—45 species were identified including the Palawan Porcupine and Palawan Pangolin. However, they experienced challenges in reporting because volunteers also have other work. To integrate biodiversity in local development plans, PBCF also participated in updating the CLUP and the creation of FLUP Busuanga to identify areas for prioritization.
To facilitate the establishment of a network of effectively managed LCAs with flagship species through local ordinances, an update of forest cover maps of four barangays, and the facilitation of ground survey and identification of priority areas were conducted. Two (2) ordinances created LCAs with flagship species in New Busuanga and Quezon. Updates for the forest cover LCA maps were suggested for: New Busuanga, the basis for the creation of LCA; Barangay Quezon, suggested areas for conservation as water sources; Barangay Bogtong, for updated cover map and proposed conservation area; and Cheey.
Research was conducted on the Philippine flat-headed frog (Barbourula busuangenesis) as a bio-indicator of clean water. A total of 270 frogs were recorded within the barangays of New Busuanga and Cheey.
Biodiversity communication activities were conducted in four (4) barangays and two (2) national schools in the form of biodiversity advocacy lectures in schools, seminars, creation of infographics and posters, and an
70 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Ecological Youth Camp in 2017 conducted in four national high schools which produced three posters on Endemic Animals in Palawan.
Ridge to River Management of Natural Resources: A Showcase Project for Watershed Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Quirino
To secure open-access areas in Addalam subwatershed from destructive activities, there is a need for the issuance of co-management agreement or local ordinance and development of management plan for the area for the protection of biodiversity. The first step in biodiversity conservation is to enact a law mandating the protection of certain species.
Capacity-building and technical trainings help increase local communities’ awareness and knowledge on watershed management and biodiversity conservation. One of the major activities is the Forest Inventory, with the creation of a technical working group (TWG) consisting of selected PO members, SERD and QSU foresters, DENR and MLGU/BLGU representatives. Other activities in the field involved PO members as key informants in identification of trees.
Results of the observation of forest landscape included observable human alterations, number of invasive species present, and observation that landscape is mostly composed of flora such as nurse trees and early successional species, with 375 trees per hectare. A notable fauna in the project area is the Cantor’s softshell turtle. It was observed that the flora has moderate diversity: 51 species were found, 18 percent of which is endemic to the Philippines—37.5 percent are timber species, and 40.63 percent are food species. Three critically endangered species were identified: Guijo, White Lauan, and Narra.
Communities contributed in species protection through the initiation of wildlife habitat connectivity through enrichment planting using rainforestation technology and POs were able to implement production of seedlings used in the area. 10,455 assorted forest tree seedlings were planted using scientific methods. Riverbank stabilization was done through the planting of bamboo spanning the 1.5-kilometer length of Addalam River.
They also contributed through very responsive barangay councils and the enactment and implementation of barangay ordinance declaring remaining forest as community watersheds. Two of these community watershed ordinances declared an aggregate area of 300 hectares remaining forests as watersheds. The ordinance was approved for implementation through a regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan on 5 July 2017 through public hearings, where community members were made aware of the Do’s and Don’ts in the area, as explained by DENR representatives.
Not included in the project but was noted is the enactment and implementation of a barangay ordinance declaring portion of Addalam as a fish sanctuary to protect habitat of the giant softshell turtle. The term, fish sanctuary, was used for a more holistic coverage.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 71 Other contributions of the communities include: forest protection and growth performance monitoring of planted native tree species; using geotagging; creating maps and surveys of the growth of certain areas; tree counting; and monitoring, which is important in measuring the effectivity of the measures used.
The project was granted Php15 million by the Forest Foundation Philippines in order to scale-up activities involving 11 barangays including Eden and Dibibi. The fund will also be utilized for the second (2) round of participatory forest assessment, which involves gathering of data with the help of the community. The goal is to publish a field guidebook for native trees in Quirino, which will hopefully improve awareness and educate the public and the members of the institution, adding to it the production of posters of native trees.
Geotagging and marking of mother trees of endangered species as future seed sources has been conducted in some barangays, and more barangays will be involved in the future.
Communications with DENR for LAWIN and paralegal training have been started, in connection with the identification and formation of Bantay Kalikasan officers who will protect and enforce environmental laws within the area.
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities of the Projects
Presenter’s View Reactor’s View
Busuanga Island Sustainability will work with community participation 1. It was found that improving visibility through (Yaptinchay). To gain sincere community participation, it close collaboration with local partners, as well as is imperative to first make the community understand the the NGAs and LGUs, encourages communities to importance of the species they are aiming to protect (Casal). support the project. The active participation of PO Projects may identify a local champion or leader and instill a partners and communities are vital. sense of pride in the community about the importance of their place and of the species in their locality in order to gain their participation (Yaptinchay). For the two (2) presenters, it was an advantage that the communities they entered were really willing to engage with their projects. Usually in citizen science projects, the more people are involved, the better data they will be obtained (Casal). There is the need to ask if they understand why they should engage and there should be incentives for them to continue in conservation work (Nuñez, Yaptinchay).
2. Strong political will in support of biodiversity In addition to communities, it is also important to include the conservation is key. LGUs, POs and the local universities (Casal, Yu). They can tap the students, for example, in developing tools for the monitoring and evaluation (Casal).
3. Biodiversity conservation will also greatly benefit There needs to be clear instructions on identifying the from continuous Information, Education and species, especially for the use of volunteers. With well-defined Communication (IEC) activities. guidelines for the identification of these species, people will be more confident of the data they are generating (Casal).
72 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities of the Projects (cont.)
Presenter’s View Reactor’s View
4. Finally, in planning for biodiversity conservation, it is It would be interesting to have an inventory of issues or even hoped that the barangay of Bususanga itself would minor concerns encountered, which could be a source for create an action plan for biodiversity and join PBCFI lessons to be learned. These learnings could help with the in a memondum of agreement (MOA). replicability of the projects, considering that there are also different types of communities (Yu).
Quirino It was not made clear if the range of threats were addressed, 5. The highly technical nature of forest inventory such as the pollution sources upstream, since the projects posed a challenge by limiting the participation of presented were only focused on some areas or protection of PO members. Not everyone is familiar with using species (Yaptinchay). GPS data, GIS maps, data analysis, and making reports.
6. Another challenge is that the current maps are not It is a challenge to achieve sustainability of the projects, updated and, therefore, harder to use. Overall there short-term (two-years) (Yaptinchay). It is important for the is a limited number of members with technical local projects to be integrated in the national programs for expertise, highlighting the need for more foresters. sustainability (Nuñez, Yaptinchay).
7. The limited period of project implementation is a challenge since the ordinance was approved only in July 2017, while the project ended in September 2017.
8. Feedback from the POs showed that involvement in such activities gave them a sense of pride.
9. Another need identified is the development of BDFE livelihood enterprise for POs.
Open Forum
PBCFI was requested to clarify how they ensured that the recorded 270 flat-headed frogs were different individuals and how the volunteer groups can be sustained. The method used in the monitoring was through visual encounter and hand-capture. After recording and profiling the captured individuals, they released them in the same area or streams where they were captured, while the team moved forward to other tributaries to make sure they do not double-count the same individuals.
Currently, there are two POs being supported or funded by their barangays. PBCFI is also planning to adopt these same POs in their next project proposal. However, without incentives, it will still depend on the POs if they will want to continue.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 73 An organization’s experience in Northern Samar was the POs’ and the communities’ hesitation to receive the group, due to the people’s concern of losing their lands. A question was posed in connection with such challenge on how the POs governed their organizations and what were the roles of the POs in encouraging the barangay officials in enacting an ordinance. In Busuanga, the POs were already formed when PBCFI came into the areas. They used the approach of identifying an issue or a need of the community, such as the need for irrigation water, as an entry point in order to gain support.
As with SERD’s experience in Quirino, the strong partnership with the provincial government, with the governor’s hands-on participation by personally conducting information education campaigns in the barangays, facilitated the project’s progress. During their intensive information campaigns and meetings, they also ensured that DENR will be involved in the discussions on law enforcements. While in Busuanga, another factor was that the communities were already aware that a large part of their island is a pasture reserve and owned by the Government which then prevented them from using and entering these lands.
In relation to the declaration of the Barangay Ordinance, a question was asked whether they have already received a review action from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Council), as this will entail the project’s sustainability, and, for example, what if the SP invalidates the Barangay Ordinance. Admittedly they have not considered that case yet and despite having no SP review action yet, they received immediate endorsement when they met with the SP Committee on Environment regarding the proposed roles for co-management. The Local Government Code should be used for the local government to be given authority to enact ordinances for conservation, considering that the passing of declaration involves different levels from the barangay to the provincial.
The declaration of the portion of Addalam River, Giant Softshell Turtle habitat, as fish sanctuary was questioned, as it should have been under the Wildlife Act Section 4 which will then make it under the jurisdiction of DENR. It was clarified that the declaration was not covered by the project but was cited since this was facilitated through community efforts. Nonetheless, she promised to inform the DENR regarding this matter. Only portions of the Addalam River was included in the Quirino Protected Landscape (QPL), while the habitat of the Giant Softshell Turtles is located outside of the QPL. There is a Municipal Ordinance in Cabagan declaring the Malassi Tree Park as Wildlife Sanctuary which then became the basis for the DENR to declare it as critical habitat. It was further suggested for the POs to be deputized by the DENR by undergoing environmental laws training, although remaining as volunteers.
The Giant Softshell Turtle species were scientifically identified and then verified after the DENR sent the turtles to Kansas University.
74 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SESSION 6 Goverance of Community-Protected Seascapes and Landscapes
Chair:
Mr. Pablo Paet Jr. Networking Officer Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)
Presenters:
Teresita Acosta Executive Director Friends of the Environment for Development and Sustainability (FRENDS)
Mark Edison Raquino Research & Development Officer DALUHAY
The session focused on assessing governance mechanisms in community managed landscapes and seascapes by SGP5 grantees.
Governance Mechanism: Palali-Mamparang Landscape in Nueva Vizcaya (Acosta)
The Palali-Mamparang Mountain Range (PMMR) was declared as forest reserve by former President Ferdinand Marcos but has been overlooked and was not listed among key biodiversity areas. It was not included in the NIPAS Act even though it had already been declared as a forest reserve. The mountain range has a strategic importance because it serves as habitat connectivity between East and West Sierra Madre.
Key features of governance revolved around legislation and policy formulation, mainstreaming efforts for inclusion of conservation programs in the AIP, and enhancing participation of various stakeholders in the management bodies, and institutionalization of management bodies in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 75 The PMMR faced many challenges including security problems because of armed groups (illegal loggers, members of the New People’s Army). Other problems included institutionalizing mechanisms for multi- stakeholders participation, sustaining conservation activities and community participation, how communities benefit from conservation initiatives, and the handling of the mining issue.
As for the communities and their partners, they were faced with issues in relation to the expansion of native tree species planting, the absence of fast growing species to meet the demand and needs of the community, and sustaining federated POs.
In order to address the issues, some actions and activities were recommended, such as the creation of a training module for the youth. Women also needed to be encouraged more to participate in the efforts.
There was a need to acquire appropriate tenurial instruments to ensure and strengthen PO and community role in biodiversity conservation and resource management. A solution was sought to address the logistical challenge of reaching out to far-flung communities, for easier communication and transportation.
The governor suggested that key stakeholders and partners such as the DOST and provincial cooperatives take part in the efforts to protect the PMMR, as part of the vision for a holistic management of the mountain range. The role of MLGU is important, especially in terms of the allocation of budget from its 20 percent development fund for the effective management of the LCA.
Synergistic and Ecocentric Capacitation of Sierra Madre Indigenous and Artisanal Communities (Raquino)
One of DALUHAY’s objectives is to build capacity of women, fishers, farmers, youth and indigenous people to restore, protect and sustainably manage their resources, and build network of resource managers among indigenous peoples and other people’s organizations. DALUHAY has seven (7) partners, and assistance is being provided to enable them to become full grown POs in Aurora.
To achieve network building for agriculture protected areas, MPA Network in San Luis in the coastal communities conducted capacity-building for the POs. These included Ecohealth practioners, and deputizing forest guards and fish wardens. A management plan mainstreaming local biodiversity was also formulated. The project helped POs, but factors contributing to this growth vary for each PO.
Among the accomplishments is the scale-up, with an expansion not just in Aurora, but also on other sides of Sierra Madre. There was also a scale-up in terms of the level of participation, from community to higher LGU level. A broader scale was also covered, from seagrass PA, marine sanctuaries, to highly elevated PAs.
Various challenges were faced in the implementation of landscape approach such as in dealing with different levels of governance with boundary disputes, political differences, and overlapping functions. There were also
76 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 communication and transportation limitations on site. There was a need to strategize the conduct of activities with POs in more accessible sites in order to maximize time. Effective transfer of knowledge and skills by leaders to members proved to be a little more difficult than expected, especially with limited resources that hindered maximization of potentials. There were also site-specific conditions that vary with different levels of progression. Community-based organizations need more focused strengthening, and second liner leaders need to be identified and trained. There is a need for documentation and expansion of working models in landscape biodiversity conservation using a combination of different approaches—participatory, social artistry, traditional, academic. Continue to engage community organizations in national multi-stakeholder conferences: this broadens their perspectives and linkages and keeps them up to date on relevant issues and opportunities.
There was a need to deepen the roots of engagement to make a more solid foundation, build from what existed—there was no need to recreate; and to look for commonalities and turn challenges into opportunities. Building trust, accessibility and opening communication lines in partnerships were important for scaling up and for sustainability. The funder’s support for networking (e.g. LSM hubs, national conferences) consolidated efforts and promotes sustainability.
Open Forum
The community initiated the idea of having their own marine PA and Daluhay helped in coordinating with the LGU. There was one barangay that already had an MPA and three (3) more barangays would like to have a similar project in their areas. Along the way, it was found out that there were several options aside from the creation of a fish sanctuary because there were other resources, i.e. mangroves area, seagrass area, and beach forest that could also be protected. Then there was the idea to form a Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network. The LGU then developed the technical working group (TWG) for and in the community level. TWGs were formed in each of the four (4) barangays and there was a meeting to identify the specific areas to be protected. Data gathering and resource assessment were done by the LGUs. The data was then presented to the community and the network was organized. Then, a unified resolution among the different barangays was formulated and communities were coordinated in terms of implementation and management. After this, an ordinance will be passed accordingly. Daluhay responded based on what was asked from them, and the establishment of an MPA was what they have so far asked for (Raquino).
Prior to the enactment of the ordinance, there were MOUs signed by different partners. The terms of these MOUs were stipulated in the ordinance. The new partners suggested by the governor would be included in the amended ordinance to include the roles and functions of these new partners (Acosta).
In the case of PFETA, it was not yet institutionalized. The Program Management Committee (PMC) was created solely for SGP. For other management bodies, the plans were included in the LGU management plans. This is institutionalized. There are ordinances backing these up (Raquino).
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 77 In Nueva Vizcaya, the struggle in terms of biodiversity conservation was the existing two (2) FTAAs. Efforts were being conducted for these not to be extended. It can be a breeding ground for corruption if government agencies have access to funds related to the projects (Acosta).
Capacity building is important in order to help the community know their rights so they can also protect themselves (Raquino). There were actually people who sacrificed their lives before so that these projects would not be approved and implemented. There were existing cases before the Supreme Court on these mining projects. As for IPs, it was true that they could easily be swayed which could be attributed to the lack of capacity building (Acosta). Mining was not yet in the area. On seascapes, the SGP project for Daluhay was only involved up to the ordinance level. However, there were some activities that were already in the management plan, like the fish warden trainings and examinations (Raquino). An issue was raised on how too much was demanded from the communities, therefore there was the question of how they were compensated for their volunteer work.
All POs were new so there was really no mechanism in place when Daluhay initiated the project. To address this, POs used some of their savings and rolled the same over for other income-raising activities. It was a fact that most come from volunteers, and the situation remained the same (Raquino).
Bantay Dagat and Barangay Tanod had small honoraria. Seedlings, chicken, goats, piglets were also provided for them as possible sources of income. There was no mechanism in place for this yet. Majority were into rainforestation, so another source of income was the funds they get from the National Greening Program. Fish wardens, on the other hand, were given Php 300 per month for their allowance. Hopefully there would be additional funds for CRM so that more funds may be allocated for the communities (Acosta).
78 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SESSION 7
Strengthening BDFEs Through Business Planning
Chair:
Ms. Rina Maria Rosales BDFE Consultant GEF-SGP OP5
Introduction
Part of the UNDP SGP’s terminal report is to conduct an assessment to determine the state and level reached by the biodiversity-friendly enterprises (BDFEs). The session was designed as a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the intention of recognizing SGP5 grantees, producing the general assessment on the BDFE strategy under the SGP5 program implementation, and reviewing the status of the BDFGs that were funded by the ASGP5.
Focus Group Discussion
For the FGDs, there are 49 grantees of BDFEs SGP5 project and they were grouped according to their respective hub site to allow the grantees to have more time to converse, interact, share, and learn from and with their co-grantees. The four hubs are (1) Upper Siera Madre, (2) Lower Sierra Madre, (3) Palawan, and (4) Samar Island. The grantee-partner organizations of the hubs were requested to present their ongoing projects, products or services, its current state, and to share the stories of their respective business enterprises. Meanwhile, non- grantees were requested to observe the FDGs.
The grantees were given meta-cards and asked to answer the following questions:
1. Did your BDFEs enter to a credit or loan arrangements? 2. Were BDFEs of the organization’s business development plan adopted or incorporated into the LGUs development plan? 3. Do you know or name a business competitor having the same product? If ever there is, have you entered into an agreement, whether formal or informal arrangements with them? 4. How is the profit sharing of the BDFEs organization? And how was it subdivided or distributed?
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 79 Synthesis of the FGD
The results of the FGD highlighted that only six (6) of the 49 BFDE grantees have a business plan based on the general features of every project presented.. Those with business plans had their respective marketing plans as well. Almost all of the BDFEs had entered into a contract or formal agreements and arrangements. The organizations have been practicing good financial recording and bookkeeping in relation to their respective BFDE.
Way Forward
The GEF-SGP OP5 BDFE Consultant will conduct a site visit in different BDFE areas, and will request the BDFE organizations to fill-up the assessment tool of SGP5. Afterwards, ten (10) BDFE organizations that have no business plans will be selected, and they shall be assisted in the crafting of their respective business plans before the SGP5 formally ends.
80 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SESSION 8 Ensuring Inclusivity and People Empowerment in Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation
Chair:
Ms. Maria Theresa Guia-Padilla Chairperson of the Board Non-Timber Forest Products-Task Force, the Philippine Programme (NTFP EP)
Mr. Edwin Celestino Faculty University of Eastern Philippines
Presenters:
Ms. Maryjane Africano President Women’s Association for Inter-Island Development (WAIID)
Mr. Ronald Amada Program Manager Palawan Conservation Corps (PCC)
Ms. Joan Jamisolamin Deputy Executive Director for Philippines and Mekong The Samdhana Institute
The session focused on the evaluation of the impact of SGP5 projects in the economic, social, political and cultural empowerment of women, youth, indigenous peoples, small fishers and farmers. Three (3) topics were presented, with the main focus on the impact of each project particularly on women and youth: 1. Coastal Biodiversity Enhancement Project 2. The establishment of a Local Conservation Area in Barangay Binduyan and Babuyan 3. Experience of Calamian Tagbanwa Women and Youth.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 81 Women’s Association for Inter-Island Development (WAIID) (Africano)
Mothers from the smallest island in Lavezares, Samar started a self-help group that is now a force for the conservation of the Biri Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape (BLPLS), a protected area of over 33,000 hectares. The Women’s Association for Inter-Island Development (WAIID) was formed by a group of mothers who organized themselves for a savings program after a typhoon devastated their community. The community is comprised of only 89 households and the common livelihood is fishing with lines (bingwit), and copra. The rich ecosystem of Lugao is apparent in the beautiful rock formations, mangroves, and, an ecoforest with monkeys, bats, and sea grass.
These mothers had the support of the groups that had been conducting seminars and training in the community since 2004. The Center for Environmental Studies and Advocacy (CESA) and the Northern Samar Environmental Protectors Inc. (NSEP) of the University of Eastern Philippines, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stepped up their efforts in 2009 when the community seriously considered a microfinance savings scheme. This scheme was meant to make them self-sufficient and proactive regarding projects and opportunities presented by the groups advocating environmental protection and conservation, and the well- being of poor communities.
Formally organized as WAIID on April 3, 2016 in Barangay San Isidro, Lavezares, Northern Samar, the mission statement of the groups reads: “Kaming mga WAIID ay nangangakong maibigay namin an lahat ng benipisyong mayroon ang asosasyon sa bawat miyembro, walang lamangan at pantay-pantay para sa pagpapaunlad ng pamumuhay ng bawat isa. Asenso ng isa, asenso ng lahat. Tulong-tulong sa pag-aangat at pagpapanatili sa magandang kalikasan dito sa aming lugar.” (We WAIID members pledge that all members will benefit from our association. No one will take advantage of others and we will work for advancement in the life of each member. The advancement of one is the advancement of all. We will help each other lift up and sustain the beautiful natural environment here in our place.)
WAIID has been identified as one of the most productive people’s organizations BLPLS. It is registered with the DOLE and BIR.
Palawan Conservation Corps (Amada)
The key to green a planet is in the hands of our youth. From its beginnings, children and youth have always been the focus of the Palawan Conservation Corps (PCC). The project is for the establishment of a local conservation area (LCA) in Barangay Binduyan and Babuyan, 44 kilometers from downtown Puerto Princesa City. Started in 1999, it is the first of such project in Puerto Princesa and possibly in Palawan.
The PCC gets the young people to care and learn through environmental exposure activities, coastal clean- ups, mangrove planting, and TESDA trainings. There are ecology workshops to give an understanding of the different ecosystems. Tree planting of wild fruit bearing trees and endemic species are for greening, biodiversity, and food.
82 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Yearly, there is the foundation’s Residential Program conducted from June to December where mostly out-of- school youth are invited to participate in community-based environmental restoration, sustainable eco-friendly livelihoods and environmental education. Majority of the graduates of the six-month program do not go back to environmentally destructive activities. They either go back to school or find other work, and continue to act with social responsibility. There is a breakthrough in how they think of nature, its beauty, and their role as stewards of God’s creation.
Samdhana Institute (Jamisolamin)
The Calamianes Group of Islands in the Province of Palawan is home to the Tagbanwa indigenous people. When members of the Samdhana Institute arrived in Calamian after Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), they found not only a place devastated by a disaster, but a people that have suffered decades of neglect and marginalization.
Samdhana and five (5) community partners -- the Samahan ng mga Katutubo ng San Jose, Katutubong Pamayanan ng San Nicholas, Pamayanang Tagbanwa Decalachao, Decabobo Katutubo Tagbanwa, and Tagbanwa Association of Lakdayan Development -- put in motion the plan to strengthen work for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Plans in governing ancestral landscape and seascapes better, and upholding the integrity of the environment were made based on their experiences and indigenous knowledge.
Most activities were on capacity-building. Training was geared for participants to take charge of subsequent activities and document project activities. The leadership training was based on Tagbanwa leadership forms. The activities fostered inter-generational training and learning. They planned their own actions and work to care for their environment. They call themselves Manig-amlig, caretakers for conservation. It is not a political structure but a function as members of the community.
Elders themselves led training by sharing personal stories of the past and sharing their visions of the future. The ecological camp for the young people was geared for them to know their history and ways elders have done for the protection of their lands and waters. The youth began to cherish stories on how elders defended the island and fought against being conquered, how they struggled against the intrusion of pearl farms, and how they asserted their right to give free prior and informed consent (FPIC) to outside initiatives.
The mangrove assessment and conservation training included hands on activities on taking care of the mangroves. Participants identified eight species of mangroves in their ancestral domain and learned of ways to protect them.
The youth and women lead conservation efforts to emphasize the value of environment in culture. They have made conservation plans, especially for mangrove and beach forest rehabilitation and conservation. The plans have been reviewed and validated by their communities. These are meant to be part of their Ancestral Domains Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP), a roadmap of their plans for the sustainable management and development of the natural resources of their ancestral domain, when their claim is officially recognized.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 83 The participating communities have decided to keep the Taraligan whole and continue as a coordinating body for the five (5) communities to start governing with the “one ancestral domain” as their perspective. There are 26 ancestral domain claims with two (2) already awarded and another two (2) recently approved. The unified ancestral domain claim will strengthen the Tagbanwa lobby with local government units in asserting community plans and facing threats and challenges with their common stand even as they are still waiting to claim their titles.
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
Project Challenges and Opportunities
Women’s Association for Inter-Island Most in the island were impoverished and had not finished school. The Development (WAIID) common daily activities included gambling, drinking and mag-anak (produce children). Children of age for high school go to Manila not to study but to become domestic help to earn money for their families’ food. They were encouraged as early as 2004 to save, but did not act on the suggestions until disaster struck and life became doubly hard. It was the worst of times for their community. Only 10 homes, two schools and a church were left standing. It was when the first members, 14 mothers, agreed to start saving by depositing at least 20 pesos each per week that the community started to see the benefits of the program. They had 360 pesos in the first week and the vision of augmenting income and having a perspective that all persons are equal. In two (2) years it had grown to 65 members and capital formation through its Piso-Piso Program reached PhP 80,000. It was able to lend to members at minimum interest. A lending of PhP 2,000 earned an interest charge of PhP 300 in a six-month payment. The first borrower used the loan for food vending. About 40 percent of loan interests go to scholarship assistance.
To minimize illegal coastal and marine practices, housing and settlements, unregulated tourism activities and habitat destruction due to lack of awareness, WAIID also took on the challenge of spearheading the Coastal Biodiversity Enhancement Project. This project also included livelihood development, and encouraged stronger political will to implement even only local rules and regulations. WAIID special projects included managing a mangrove propagules nursery which catered to mangrove reforestation programs and the crab-fattening farm which contributed to Lavezares’ agro-fishery industry. The crab fattening project was supported by a grant from the DENR. The community participates in a weekly beach cleanup headed by the WAIID women. Fishing violations and mangrove cutting stopped because of these projects. The island’s rich Lalaguna mangrove eco-park, which puts the island in the map of stunning ecotourism destinations in the province, became a potential livelihood source for WAIID and the whole community. The Provincial Tourism Office worked with the local government of Lavezares in developing a plan to make it a sought-after destination in Biri-LaRoSa which would cater to tourists on nature tours. A pavilion to be built at the site will be managed by the WAIID women. Biri–LAROSA, which spans over 33,000 hectares of land and sea, will benefit from a holistic approach since PA stakeholders especially the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) are required to sustain the BLPLS to a well-balanced ecosystem.
84 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Project Challenges and Opportunities
WAIID has been instrumental in making their community aware of the abundant resources around their island, which led them to reform behaviors abusive of their environment and become stewards protective of their area. They took care of their environment and in return, it provided them so much for their lives. The mothers of WAIID have a dream that someday they will be able to help other islands to take care of their own environment. Step by step they would see that there is hope in their lives.
Palawan Conservation Corps (PCC) Within the project area, many were not able to study because schools were three (3) to five (5) kilometers away. They stayed at home to help their parents find livelihood. There were even youth in the province involved in destructive activities such as logging for wood to make into charcoal. Thankfully, participation in biodiversity conservation, protection and livelihood had put many young people on the right track. Biodiversity conservation efforts nurtured youth participation in implementing resource protection such as watershed management, terrestrial conservation and habitat protection. The PCP involved even kindergarten age children so they too could express their ideas and get involved in some projects that seemed like play to them. The IEC campaign had a special project in the Ecological Theatre Caravan—a theatre play featuring the story of what was happening to the environment of Palawan. A question and answer session after the play encouraged the youth to engage in discussions, especially when they received prizes for correctly answering questions.
Samdhana Institute Some rehabilitation efforts after typhoon Haiyan threatened to aggravate the situation of the Tagbanwa communities. Foreign investments came in and tourism boomed, but these put at risk the Tagbanwa ancestral domain—they were being pushed out of forests. The waters and mangroves, their food sources, were being destroyed and taken over for resorts and pearl farms. Business establishments also preferred employing those coming from outside rather than local people. Samdhana relief and rehabilitation work included a participatory capacity and vulnerabilities assessment, and a community action plan was drafted based on the assessment. The implementation of the community action plan was supported by SGP5 between December 2016 and December 2017.
The objectives of the project were the documentation and strengthening of indigenous knowledge, systems and practices in natural resource management and governance; and the development of indigenous people, women, and youth to enable them to take leadership functions in community. The end goal was the improvement of governance and implementation of community projects to improve landscapes and seascape.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 85 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Project Challenges and Opportunities
The first step was to form a leadership structure for the project. The formation of the Taraligan as the governing body was a key achievement of the project, which started as a mechanism for community leaders to make decisions about the project. The Taraligan was comprised of elders and leaders from the partner community organizations. In usual project language, they were partners in of the project management team. They determined who will participate, how the project will proceed, and how issues are resolved internally and in their own time. There is emphasis on the assertion of their rights and their decisions. Weight is given to the decisions.
Governance was exercised mostly by elderly men. There was no clear role for women and the youth in ancestral domain governance. The youth become increasingly detached from their community as a result of their schooling and interactions with migrants. Many were no longer observing cultural practices because of their assimilation to mainstream culture. But the communities departed from the norm in choosing its key actors. The Tagbanwa political structure was male dominated but women and young people were the focus of the project. The advocacy was for youth and women to lead conservation efforts by emphasizing the value of environment to culture. The youth were learning or re-learning their history. Even though they had limited education opportunities, they had been assimilated to the mainstream and they needed to hear from the elders. Building the capacity of women and youth of the different organizations of the communities of the Calamian Tagbanwa resulted to the strengthening of their pursuit of their control of their ancestral domain, and the conservation of the land’s rich resources.
The lesson from this project is the primacy of a genuine participatory process. This was encouraged with capacity building in exercising leadership. This is a core competency that must be anchored on fundamental rights. The communities hosted the activities of the project. Community participation and use of Indigenous Knowledge, Systems and Practices (IKSP) on conservation were their big investments in nourishing their ownership of the whole project.
Another challenge was the voluntary nature of participation. Community members determined when they would put in the time and how they wanted to participate. Activities that earned them money were naturally preferred. It took time and effort on the part of Samdhana to impress to the community that there were economic gains to conservation. Samdhana had to be flexible. It brought the training to communities and re-echoed for those who were not able to go. Emphasis was on assertion of their rights and decision making. Weight was given on how they wanted to run projects and internally decided on issues that they faced. They were the experts. Samdhana accompanied them and learned from the partnership.
86 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Open Forum
One issue discussed was the approach of project proponents towards being intrusive of the indigenous communities. This was addressed by making the planning and other activities participatory, looking at the IP’s readiness to accept new ways and not pushing them towards acceptance (Jamisolamin).
Indigenous people are known to be cautious, wary and even fearful when it comes to dealing with “outsiders” due to their isolation or prior unpleasant experiences with them. But slowly they are becoming more open and even welcoming when they see the benefits of the projects geared toward their development. It is hoped that IPs would learn to advance their rights. IP have a history of struggle and resilience. They have to value the islands rather than cede it to pearl farms. The (Samdhana) project is a catalyst but strength comes from the community. “When we lose our relevance that is how we know that we have succeeded. They will have their own actions. They strike out on their own” (Jamisolamin).
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 87 SESSION 9 Establishing Community-Protected Areas Using Various Governance Mechanisms
Chair:
Ms. Marion Daclan Senior Adviser GIZ-BMUB SuluSulawesi Seascape Project
Mr. Noel Resurreccion Member, Board of Trustees Manager, Site Conservation Action Department, Haribon Foundation
Presenters:
Mr. Samuel Balinhawang Executive Director Kalahan Educational Foundation Inc. (KEF)
Mr. Alexander Malsi Chairman Malasi Lake Producers Cooperative
Mr. Dejun Saligumba Project Coordinator Candis III Marketing Cooperative
Ms. Cherry de Dios Executive Director Palawan Conservation Corps
Mr. Raul Prensica President Cansangaya Fisherfolk Association
88 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The session evaluated the accomplishments in and lessons learned from the establishment of various typologies of community protected areas by SGP5 grantees.
Kalahan Educational Foundation (KEF) (Balinhawang)
KEF covers six (6) barangays and has been one of the NGOs which aim to protect the total ancestral domain of Nueva Viscaya since 1974. KEF’s administration of the conservation area started when it was awarded through the Memorandum of Agreement No.1 under the BFD, which was then changed into CADC in 1999. The conservation area was given a CADT in 2006.
KEF is composed of 25 communities clustered sociologically with different people’s organizations and jurisdictions per area. The organization follows the Resource Utilization and Protection Policy which was exercised within communities in preserving the conservation areas.
Each community exercises their own judicial and administrative system called “The Ikalahan Justice System”. This system is characterized by the existence of Council of Elders that serves as tribunal resolving issues within the organization, and continues their capability building to equip themselves with the knowledge needed and to ensure that they will be aligned with the national justice system. This traditional system, together with the barangay officials, was tasked to certify and issue permits for cutting down trees which were used in building houses, and impose penalties for violations and illegal deeds within the conservation area.
Financial stability is the major challenge that the group is facing that is why KEF aims to have the Payment for Environment Services (PES) scheme that will give it a continuous source of fund and not completely depend on the help extended by other organizations. The organization believes that this scheme will be a great help in giving livelihood and health services to their members and forest people while providing appropriate and intensive education for its conservation, protection, and expansion of their restored forests.
KEF’s existence is mainly focused on the preservation of the ancestral domain. The members learned that maintaining this ecological mind-set and attitude is a truly rewarding advocacy giving the future generations the chance to enjoy Nueva Viscaya’s rich biodiversity.
Malasi Lake Producers Cooperative (MLPC) (Malsi)
MLPC is a CDA-registered cooperative operating within 178.80 hectares of critical habitat at Sitio Malasi, San Antonio in the Municipality of Cabagan, Isabela. With SGP5 support, the cooperative aimed for the protection of the project zone from natural and man-made destruction. In this way, bird populations, endemic and migratory, are maintained at a favorable percentage.
The people’s organization was able to conduct biodiversity assessment and monitoring so that its members will have an idea on how to properly apply specific measures in the preservation of the area. Manual removal
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 89 of the invasive water hyacinth in the controlled wetlands, construction of fences for agroforestry activities and nurseries that produced 5,000 native narra seedlings are done to bring the 10-hectare reforestation site back to life. To maintain the sanctuary free from man-made activities, regular patrolling of the cooperative members in the said area is conducted.
Aside from the reforestation activities, multi-stakeholder partnerships among the Philippine Army, PNP, DAR, DENR, the community, and the LGUs are established to have collective efforts in the conservation of the said sanctuary. Malasi Lake Producers Cooperative officers also conducted formal meetings, trainings, and orientation on wetlands and biodiversity conservation; skills enhancement programs focused on the biodiversity knowledge as well as biodiversity-friendly livelihood programs.
Though implementation issues such as low level of understanding about biodiversity conservation, insignificant role of women within the organization, capital or seed money to be used as start-up fund have been encountered, these were addressed and given immediate action by the MLPC officers who believed that these hindrances should not affect their operation and retain their members’ motivation and cooperative attitudes.
The members of the community in Malasi learned that discipline, respect to the POs, volunteerism and camaraderie are major contributors in the execution of their future projects. MLPC members as well as officers believed that their small deeds in protecting and conserving their wetlands and its surrounding areas will give benefits to themselves and to their communities. Their social, environmental, economic, and spiritual thinking must in order to attain the objectives of the cooperative.
Candis III Marketing Cooperative (Saligumba)
The protection of Bacungan-Simpokan Mountain Ranges is primarily focused on its mountain ecosystem which is connected with the Irawan Watershed, Puerto Princesa’s source of water supply. It cradles 60 notable flora species and 38 vulnerable, critically-endangered or near-threatened wildlife species. This rich, diverse flora and fauna resource is found within the 463-hectare Candis 3 Community-based Forest Management (CBFM) area consisting of 336 hectares of old-growth forest and 127-hectare residual forest.
The existence of Candis 3 CBFM area has become an instrument in protecting the forest from illegal entry and extraction. The PO’s initiative in equipping its members with knowledge in preserving the forestry, regular foot patrol within the CBFM area, and the construction of a watch tower brought significant changes to the place.
Livelihood programs, with the assistance of SGP5, contributed to the lives of the locals living in the foot of the mountain ranges. These locals underwent trainings from planting rattans up to furniture, souvenir and bag making and even designing prints for shirts. These intensive series of trainings brought export quality products that provided sound livelihood. Institutional development programs such as Financial Management Training, Bookkeeping, Business Risk Management Training, and Market Mentoring are conducted in order to help the community in preparing themselves for greater opportunities in the future.
90 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The local mindset was opened and the beneficiaries learned that their active participation and cooperation in the protection of the forest at the top of Bacungan-Simpokan Mountain Ranges will directly affect their livelihood and the lives of their families, too. The fact that their community lies directly below these mountain ranges means that destructive activities in the forests such as illegal logging and kaingin system will create undesirable effects like flash floods and soil erosion due to heavy rains. This motivates them to maintain the protected areas free from any man-made destruction.
Palawan Conservation Corps (de Dios)
The expansion of the conservation scope of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and National Park (PPSRNP) in adjacent communities aims to establish Local Conserved Areas (LCAs) outside the boundaries of the park in collaboration with the Local Government Units (LGUs) to strengthen the efficiency of the protection and conservation of the sanctuary. This approach will enhance the sustainability of the protected area while securing livelihoods of marine, coastal, and forest-dependent communities living in and around the region.
A proposal for the expansion of the conservation scope of PPSRNP in adjacent communities was made through the establishment of additional LCAs in Brgys. Binduyan and Babuyan in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It aims habitat protection and biodiversity conservation in the areas and communities covering one of the World’s Heritage Site.
The proposed establishment and expansion of locally-conserved area of Olangoan in Brgy. Binduyan will cover only nine percent (816 hectares) of its total land area. This area, within the Cleopatra’s Needle key biodiversity area, is a dense and biodiverse tropical forest covering the Olangoan River and serves as haven for endemic birds such as Palawan hornbill, blue-naped parrot, and the Palawan flowerpecker, endemic insects, the Philippine porcupine, and monitor lizards. The said expansion in the land area will aid the Binduyan Community Tourism Association in promoting ecotourism while maintaining its natural beauty.
In addition, a declaration of a 1647-hectare (approximately 90 percent of the marine and coastal area) as LCA in Brgy. Babuyan will also allow the marine biodiversity to continue to flourish. This marine sanctuary shelters dugongs and marine turtles that feed on the seagrasses in the area. Bottled-nose dolphins and other sea creatures have been roaming in this part of the Honda Bay biodiversity region. This LCA also contains other marine and coastal ecosystem including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and sandbars. The members of Babuyan Twin Sandbar Association (BTSA) serve as the stewards in the management of the conserved area and are the direct beneficiaries of the said project.
It helped that the locals were vocal in expressing their concerns, enabling the group to be more open to each member. Their honesty benefited them because it paved the way for their issues and concerns to be addressed and given appropriate action. Though the legitimation of the said LCAs took some time, the PCC believes that the involvement of all concerned agencies and stakeholders from the inception, formulation, and implementation of the activities and management plans will be a huge factor in the continuity and sustainability of the said projects.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 91 Cansangaya Fisherfolk Association (CFA) (Prensica)
CFA is a fishermen’s confederation that protects and patrols the Marine Protected Area (MPA) located in Cansangaya, Can-Avid, Eastern Samar. On 2 September 2017, Can-Avid Sangguniang Barangay legislated the Cansangaya Marine Protected Area as stipulated by Municipal Ordinance No. 03-Series of 2017, covering a total area of 82 hectares. Of these, 50 hectares was supported by SGP5.
The association is active in stewarding and regulating the said MPA, through the POs capacitation training on assessment of seagrasses, mangroves, intertidal organisms, coral reefs and coral reef fishes. With the help of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Eastern Samar State University and the LGUs, the Cansangaya Fisherfolk Association was able to maintain the marine biodiversity.
Some of the group’s efforts in the preservation of the MPA are evident through regular area patrolling using a motorboat and 18 BFAR-deputized Bantay Dagat teams. The members marked the MPA with the use of concrete buoy anchor and constructed a 42-meter concrete walkway going to the protected area. The association members continuously attend fish warden training conducted by external partners for the latter to be knowledgeable with the tasks assigned to them. The organization also successfully installed a floating guard post that serves as a watch tower against illegal and dynamite fishing. These efforts will not be possible without the collaborative efforts of the members and the LGUs.
In order to help the members of the association, the CFA is opening doors for livelihood projects for the benefit of the community through ecotourism. The locals would be able to promote their local products such as honey bee production from beehives in the mangroves and Sargassum Tea which was developed by their academic partner, the Eastern Samar State University.
The association is looking for funds in order to build cottages and boardwalks at the MPA buffer zone so that tourists will be able to enjoy activities such as snorkeling through the mangroves and island-hopping in the offshore islet of Can-Avid.
Open Forum
During the open forum, concerns regarding selection of council of elders, payment of environmental services, sustainability, biodiversity in Malasi Lake, establishing working relationship with DENR, governance of Bacungan-Irawan Watershed, reports of illegal operators within the CBFM area, inclusions in Ordinance, placement of photos in presentations, Cansangaya area, and acknowledging God were raised.
There is no discrimination between men and women as they accept the sharing of responsibilities. The selection of member is primarily based on the skills and work performance of the person. The role of the Council of Elders is mainly settling issues or disputes between individuals, families or barangays, while they are also tasked with the IP education (Balinhawang).
92 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The sharing scheme was developed from the resource utilization and protection policies, wherein they issue permits and penalties for violators. The PES was briefly cited to be for the monitoring of the water output and carbon sequestration (Balinhawang).
On additional income/counterparts for projects: The additional income after the SGP5 was received was, or is supposed to be the counterpart of the community or partners, such as the Barangay, LGU, and the POs (Malsi). For special projects, such as in Malasi Lake, they do have counterparts valued and recorded based on the existing accounting rules and regulations, e.g. meal assistance and facilities provision from the DENR or LGU and even the mentioned 250 per day labor pay for the PO members (Luz Soriano, DENR Cabagan). This was the reason why they planted cash crops, such as mongo and corn, to maintain and protect the farm lot. They can also continue monitoring in the area since they still have the motorcycle which they can use for harvesting their crops and at the same time conduct patrols (Malsi).
Based on their biodiversity assessment, there are 47 water bird species, migratory and residents, in the Malasi Lake. Majority of this is the endemic Philippine duck, which is also the basis for its declaration as a critical habitat. Other species are the wandering whistling duck, and waterhen. Although they have not conducted any assessment for the fishery value of the lake, they have endemic species present, such as the gurami and the native dalag. Since Malasi Lake is the habitat for various water bird species, it is a “No Fishing and No Hunting Zone”. However, there is still some fishing for food in the Malasi Lake boundary. The Malasi Lake has been declared by the DENR as critical habitat in 2012 and they have also already submitted a Final Management Plan as output of the SGP-DENR-LGU collaboration. While there has been a proposal for Malasi Lake to be a “Ramsar site” under the “Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance”, there is still no update on its status.
On establishing relationship with DENR, a participant suggested that it should be rephrased as “enhancing the working relationship with DENR”. The participant pointed out that DENR should already be expected to support CBFM since it is one of their programs. Issues with DENR were still encountered, particularly in the processing of the Resource Use Permit, which took too long and had been delayed many times. Thus, they felt that they had not been prioritized or had been set aside by DENR (Saligumba).
Since CBFM was awarded to the PO in 2004, it was advised for the PO to request for evaluation for renewal. With the RUP being forwarded to the PENRO from CENRO last January, the group should be properly guided by the mandate from the DENR Secretary regarding the duration of processes, which will be based on the level of authority required for their requests (Soriano).
Coordination between the government and the peoples’ organization, especially in the conduct of community projects, such as CBFM, is very important (Resurreccion).
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 93 The main purpose of CBFM is to protect the watershed and for the community to see the importance of the place. Essentially, the watershed area is a no-touch or a protected zone, so they barely conducted any activities in the area, except for the recently permitted rattan harvesting. The governance over the watershed is still under the DENR (Balinhawang).
Reports have been received regarding illegal operators within the CBFM area but they could not fully monitor since its operation are usually done at night and patrol area coverage is large. POs were requested to report them and and join in their seizing operations. In line with this, it was suggested that forest guards or cooperative members come forth and be more recognized in the area. POs were also encouraged not to fear the violators as there are more POs in the area (Robert Chan, PNNI).
Inclusion of budgetary appropriation in ordinance is an essential component a legislator needs to consider in order to pass any declaration and ensure its sustainability and impact in the community. The percentage and source of the funding should at least be included in the ordinance to push the LGUs to take action. (Rowel Magarce, LGU Rizal)
Capability building should also include the information on the policy-making processes and necessary provisions to be included in the ordinances. (Salve Narvadez, Project Coordinator, GEF-SGP). “Conservation without money is purely conversation.”
A reminder on the careful use of photos of the areas as well properly captioning them in presentations in light of the conservation works being undertaken was also raised.
There were reports on the enclosed mangrove areas converted into fish ponds, the logging situations in Barangay Babuyan and Binduyan, and the Astoria Waterpark chlorinated water secretion. The mangrove areas turned into fish ponds proliferated during the Marcos regime and, since the late ‘80s, they have been trying to rehabilitate those since most have already been abandoned. In spite of this, they acknowledged the problem with private fish ponds which prevented communities’ access. There are no definite information regarding the logging operations. Although, admittedly, there are still some logging activities, it seemed that the operators have also been controlling themselves (Marlon Javarez, PCC).
Community leaders should ensure that they are aware of such issues in order to take necessary actions. Witnesses to this (such as de Dios) should make a statement on their experience to help them file the case against Astoria and make them accountable (Chan).
CFA’s best practices on their law enforcement is commendable and should have been shared in the plenary instead. It is very challenging to motivate communities to perform law enforcement activities but the Cansangaya group did it on their own volition (Chan).
94 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The Cansangaya area actually had been one of the problematic sites and how it was able to recover is a notable story. The group deserves to be acknowledge for their good performance, commitment to work, for properly managing their funds, and their openness and willingness for the assistance to address their limitations. One of their efforts to address their communication issues specifically challenges in internet connection, and adeptness to technology such as us of email was assigning the Municipal Agriculturist close within their area to manage email and communications with the Program Managers (Narvadez).
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 95 SESSION 10 Various Seascapes and Landscapes Approaches
Chair:
Ms. Grace Tena Programme Analyst Inclusive and Sustainable Development, UNDP
Mr. Ferdinand Esguerra Communications and Behavior Change Specialist, FishRight Project USAID Philippines
Presenters:
Atty. Rodolfo Ferdinand Quicho, Jr. Country Programme Manager GEF-SGP5
Ms. Rizza Zacra SmartSeas PH
Dr. Nygiel Armada, PhD Chief of Party Fishright USAID – Ecofish
Dr. Ernesto Guiang, PhD Chief of Party USAID –Wildlife PROTECT
96 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Introduction
UNDP would like to continue the implementation of landscapes and seascapes approach that was started in SGP5. However, since this was not explicitly articulated in the program documents for SGP5, this session attempted to review the different approaches to landscapes and seascapes that are being implemented in the country.
Four (4) approaches were presented by the resource speakers in the breakout Session: (1) Community Development and Knowledge System (COMDEKS); (2) Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas to Conserve Marine Key Biodiversity Areas in the Philippines; (4) ECOFISH Project’s Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management; and (5) Landscape in the Context of the Archipelagic Nature and Profile of the Philippines.
There were several insights and ideas that surfaced in the discussion that could help in designing the next SGP.
Community Development and Knowledge System (COMDEKS) (Quicho)
The first approach presented was based on experience in implementing SGP5. Through the Community Development and Knowledge System (COMDEKS), the approach adopted provided a definition of balancing conservation and utilization.
Under this approach, landscape outcomes and type of supported activities include: (a) ecosystem services (BDRM) – sustainable production practices that maintain land and water ecosystem services and conserve biodiversity; (b) agrobioversity and food security – diversification of agricultural landscapes (agroforestry, multifunctionality); (c) alternative livelihoods – activities that promote access to new markets for biodiversity- friendly products; and (d) landscape governance – activities that promote participatory governance systems for making and implementing decisions affecting target landscapes.
However, when SGP5 started, it did not have the benefit of learning from COMDEKS. The landscapes that were identified earlier were “accidental landscapes”. There were no scientific bases when the areas were identified.
While most of the areas may be considered as “accidental landscapes and seascapes”, there were “intentional landscapes” that were also identified – as in the case of Victoria Anipahan which was identified with the intention to protect whatever was left of the resources. Another site, the Underground River, did not have any buffer zone. This was the reason for developing the Social Fencing Project to create or provide the protection needed for this area.
The approach adopted by SGP5 used the SATOYAMA Initiative as reference when it implemented the concept of landscapes and seascapes. This is a global initiative for the purpose of realizing “societies in harmony with nature” through the conservation and advancement of “socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS)”. Another feature of this initiative is its ability to promote integration of conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity in production landscapes, outside of protected areas.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 97 A fundamental tenet of the approach is the role of communities as the primary agents, not merely beneficiaries, for change in their landscape. Community groups must own the process of landscape planning and management, deciding for themselves the social, economic, and ecological objectives of landscape management, the modes of implementation, the indicators of success, and the lessons learned.
The indicators for the expected outcomes and impacts include the following:
Challenges Opportunities
Landscape/seascape diversity 1. Is the landscape/seascape composed of diverse natural ecosystems and ecosystem protection (terrestrial and aquatic) and land uses? 2. Are there areas in the landscape or seascape where ecosystems are protected under formal or informal forms of protection? 3. Are ecological interactions between different components of the landscape or seascape considered while managing natural resources?
Biodiversity (including 1. Does the community consume a diversity of locally-produced food? agricultural biodiversity) 2. Are different local crops, varieties and animal breeds conserved and used in the community?
Knowledge and innovation Are local knowledge and cultural traditions related to biodiversity transmitted from elders and parents to young people in the community?
Governance and social equity Does the community have customary and/or formally recognized rights over land, (seasonal) pastures, water and natural resources?
Livelihoods and well-being Are households in the community involved in a variety of sustainable, income-generating activities?
The Landscapes and Seascapes Approach of SGP5 is expected to serve as the foundation for SGP-7. In SGP- 7, the landscapes and seascapes will be the center of work. Satoyama, a Japanese term for landscapes, is a concept of easily bringing the rural areas closer. The concept of landscapes and seascapes is always production, where the people work together.
Challenges: In designing the next SGP, what would be the ideal set of areas that should be selected? What are the qualities that we should be looking for?
98 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas to Conserve Marine Key Biodiversity Areas in the Philippines (Zacra)
In this presentation, seascapes with varying management strategies were identified, as shown below:
Seascape Management Strategies
Verde Island A case of sustainable financing
Southern Palawan Protection, conservation, and management through EAFM Approach
Tanon Strait Managing NIPAS through LCA-managed MPAs
Lanuza Bay Alliance of LGUs adopting ridge to reef approach. This is already existing. Highlighted approach is ridge-to-reef approach.
Davao Gulf Transforming governance network to ecological network. This is surrounded by different industries. Aim is to establish a governance network and to address unsustainable banana plantation activities.
NIPAS and RA 8550, as amended by RA 10654, are two (2) laws that the SmartSeas used to manage seascapes, as the project covers both NIPAS and locally managed MPAs. SmartSeas focuses on the development and protection of Seascapes in the Philippines.
SmartSeas was developed to accelerate the establishment of Marine Protected Areas and Marine Protected Area Network to include more Marine Key Biodiversity Areas to address the threats and the rapid degradation of marine and coastal habitats.
One of the strategies to counteract biodiversity loss is the identification of priority conservation areas, or key biodiversity areas (KBA). KBAs are areas which have one or more trigger species that require site scale conservation to counteract loss and extinction. The criteria in identifying an area as KBA include: (a) vulnerable or globally threatened species based on the IUCN Red List of threatened species; (b) restricted-range species or endemic/rare which are irreplaceable; and (c) data deficiency on species that may be important for conservation but no conclusive data available.
It is important to note that the KBA approach does not minimize the size of the site network but provide information on the sites significant for conservation (Eken, 2004).
The SMARTseas observed that there are those engaged in marine conservation who work too focused on particular habitats or ecosystems; e.g., being biased to working for the conservation of coral reefs alone, or only
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 99 on mangroves or seagrass alone. SMARTSeas adopted the strategy wherein the focus is for the preservation of marine habitat that encompasses the three (3) marine ecosystems which is the mangrove, seagrass, and coral reefs. They learned that there was an increase in management effectiveness of individual MPAs and Marine Protected Area Networks within the five Marine Key Biodiversities Areas that they were working on.
ECOFISH Project’s Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (Armada)
The presentation showed seascape through the lens of fisheries management, and aimed at enhancing fish production while using science in managing a landscape/seascape. This approach highlighted the importance of taking into consideration the type of fishery resources (i.e. specie and their life cycle in a particular location).
ECOFISH is a five-year project (29 June 2012 to 28 June 2017) implemented primarily with the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), in tandem with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The main project partners on the ground are the local government units (LGUs).
It builds on the previously USAID-funded FISH Project, also with the DA-BFAR. The FISH Project was able to demonstrate an increase in fish stocks by 13 percent over seven years across the four project sites. This was primarily achieved through improved fisheries management.
ECOFISH is in eight (8) Marine Key Biodiversity Areas (MKBA) in the country: (1) Lingayen Gulf, (2) Verde Island Passage, (3) Ticao Pass – Lagonoy Gulf – San Bernardino Strait, (4) Calamianes Is land Group, (5) Danajon Reef, (6) South Negros Island, (7) Surigao del Sur and del Norte, and (8) Sulu Archipelago. They represent all the six marine ecoregions of the country.
Ecosystem approach to fisheries management is about managing fisheries at ecosystem scales rather than the scales defined by jurisdictional boundaries. It also addresses the sustainability of ecosystems and not just the sustainability of target species, as well as provides governance mechanisms for the selected spatial scale. Ecosystem approach to fisheries management is also about balancing ecological being of resources to economic value while preserving, protecting, and increasing the interest of both. Examples of the applications of ecological principles in designing MPAs and Network of MPAs include (a) scale analysis – MPAs should be more than twice the home range of focal species; (b) use of compact shapes (circles and squares); (c) impacts of threats (land-based runoff, destructive fishing); (d) minimum distance between reserves (15 km); (e) habitat representation (coral reef, mangroves, sea grass); and (f) protection of critical areas (nursery, breeding, feeding).
One of the major challenges is connecting the different jurisdictional property with the ecological aspect. The marine spatial planning, particularly zoning of fisheries uses, have been mainstreamed in all MKBAs. Resource valuation was introduced by the project team to provide additional layer for decision making criteria on the choosing the appropriate use for the area. As it turned out, the accounting for sea space use became even the more important factor that encouraged the local government to pursue MSP.
100 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Landscape in the Context of the Archipelagic Nature and Profile of the Philippines (Guiang)
The country is dealing with two (2) major landscapes/seascapes: the dominance of watershed and basins, on one hand, and 228 key biodiversity areas (KBAs) on the other hand. The definition of landscape could be expanded to: (a) biologically-defined: i.e. islands, basins, watersheds, wetlands/coastal/marine areas, biodiversity corridors; (b) legally-defined: i.e. protected areas, ancestral domains, reservations; and (c) political units.
There are several relevant overlays in a landscape, such as when one is linking conservation with development.
Biophysically defined Legally defined
Technically-determined Technical Descriptions specified in laws – Must Overlays legislation, administrative issuances • Political units • DENR field units jurisdictions Must overlays • Protected Areas (PAs) • Key biodiversity areas, corridors • Tenure in forest lands • Major habitats and unique natural • Ancestral domains attractions • Sources and types of major ecosystems services • Political units • DENR field units • PAs • Tenure in forest lands • Ancestral domains • Sources and types of major ecosystem services
The idea is as one cascades the governance unit from the provincial level to the barangay level, one can actually define the appropriate governance unit for the landscape through the subsidiarity principle, which is when responsibility is assigned to the most competent at the lowest level of the structure.
Several experiences and write-ups/literature have provided some guidance on how to operationalize the process of planning, designing, implementing and managing the seascapes, landscapes, and their institutional resources. A common approach is to bring together all sectors and stakeholders in the area to discuss how they are going to manage the particular landscapes/seascapes and their resources.
Among the challenges raised relate to the following questions: Who is going to take the lead role and responsibility in managing the landscapes and seascapes? Is it the RTC? Is it the DENR? The governor? Because otherwise it would only be project-driven. At present, efforts to manage landscapes are all project-driven.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 101 Open Forum
With regards to SGP collaboration with more NGOs in Culion, Palawan, it was explained that this is what happens when people and organizations are project-driven. SGP is a grant-giving program, which provides support to whoever needs the money to implement relevant projects. Unfortunately, there is no project for network building in Culion, Palawan, that is an opportunity for the LGU to take the lead. It was suggested that the LGU should have a program for its landscapes and seascapes (Quicho).
If the LGU is proactive enough, groups can set the road map and zoning so that they can ask for investment to support the programs of the LGU. Unfortunately in the Philippines, most mayors do not think on a long-term basis. It will take three (3) years for an environmental project to prosper (Guiang).
Leadership has to first see the success. There are several problems with managing of MPAs in Culion for the past years, and probably that is the reason why the LGU has not taken the lead role in it. Unlike the experience in Siete Pecados, the local leadership became interested when it saw the success of the project (Armada).
On timeframe for project implementation and SGP7, the process is not clear, specifically for public lands. Agencies involved are DENR, LGUs and if there is an ancestral domain, the NCIP has to be involved as well. While land use planning cannot be the sole responsibility of the LGU, the zoning needs to be clarified first. Planning will take one to two years but the project for five years can do a lot (Guiang).
It is not about the number of years. ECOFISH had this experience of helping a group for 12 years now. However, the baseline showed that the fish stock is really very low and will obviously take longer to improve unlike in Tawi-Tawi, wherein the fishery resources is already good—the fish stock improved within a very short period of time. There is no formula, and there is no pattern on the number of years. It differs from one place to another (Armada).
We all know the SGP comprehension phase will run for five (5) years but normal projects will only run for two (2) years. In planning SGP7, it is being planned towards building landscapes and seascapes strength by strength (Quicho).
To build on the gains of previous interventions, there is a need for national government agencies and the next interventions, and for the next development projects to conduct inventory, assessment, mapping or what has been done, so that data can be gathered (Zacra).
On the issue on landscapes management, it was also discussed and observed that landscapes are huge areas that cannot be managed by a single entity alone. While on the other hand, in Central Luzon, there is no single community that can determine the future of its own landscapes. This is determined by those who have power on a broader scale, whether these are corporations or government projects. There is power in SGP‘s idea of a
102 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 hub because this can be developed to influence the status of landscapes and seascapes at the community level (Bert Peters).
That is precisely the reason the question was raised earlier on who is going to take the lead role in pushing for management of landscapes. Most LGUs do not even know how many percent of their land is public land and how many are ADs. There are challenges—to gather and consolidate data, make these accessible to the public by using social media, and bring to the attention of concerned LGUs as well. Grantees could also use their small funds to start small initiatives that could perhaps have better impacts after three years or so (Guiang).
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 103 SESSION 11 Certifying BDFEs: A CSO – Government – Private Sector Dialogue
Chair:
Ms. Marie Lisa M. Dacanay President Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA)
Mr. Allan Vera Lecturer Institute of Social Works and Community Development, University of the Philippines
Presenters:
Ms. Maritess Agayatin OIC Chief Caves, Wetlands & Other Ecosystems Division, BMB-DENR
Mr. Pablo Paet Networking Officer Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)
Reactors:
Mr. Arian Garinga Ms. Maybelle Camps IDEAS Palawan Executive Director Board Member, Palawan Producers Nortehanon Access Center, Inc. (NAC) Cooperative
Mr. Laurence Padilla Executive Director Palawan Center for Appropriate Rural Technology, Inc. (PCART)
104 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Introduction
Certification is a process to put in place incentives and support program to BDFEs. It is of no use if the policy that will be developed shall not bring good and benefits to the BDFEs in order for them to scale up, grow, and develop.
The session is a dialogue between POs and NGOs, government agencies, cooperatives, and social enterprises towards policy development. The objective is to discuss how certification process can be included in policy development initiative that would support BDFEs in terms of support programs, incentives and the like, as well as to look into the challenges and possible pitfalls. (Dacanay)
Worth noting is the existence of a pending bill lobbied in the Congress seeking for the “Qualification Process for Social Enterprises” to actually get the support and incentive in government for the social enterprises to grow and develop. The institute used qualification instead of “certification” process. (Dacanay)
Cave, Wetland and other Ecosystems Division, BMB-DENR (Agayatin)
The previous orientation of PAMB and now, BMB was to restrict and conserve. But, at present, it is apparent that part of the considerations in managing protected areas is ensuring equitable access to opportunities, especially for the poor and marginalized communities who are almost entirely dependent on natural resources for their livelihood. OIC Chief Agayatin said that, “There is the growing realization that environmental conservation is eventually bound to fail if it cannot make a case for the improvement of peoples’ lives, especially their socioeconomic status. There must be a profit in conservation.”
Biodiversity Partnerships Project (BPP) coined the concept of “biodiversity-friendly enterprise” (BDFE), focusing more on biodiversity while gaining profit. BDFE is defined as economic activities and practices of micro, small and medium enterprises, local government units, and people’s organization that promote the sustainable use of biological resources, create wealth and values, and open opportunities for the equitable sharing of benefits among stakeholders. This is in line with DENR principles which started with Secretary Gina Lopez--partnership with civil society, ecosystem integrity, sustainable consumption and production and social justice. Contributing to the objectives are the guiding principles, which are BDFEs and sustainable development towards biodiversity conservation.
The presentation also discussed the criteria, benefits, process flow and considerations of the BDFEs.
The BDFE’s Criteria has three (3) criteria which are as follows:
• Ecological: The conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of biological resources. Look into the implications of enterprise operations (i.e., inputs, process, and outputs) on ecology;
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 105 • Economic: The viable, sound and broad-based development of economy that creates wealth and value and positive financial returns that benefits the community, LGU, and biodiversity;
• Equity: The equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of the biological resources. It emphasizes the benefits of men and women, the indigenous peoples (IPs) and all the other stakeholders in all stages of the economic activity or business.
Different sectors can benefit from the BDFEs.
Private Business and Investor Sector:
1. Enhancement of their competitive position and profitability; 2. Generation of net positive cash flow by delivering goods and services either as stand-alone or together with other goods and services along the supply chain; 3. Development of niche markets.
Producers, Communities and People’s Organizations:
1. Alternative sources of livelihood/income; 2. Opportunities for the establishment and expansion of rural-based micro, small and medium enterprises that can become an integral part of the formal economic circuit; 3. Equitable sharing of benefits among men and women, the indigenous peoples 4. Indigenous peoples and all the other stakeholders in all stages of the economic activity or business.
Local Government Units:
1. Generation of local jobs; 2. Diversification of the local economy; 3. Increased locally sourced revenues; 4. Conservation of the area’s biodiversity resources; 5. Enhancement of local institutional capacities for planning and development of biodiversity-friendly business.
The process flow of the BDFEs is the procedure for the assessment of possible BDFEs. It includes inventory of livelihood projects as developed into social enterprise or BDFEs. Profiling is looking into the elements present. Assessment is evaluating BDFEs based on the criteria and recognition.
There are three (3) industry sectors: (1) the primary sector which is engaged in sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries; (2) the secondary sector is engaged in the processing, pharmaceutical, manufacturing; and (3) the tertiary sector is in ecotourism.
106 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 There are also considerations for BDFEs depending on the types of farming. For terrestrial farming, the use of indigenous materials and species, practicing rotational cropping, and promoting agricultural waste recycling and resource use should be considered. Meanwhile for livestock farming, it is important to note that the management of animals should not interfere in the production of crops and shall not contribute to waste pollution in the farm and in nearby bodies of water; promotion of native breeds and/or agriculture-important animal species; and provide sufficient space for grazing and feed ingredients and it should be sourced in the pasture area of the farm or farm crop by-products.
The DENR-BMB created the Technical Bulletin No. 2017-11, Guidelines in the Identification and Recognition of Biodiversity-friendly Enterprises. However, the recognition aspect is still weak. Likewise, there is a need for recommended possible actions to transform livelihood enterprises to adhere to biodiversity principles. And, there was an ongoing inventory of existing BDFEs in PAs.
As of June 2018, from a total of 413 existing enterprises in the 112 PAs that responded only 124 belong to primary industry sector; 174 in secondary industry sector; and 115 in tertiary industry sector or service. There are 16 PAs that indicated that there are no enterprises in the area. All regions except for CAR and XII have already submitted the information requested. Per BMB Special Order No. 2018-50, a BMB BDFE Core group is created.
The team conducted sample assessment at Bongsanglay Natural Park last March 2018. There are People’s Organizations in the area that are engaged in eco-tourism. Specifically, the Royroy United Fisherfolk Association is engaged in Ecotourism Package and Oyster Farming; and Gibraltar Fisherfolk Alliance Inc. (GFA) is engaged in Ecotourism Package.
The recommendations were based on the findings during the validation. It is recommended that the financial assistance, if granted to the POs, shall be used in two (2) phases–Planning and Implementation. At present, entrance fees are not yet collected as PAMB Resolution on fees has not yet been approved. The approval of the resolution should be facilitated immediately.
Assessment conducted at Palaut Island Protected Landscape and Seascape on April 2018: (1) Handicrafts from pandan, (2) Honey, (3) Culinary/Catering, (4) Reef guiding; and (5) Guided Tours.
The overall recommendations are: (1) Treat all enterprises as support service to ecotourism (complementation of enterprises); (2) Conduct feasibility study; (3) Refresher trainings; (4) Market linkage; (5) Acquisition of equipment as support to enterprise; (6) Capacity building for the POs; (7) Product diversification; (8) Skills development; and (9) Business planning.
Several challenges were discussed particularly with regard to certification and recognition. To work towards recognition, BMB conducted initial discussions with Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI) for the possibility of developing policy on the recognition of BDFEs. The National Ecolabelling Programme–Green Choice Philippines is a voluntary, third-party, Type 1 eco-labelling
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 107 programme that provides criteria for environmentally-preferable products, considers the life-cycle of the product and product/brand specific. BMB intends to engage the services of a Consultant to develop policy for the recognition of BDFEs. Interested and qualified applicants may submit to BMB with documents required as posted. Unfortunately the posting failed for three times.
The drafted DAO on the Guidelines on the Granting and Utilization of Financial Assistance for Biodiversity- Friendly Enterprises (BDFEs), and through this administrative order, the yearly budget for the BFDFEs is assured to make it sustainable.
Everyone is invited to participate and speak up in order to help in the crafting of the policy on recognition. BDFE might be abused by others for the purposes of business and profit instead of working towards safeguarding livelihood social enterprise that is genuinely biodiversity friendly.
People and organizations involved in BDFEs should determine the purpose and decide to have either certification or recognition or both, depending on what is truly needed. On the part of the organic vegetable sector, the need does not necessitate it. In fact, certification is imposed as premium to be able to set the pricing of a crop. On the other hand, the Php 50,000.00 annual certification fee cannot immediately be realized in terms of ROI. This could also be passed on as burden on the part of the consumers. In Region 2 for example, there is only one organic certified organic farm which is in Tapaya, a DA organic training center. It is a third party organic certified.
It should be looked into by the organization BDFE’s primary orientation of either as a business or service provider/delivery. The organic vegetable crop certification seems to be a business as it is very expensive for a farmer to acquire and seek certification of all of its produced crops. It is better if certification includes the systems for the farm and not for a single crop only. If BDFE is a service it can be better appreciated and more appropriate. Clarifications with regard to the objective of the BDFEs Certification were raised. It was suggested that the BDFEs organization should discern whether certification is intended to combat fraud otherwise it can be used as an instrument for politicizing. The word “organic” is being associated as part of the branding of BDFEs but such word is widely used in politics.
Possessing the BDFE or organic certification should genuinely benefit the end users. Knowing the product of the BDFEs is relatively important than the certification. It encourages client or customer to purchase and patronize the product. However, the need for a certification should be further highlighted. It must be help producers and providers easy access to government funds and should provide better experience than accessing organic funds which are already available but are hard to access. Since three (3) year ago, various proposals were submitted regarding organic resilient facilities development but until now none of these proposals have been implemented. Organic best practices and data were showcased and given awards at the regional and provincial levels but the awards and incentives were not cascaded at the level of the organic farmers POs. The processes of securing any type of certification or recognition usually undergo tedious processes. The discussion on the value of of certification or recognition was further emphasized. It was suggested that the certification should symbolize prestige and honor of genuinely BDFEs rather than an indication of business
108 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 marketability and profitability. It was discussed that the latter can lead to high costs of BDFE product and thereby affect patronage by consumers and end users.
The processes of acquiring certification or recognition for BDFEs are contrary to non-BDFE and/or non-organic practitioners. There were no control mechanisms or policies to the common practices of non-organic and non- BDFEs’ constant and excessive use of chemical inputs. Also, they can easily acquire permits, secure certification, and attain market recognition. It must be emphasized that the policy should not be set for compliance only. As an example, an organic certification of a single crop amounts to Php 50,000.00 which is valid for one year. The certification should be done by a third party. Coordination with PGS was undertaken to seek for alternative third party for organic crop certification. However, PGS is still being lobbied and pending in the Congress to be recognized as an organic certification system even if it is being utilized already by other organic practitioners. Given these challenges, there was a motion not to undergo certification or recognition if there is no need for it. Interests and benefits to the end users and producers/providers must be considered.
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
Session Chair’s Insights Reactors’ Views Reactions from the Government (Dacanay) (Agayatin)
The Chair highlighted The BDFEs must have a certification and Vietnam has a green thumb mechanism the need to establish the recognition. The government should wherein products that has distinctive sizes importance of certification have a policy that will ensure only are marked with green thumb. This is the and recognition. The chair those with certification and recognition mechanism for determining whether it is BDFE further emphasized that the can claim as BDFE. The certification or non-BDFE. They also practices the price– dialogue should address the would level-up the BDFEs so that income distribution scheme wherein certain issues with regard to the “why it can be comparable with others. percentages of the income is given to the (need), what (form) and how Safety nets should also be factored-in. community trust fund, environment funds, and (processes) of certification and Instead of a third party, the BDFI and government share. Products are patronized recognition while considering BDFEs should be the only authorized because people know that the certain amount the benefits of end-users as entities for certification or recognition. goes directly to services. well as the lessons learned Certification should be made simple but from past experiences. The must undergo proper and fair process. In the country, Palawan has a stringent permit need for for certification by (Camps) system and process. The list requirements social enterprises also has to be are difficult to accomplish. For the FLAGT clarified. Qualification is opted than certification. application by a corporate or individual, three When the PRRM and PCCARD started (3) percent of the land zonal value per square the Information, Production and ha is the rental fee to be paid to DENR per year. Dissemination Services (IPDS) there For any improvement related to ecotourism, was already discussion on the concerns one (1) percent of the amount shall be paid to about certification. Among the concerns the government every year. was the affordability of the certification annual fee which range from Php 58,000 Inventory is a requirement for FLAGT to Php 88,000. This amount can be too application of private individuals and costly for farmers. It was suggested that corporation. The government has no budget DENR considers getting the 30% portion inventory. It is suggested that there should be of the FLAGT fees to be provided to the a policy requiring FLAGT applicants to shoulder BDFEs for ecotourism. the conduct of tree species inventory, and the hiring of private or registered foresters, while technical evaluation shall be handled by DENR.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 109 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Session Chair’s Insights Reactors’ Views Reactions from the Government (Dacanay) (Agayatin)
DENR can also cancel requirements Only corporations can afford the inventory for almaciga and rattan for the IPs. The of almaciga and rattan. Possible corruption concessioners are paying the fees for can happen if the corporation will just hire a and in behalf of IPs and in return the IPs forester provide per diem and other operating will be beholden to the concessioner’s expenses to DENR personnel to conduct the demand. Cancellation of these tree inventory. requirements should be made in favor of genuine BDFEs. (Padilla) During the time when the Department was conceptualizing the recognition or For an organization of BDFEs to be certification, it was complicated. BMB started registered and/or accredited by SEC, thinking on how to scale-up the work of CDA, and even BIR requires annual BDFEs on biodiversity conservation while at financial report or annual financial the same time, addressing the needs of the statement. The BDFEs and other communities, especially the IPs who are the marginalized groups may have ones preserving and protecting the areas. This difficulties complying with these is to somehow give recognition by putting requirements since cannot afford to hire premium to their conservation works. This CPAs to prepare the report. An option would also increase the price of the BDF of creating a mechanism to ensure product. Meanwhile, it is also proposed that participatory process at the provincial the side of the producers be considered. In level can be considered instead of such case, what would be the value and effect having the certification as part of of the certification and recognition on the part government requirements. Reviewing of the producers. the fees and making it more affordable especially to BDFEs, social enterprises, and cooperatives, is also suggested (Padilla).
The women enterprise cooperative is required to undergo the certification process under FDA before it will be registered or accredited by any government agency. Setting up a structure and facility as a requirement would entail Php 200,000 to Php 1,000,000. Without the FDA certification, the cooperative had to pull out their products displayed in the mall. The FDA for food products is a requirement on top of DTI registration, DOST accreditation, and SEC registration. The enterprise was also required with FDA certification when applying for a trade fair. (Garinga)
110 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
Session Chair’s Insights Reactors’ Views Reactions from the Government (Dacanay) (Agayatin)
The BDFE products was among the prohibited for selling by FDA and was posted in social media because it has no FDA certification. Meanwhile, direct selling of BDFE products is being undertaken. The organization also hopes that the PAMB would help in the processing and approval of the requirements for almaciga and rattan in the area. Despite the President’s statements to help the SMEs, the certification is a government policy that needs to be complied. (Garinga)
There was a question raised if accreditation processes can be mitigated or eliminated along with other existing qualification and certification processes that are already imposed on businesses and enterprise, especially for the SMEs. (Dacanay).
In Palawan, only twenty percent (20%) of the entire terrestrial lands of the province were titled and the rest has no tenurial instruments. The is also no ISF inside a CBFM. A question is also raised if DENR and DA have policies that encourage farmers to own the land after tilling and developing. Farmers will not develop a land with no assurance of owning it. (Padilla)
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 111 Open Forum
The certification brings a sense of pride to the producers because it means the products are produced by the BDFEs who are help in protecting and conserving the environment. However, the issue is on the process of recognition or certification. Since most of the BDFEs are operating at the provincial level, a suggestion to set- up the recognition and certification mechanism at the provincial levelof the BDFEs is raised. The government should consider recognizing the BDFEs through the provincial BMB-DENR offices. At present, the BDFEs are not yet capable of competing at the national or international level in terms of certification and recognition given the tedious processand meticulous requirements. As an example, rice-ducks, balut and salted egg production which are already common becomes differentiated if they produced in a BDF manner or not.
The main purpose of the BDFE’s recognition or certification is to ensure the environmental protection and conservation of biodiversity. Essential to this, is clearly defininig BDFE and ensuring that the BDFEs assist in protecting the environment. The BDFE certification or recognition should adhere to standards of excellence. While there is clear benefits of certification or recognition to the biodiversity conservation,there is no clear impact valuation of BDFEs to the environment and biodiversity. Furthermore, other important questions that also need to be addressed are “Who made the standards, and how were the standards formulated?” “What are the credentials of the people who made the standards?” “Are they competent and trained?” etc. (John Vincent Castro, Tanggol Kalikasan)
The BMB has clear standards and criteria in terms of identification while the recognition aspect is still a work in progress in terms of criteria, processes, and standards.
Standards and certification should consider the situation, practices and resources of the IPs and farmers. It important that the standards should assist the BDFE in developing and scaling-up their products and enterprise in general. A rice farmer asked if they can still gain recognition for their organic farming practices even if their produce cannot meet the demand of the market (Celestino, Rice Farmer).
The policy on BDFE certification and recognition is still in the formulation stage. It was proposed that certification or recognition and accreditation hould be connected with other government requirements. (Vera). However, there was a also a question with regard to passing a legislative policy on BDFE recognition and certification. Issues with regard to the interests of legislators vis-à-vis the interest of the environmental protection were among the concerns raised. In light of this, DENR-BMB is proposed to be the implementer of the BDFEs recognition and certification from the national level up to the provincial level. Demarcations and distinctions of landscapes and seascapes of BDFEs and color coding schemes in the monitoring and evaluation of particular areas and categories of BDFEs Were also proposed.
It is recommended that policy development about certification or recognition of BDFEs under SGP5 be a continuing concern by next SGP phase for its continuity and sustainability initiatives. In relation to this, there was an idea favoring accreditation because it is important for producers. As a matter of policy, it can be expanded for the sake of the IPs and farmers that are genuinely BDFEs or organic. The advantages of acquiring
112 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 a mark of accreditation is that they will be patronized by the customers, just like the way an ecotourism hotel marked with accreditation of DOT are recognized. The accreditation does not only promote the product but also encourages the people to advocate for the protection of the biodiversity and environment given the lists of the livelihood brought by the BDFEs, and this livelihood is compatible with the biodiversity. The other government agencies can be engaged with the DENR to reach out the communities to be involved in biodiversity conservation, environment, and BDFE livelihood. The principle of accreditation would be a market-ready BDFE.
PPC as an ecotourism product is not accredited by DOT. The PPC council passed a city ordinance on “Community-based Sustainable Tourism” (CBST), which covers the ecotourism BDFE of the organization. Through this ordinance, the organization applied and was granted accreditation by the PPC council together with other organizations. There was no fee imposed for the accreditation; it is free. (Santander)
The BMB states that it will not impose any fee for the recognition or certification. But, in the course of the discussion, there is a government process that requires fees, like FDA. The arising question is that if the BDFEs certification or recognition process still needs to undergo the certification process of FDA. If BDF meets the criteria of equity, environment and economic, it was if there is still need for an FDA certification.
On the identification process of BDF and criteria of the selection process, site visits to the communities and areas engaged in BDF should be conducted. BMB has no intention of imposing fees on BDFE recognition or certification. Given the criteria for identification, the question would be with regards to the economic aspect. BDFEs should profit and expand in the market. Food products or medicine would need for FDA certification to ensure health and safety. This is one of the limitations to the BDFE products’ marketability. (Lorilie, BMB-DENR)
Aside from mainly focusing on FDA requirements, there are other aspects that need to be addressed such as the BDFEs marketability, resources supply capacity, business plan, market targeting systems and methods, and demonstrating the links of biodiversity conservation with the social equity and economic sustainability. (Flora)
Incorporating the single island endemism concept, considering that archipelagic nature of the country is a good way to ensure prevention of transplanting species that can be invasive from other islands and propagated within islands. (Castro)
Recognition or certification of BDFEs should be a developmental process and cognizant with the status of the BDFEs whether they are start-ups, community-based BDFEs, or scaling-up. Uplifting the economic condition of IP communities, producers, and farmers is also suggested to be considered by the government. Providing incentives can be a good way to also promote biodiversity- conservation in BDFEs in the country. (Dacanay)
Business plans is important in terms of identifying the right market, developing the branding, pricing. Important question to address is how can a BDFE’s dependency in the preservation and protection of environment and biodiversity compare to a corporate intention of business and profit (Leandro, Earth Day Foundation).
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 113 Discussing certification provides the framework of exclusion. But in the discussion, the frame tends to be inclusive in terms of how those who do not have access could be able to access, and the direction of how to be recognized. The approach must be developmental and facilitative.
The discussion was scaled up to the question of developmental and not business. Instead, BDFE is a social enterprise and not a business enterprise. The discussion revolves not around the business tool of a set of knowledge on business learnings from POs or NGOs, but in the art of managing the triple bottom line.
There is also a need to think of what are we trying to promote. BDFE does not differentiate social enterprise or business enterprise. It seems that most of the BDFEs are community-based. They should determine whether the direction is gearing towards business or social enterprise.
The BMB should also look into the need to study and discern the need to promote BDFEs for all, given that there is a pending law on social enterprises to sensitize the policy being developed with respect to the differentiation between the business and social enterprises. Likewise, look into the difference between BDFEs and corporate enterprises. The difficulties will arise here because there is no deliberation to be made in the differentiation of the schemes and scales between community-and corporations. There should be a deliberation in treating BDFE community-based social enterprises differently from the corporations or private business.
It is clear that everybody is for recognition. The issues raised pertain to the form and has something to do in assisting the recognition process. It should be services and processes that are developmental and not market- based. The learning from the past failures and in addressing the challenges like corruption should also be taken into account. Talking about recognition, there is one for private sectors and that is third party certification. There is also a private sector made by peer group certification system which in effect is participatory. (Dacanay)
The government can do the recognition but it can also be a qualification process. It should give access to recognition in order to grow as BDFEs and the certification process should be developmental and not to be turned into a business.
There should be a clearer discussion on these issues. The certification should mean that it is towards developing a policy which is in the level of policy development in the government. There are also certification processes that can be recognized by the government as part of its policy. The PGS is not yet recognized by the government as a system of recognition. With this, the BMB could have some insight, suggestion, and recommendation to consider as a government agency taking the lead in the advocacy of biodiversity conservation and recognition process towards policy development. Their consultants should have inputs coming from the discussion of this session.
114 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SESSION 12 Building Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation
Chair:
Ms. Jovelyn Cleofe Swiss Lenten Catholic Fund (SCLF) Coordination Team at Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA) Network International
Yasmin Arquiza Senior Manager for Communications RARE Philippines
Presenters:
Atty. Grizelda Mayo-Anda Executive Director Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC)
Darwin Flores Head and VP for Community Partnerships SMART Communications
Miraflor Sanchez Project Officer (MERF) North Philippine Sea Bioregional Network for Benham/Philippine Rise Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF, Inc.)
Introduction
The session explored important partnerships for biodiversity conservation. Topics discussed look into how partnerships could be built and sustained, encourage partnerships with communities, as well as the challenges in sustaining partnerships, and resolution of possible conflicts.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 115 Enhancing Constituency Building in VAMR (Mayo-Anda)
The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, or the Ruggie Principles, is a good perspective in looking at partnerships. Prof. John Ruggie showed how to put together different components of partnership and consider possible ways to interrelate. The government can strengthen multi-sectoral programs, and give incentives and recognition to civil society and private sector. The private sector can provide technical assistance in developing green and clean technology, while the citizens/civil society can help in capacity building efforts, and support law enforcement efforts and accountability mechanisms.
In consideration of time constraints, only two groups were discussed: (a) partnerships working to address the threats to the Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range (VAMR) – the Working Group for the Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range (VAMR) and (b) the Palawan Alliance for Clean Energy (PACE). These are partnerships for protection advocacy that have survived for 10 years.
Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range (VAMR)
With over 120,0000 hectares, Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range, consisting of the four municipalities of Quezon, Narra, Aborlan, Quezon and Puerto Princesa City, is a key biodiversity area that is severely threatened. Research and mapping conducted by experts from the Flora and Fauna International, Advance REDD project, among others, and the community show that VAMR is species-rich with trees, wildlife and key species of birds, as well carbon stock. But the area faces forest change and is heavily mined with three mining groups operating. Several initiatives have been undertaken in the last decade, including the CEPF watershed establishment in Narra, Advance Redd, Ascend, and these need to be sustained.
The Working Group for VAMR consists of academe from the Western Philippines University (WPU), the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), and the NGOs PNNI, Katala Foundation, NTFP-EP Philippines, NATRIPAL, IDEAS, Center for Sustainability and ELAC. It is still growing. The working group was established after several meetings in the PCSD office. There are many initiatives that need follow-through, and there is a need to build on many initiatives.
Key Issues
Many communities in the area are not aware of VAMR and they do not know that it is a key biodiversity area. Many stakeholders, especially local indigenous people and farmer communities, lack awareness on the nature and significance of VAMR in relation to their livelihood, economic development and in making communities climate-resilient.
116 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The Working Group was overwhelmed when they identified issues of concern. The numerous issues were the result of the absence of clear management approach for VAMR, and the presence of extractive and destruction industries. These issues identified were:
• Institutional Issues • Unclear management approach/framework for VAMR • Understanding and appreciation of laws, policies and mandates • Coordination and complementation • Lack of budget and competent personnel • Corruption • Conflicting policies and competing programs • Destructive activities having adverse impacts on resources, communities and cultures • Absence or lack of viable community livelihood and enterprise options • Lack or absence of legal empowerment • Lack of technical and financial support to achieve ownership and tenurial security • Weak enforcement of laws, accountability mechanisms and safeguards • Limited baseline information
VAMR Working Group
While the group did not have a memorandum of agreement (MOA), the common goal to seek to address the issues that have been identified keeps them together. With a small grant from the UNDP, the partners did awareness raising sessions and focus group discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders, and even conducted discussions through Viber. The group also prepared brochures and education materials. Meetings with local officials and key agencies during barangay and municipal/city sessions followed. Afterwards, the group drafted local legislation and community resolutions to support VAMR.
In 2014, the VAMR Working Group agreed on the following objectives: (a) identify policy opportunities that would provide options for VAMR establishment; (b) enhance awareness among stakeholders, particularly, local and marginalized upland and lowland communities, on the importance of VAMR; and (c) facilitate local and doable policy and governance actions among key barangays and communities within VAMR, by building upon local legislative initiatives.
The group’s vision and mission was crafted in 2015. Ecosystem was defined as a community, and the mission statement seeks to ensure life. The guiding principle is that there must be livelihood for the VAMR communities even as they work toward forest conservation. Poverty in VAMR is at 57 to 60 percent.
VISION: Ecosystem services and biodiversity are conserved and enriched while ensuring the quality of life of empowered indigenous, cultural, and local communities in VAMR.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 117 MISSION: To sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services, and improve quality of life through strong partnerships, policy advocacy, sustainable ecosystem management, and community empowerment. This calls for active stewardship/ownership and strong partnerships.
The planned outcome is a framework that consists of a resilient landscape mosaic, a management regime, and empowered indigenous, cultural, and local communities managing the VAMR. The essential characteristic sought is that we have a resilient VAMR that can confront changes and threats like La Nina and El Nino. A management regime should be established for VAMR that will ensure/improve the quality of life of indigenous, cultural, and local communities through enlightenment and empowerment.
The shared goal is to ensure that ecosystem services and biodiversity shall be conserved/ protected, while ensuring the livelihood of local indigenous cultural and security of farmer communities in the area.
The group aims to ensure LIFE: Livelihood, Institutional capacity-building, Forest conservation, Ecosystem services, Environmental justice. These are guiding principles.
Even with PCSD, there was a lot of reliance on NGOs on IEC and research. The group looked at the research and policy options that will respond to the situation. Policy options need to be studied and local officials need to be engaged on VAMR to address law enforcement issues and unite to protect the area. There is a need to look at acceptable policy options that municipalities will agree on, and agree on acceptable policies to convince even those in mining.
The group met with local government units, which also posed a challenge because some have not even heard of VAMR. Different meetings were held for the last four years. NGOs drafted resolutions. Thus far, Aborlan and Narra have passed resolutions based on the drafts presented. The partnerships are a work in progress and there is a need to reach out to more groups like the DENR. Some partners want to engage the DOE, NEA, and, electric cooperatives.
The Palawan Alliance for Clean Energy (PACE)
PACE was more organized and there was an academician/consultant who enhanced research and helped define community and barangay strategies. There were several data-gathering, study, and small group meetings. It mapped allies and champions and formed the alliance for renewable energy and biodiversity conservation. The alliance agreed to (a) engage key government agencies and the electric cooperative in order to push for renewable energy and protect Palawan’s biodiversity; (b) launch a campaign to oppose coal projects in Palawan (that would be the source of energy development); and (c) collaborate with national advocacy groups and NGOs working on renewable energy.
SGP supported the research agenda. In a series of community and barangay sessions, they discussed options for a management regime and continue to weigh the possibilities for a local inter-LGU ordinance or protection under NIPAS, or declaring an Indigenous and Cultural Conservation Area (ICCA), or working toward an inter-LGU
118 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 ordinance. All these need to be understood by stakeholders. It is difficult to proceed with stakeholders not knowing key biodiversity issues and approaches.
There are conflicting positions even among community members. The framework and the options have to be understood by stakeholders to confront powerful adversaries with their resources, patrons and networks as well as confront divergent understanding of issues and approaches as well as interests among community members and the broader constituency.
The LGUs of Aborlan and Narra issued resolutions for the protection of VAMR. A wildlife sanctuary in Narra and a marine sanctuary in Aborlan were protected from the proposed coal project. They have convinced the government that renewable energy is the least cost option. There is already a Palawan Island Power Development Plan, which came out of a study, and is a bottom-up approach. People from the government expressed regret on why some extractive industries were given permits.
The WG and PACE started with processes like regular meetings, planning and evaluation and monitoring. The convenors must exhibit leadership that is recognized by partners. The aim was for regular communications among stakeholders and promoting a sense of volunteerism.
Challenges of the group include inattendance to meetings by government representatives or sending low level representatives who cannot make decisions, lack of funds to mobilize, conflicting issues among and within LGUs, and need to have more volunteers and develop second liners since they are not full time.
Start with sustaining processes and practices that are valued and shared. Partners should identify key opportunities to be maximized. Plans and approaches must take cognizance of institutional issues. In their advocacy plans, some of these issues can be considered risks and there is a need to identify ways of managing these risks.
In developing and implementing the strategy and plans, the processes must be inclusive, participatory, inspiring and nurturing. The goals and intentions must be clear to all colleagues and partners. It is important to know if the intention is to change policies, reform behavior and attitudes, push for effective implementation of laws, alter power relations. Do we need to give such work a broader impact?
Issue analysis, advocacy goals and approaches must be clearly communicated to community partners, civil society partners and the general public through awareness sessions on biodiversity, sustainable development and governance, written statements or position papers, etc.
Science should play a critical role in advocacy approaches. There is a need to do research, documentation, monitoring and evaluation. Advocacy strategies must also consider the nature and capacity of adversaries. Changing mindsets and perspectives is a tedious process that requires planning, strategizing and assessment.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 119 It is important to learn to develop sustaining mechanisms in advocacy work for biodiversity in light of limited capacities and challenges. Building champions from the government, private and non-government sectors is an important strategy. Relationships with champions must be principled, clear at the onset, and nurtured.
Finally, celebrate successes, no matter how small, and recognize and value the role of every advocate, partner and stakeholder. NGOs are very good in awareness building and capacity building; and academic institutions may support in terms of research. There are researchers made for contrary purposes like a research supporting palm oil plantations in a forest area, but there are research studies that can be of use. Young people proved to be very affective in social media and making infographics. There are people who are good at recruiting volunteers and in writing letters.
Efforts to establish VAMR as a protected area should be broadened. There needs to be support for inclusive planning processes which consider capacities, competence, data and information gathered from our community organizing, research and linkage building (networking) efforts. There are basic things like checking if everyone has emails and promote exchange visits. It is also recommended for SGP to continue supporting projects and prepare for the long haul. Finally, it is important to promote best practices (e.g., exchange studies and infographic material). Atty. Mayo-Anda expressed that, “We have to be nurturing of each other. This is true even in a debate. A debate is not a fight.”
Building Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation (Flores)
The content of the presentation stems from lessons learned from projects where SMARTCommunications (Smart) is involved, and from the presenter’s previous work with Conservation International, as well as a member of a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) representing the private sector.
Smart as a telecom company is approached on projects by various groups, organizations or agencies. Ongoing and recent biodiversity initiatives include: (a) Text-to-Donate Project with partner WWF, which is a fundraising project; (b) for the Marikina Watershed Initiative, there are multi-stakeholder partners with PAMB, PDRF for Integrated Watershed Management Approach; (c) SnapPlot with NGP, MoA with national DENR is a project monitoring app for the Marikina Watershed; (d) connected Mangroves Project with partners Sasmuan LGU, DENR, Ericsson environmental monitoring for mangroves; (e) Bazaar BD Friendly Enterprise with BMB. Lugar is BD enterprise marketing held at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife; (f) Biosentinel with ACB, PAMB Iglit-Baco is biodiversity monitoring of species; (g) tree planting and mangrove planting for reforestation, with multiple stakeholder partners; and (h) the Sasmuan Bangkung Malapad project which showcases the use of sensors to monitor the tides and guide the local government on when tourists may safely visit the area.
The Text-to-Donate app is not difficult to do but few will respond to this marketing push if it is not anchored to a campaign. It needs to have a clear fund-raising strategy. The public must know of the purpose for it to be a success. The Red Cross Text-to-Donate app, which is activated during disasters, is included their press releases.
Project scope and buy-in from users need to be clear. Apps development is not hard but there is a tendency for technology to disrupt set ways of working. Through certain technology, data collection becomes very efficient.
120 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 In one project, weaknesses in traditional ways of working come to light. One such initiative was approved by the national office of the DENR but the local DENR did not want to implement it as all the deficiencies become apparent. This experience did not only happen in DENR but it was experienced by DepEd and DAR. The initiative was to get farmgate prices in real-time but it would have run over the bureaucracy. There were interests that are run over to get distribution to be more efficient. Kailangan makita natin sino yung masasagasaan o matatatpakan (We have to realize who would be side swept by this). There were individual and political interests to deal with because the project cannot go far if these were not addressed. This was especially true in biodiversity conservation.
There was an issue of sustainability for the Markina Watershed Project, which was started in 2009. Tree planting projects draw many volunteers and companies do this to engage employees and students but it is inefficient because most volunteers do not know how to plant. The effort is wasted and the community in the area has to redo the work. It is better to give the budget to the community who knows how to do it. That effort will be more sustainable. Projects must consider the effectiveness of volunteers, monitoring and validation.
Biodiversity conservation is a foreign concept to many companies—they will ask what it has to do with their business—but they understand disasters. Many companies were affected by Ondoy—Manila Water had to contend with 63,000 disrupted water connections; SMART had to rescue some 200 employees from rooftops; a Jollibee franchise owner who lives in Industrial Village experienced flooding first hand and was among the first to donate a million pesos for tree planting; many employees of Accenture experienced flooding and they moved to donate to the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. Responses have to be anchored on an understanding of why there is flooding.
There is also the issue of bureaucratic red tape. Some efforts are not coordinated. There is need to unite especially in addressing extreme poverty. For example in one area, there is need to target a million families or households, not POs, so that there is clear accountability. In the case of Dumagat families, for instance, there is an expansion of efforts but at the same time the Barangay keeps giving certificates of occupancy. The Dumagats sell land to cover their everyday needs.
Partnership with the government is important as they have the authority and resources. It is also important that the government such as PAMB to look into issues and base their decisions on research. LGUs are also critical partners. The private sector recognizes that business may fail and not continue, NGOs may lose their funding, but LGUs will be sustained. Partnerships through consortiums can be effective as efforts are pulled together.
North Philippine Sea Bioregional Network for Benham/Philippine Rise - UP (Sanchez)
Building partnerships for biodiversity conservation on the Northern Philippine Sea (NPS) means attempting to cover an area that is spread over 10 provinces. The Marine Environment and Resources Foundation Inc. (MERF) of the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) took off from earlier efforts by Provincial Government of Aurora and Daluhay Inc.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 121 In 2015, the 1st Bioregional Forum for the NPS explored the development of a socioeconomic agenda for the said area as well as the Benham Rise and collaboration areas between national agencies, local governments, academe (MERF-UPMSI), people’s organizations and civil society organizations. MERF wanted to look closely at community-based collaborations and to initiate the development of biodiversity and sustainable use and conservation of coastal and marine waters in the NPS with sustainable inclusive development of inshore link to offshore marine waters.
The Benham Rise is a popular issue and many are interested about it. However, only few projects and people working on Benham Rise. The Benham Rise is located in an open sea where storms come and go, and there is erosion and landslides, thus, accessibility issues are daunting. “Kami lang nagkalakas ng loob” (We were the only ones who had the courage.)
They had one (1) year to implement a Two Million Peso project with the challenge of covering seven of the 10 provinces. They were able to reach eight (8) provinces – Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, and Camarines Sur, but were not able to reach Albay and Sorsogon because of the season. The objective is to strengthen community-based conservation and resource management strategies. The sea is a source of food, source of life, and there is food security at shore and at sea. In connection with this, they did a biodiversity, socio-cultural, socio- economic, and biodiversity practices profiling.
Then MERF proceeded to build a communications net, to develop training modules on resource manage, and develop cadres. Groundwork started with the identification of cadres for the Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management (TMEM) program of the University of the Philippines (UP). The program was jointly run by UP Diliman, UP Los Banos, and UP Visayas, with support from the USAID. Four batches have graduated and DENR sent six to eight scholars as the second batch. These are the future leaders. The first scholar, who is from Aurora, was the person responsible for profiling activities in the NPS. Thesis is not required but each cadre/student is given a special problem. The approach is modular and the academic year is trimestral.
With the support of the UNDP-SGP5, MERF, in partnership with Daluhay Inc., aimed to strengthen community- based conservation and resource management strategies around the NPS connected to the offshore by resource use patterns. It also aimed to build capacity through the establishment of a multi-sectoral bioregional network and generate socio-economic profiles for stakeholder sharing.
Networking building was further strengthened in the 2nd Bioregional Forum on September 2016. Anchored on the UNDP-SGP5 project, the forum objectives were to a) introduce the project on initiating community- based biodiversity conservation in the NPS, including the TMEM program on the development of a cadre of future CRM leaders; b) review feedback results of various NPS studies; c) determine current situation on marine biodiversity conservation and the nearshore-offshore fishery in the NPS; d) define criteria and mechanisms for identification of cadre of future CRM leaders in the NPS; e) generate training needs assessment for nearshore and offshore marine biodiversity conservation and management in the NPS; and f) initiate the creation of the network of stakeholders that promotes community-based biodiversity conservation and inclusive development in the NPS.
122 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The forum was timely as it was held soon after the NPS second expedition. Dr. Hildie Nacroda showed an almost 30 minute video showing the full coral cover of the NPS. Dr. Suringan spoke on disaster mitigation and sea level rise. Atty. Jay Nislan spoke on environment law and Dr. Marivic Pajaro of Daluhay Daloy ng Buhay, Inc. on the work in NPS. Ceasar Villanoy called on the need for protection and environmental governance. The forum led to many initiatives as participants saw the need and potential of having the area protected.
A Covenant of Support was signed by all participants and resource persons from the 10 provinces. Action planning was done immediately. They identified clusters for logistics, meetings, coordination, and, communications— Cluster 1: Batanes, Cagayan, and, Isabela; Cluster 2: Aurora and Quezon; Cluster 3: Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, and Camarines Sur; and, Cluster 4: Albay and Sorsogon, which were grouped together because of the season. Strategic assistance was provided to support the social process as MERF acts as secretariat to the Philippine Benham Rise Council. A framework was agreed on by the council.
The NPC Bioregion Council had working committees on resource management, livelihood development, networking and advocacy, membership, legal and paralegal, environment education, enforcement, monitoring and evaluation.
The NPS 3rd Bioregional Forum conducted on June 15 to 16, 2017 in Pasig City came out with the Philippine Rise Framework that provided for what was lacking in previous frameworks – the need for social interventions.
The draft MOU between the provinces pushed for the declaration of Benham Rise as a protected area. The declaration was made almost immediately after the project ended. The President declared in Proclamation No. 489 around 50,000 hectares of the 13-million hectare Philippine Rise or Benham Rise a marine protected area. The protection zone will be exclusively for marine scientific studies. (The United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf granted the Philippines’ submission to declare Philippine Rise as part of its extended continental shelf in 2012. There is no dispute over Philippines sovereign rights over the area.)
The next step is knowledge and resource management. The first expedition was so quiet that it created more interest. They were cautious as to not warrant threats like in Scarborough or Kalayaan. But MERF asserted with their study and actions that Benham Rise belongs to the Philippines. Different agencies and institutions were engaged in this effort.
MERF has also started training with Daluhay, and will create full-blown modules and work to define goals, applications, and see gaps in data.
The more cadres the better so that there is reliable science-based decision making. An LGU-based cadre for each province with a special order from governor can sit in meetings and trainings.
Data is needed to identify an area as a marine key biodiversity. The goal is to identify all species – fish, seagrass, mangroves, seaweed, mollusks, invertebrates, etc. Data is needed on the marine biodiversity and the linkages of inshore municipal waters and offshore commercial waters. Areas of spawning can also be studied—the area
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 123 facing Aurora and Quezon is tuna larvae rich and is called a “tuna highway.” Maybe this is the reason inshore waters are so rich.
There are interesting observations like how Japanese eel from Isabela and Cagayan is being sought by buyers. Then, there is presence of payao in the waters, which may be good or bad. Good as people get harvest but it needs to be regulated in coordination with BFAR.
Fisherfolk can tag fishing grounds through GPS on cellphones which can also be a security measure.
The initial work of the UNDP-SGP5 provided the opportunity for the development of the NPS perspective. The partnership established between MERF and Daluhay serves as the hub for sharing and leveling-off of efforts and initiatives across different stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation. These efforts initiate and further develop commitments of stakeholders to higher level of engagements. As the interim secretariat of the formed NPS network with DENR, BFAR and DILG, further collaborations can lead to developing feedback mechanisms for adaptive management, and forming database platforms for knowledge management and sharing.
In summary, the following are the recommendations: (i) Institutionalization of the NPS Network; (ii) Database for contacts; (iii) Ecosystems characterization inshore and offshore (another database); (iv) Facilitate exchange of information, advocacies and linkages for biodiversity conservation; and (v) Engagement of different agencies and institutions highlights the Highlands to Oceans (H2O) approach where the NeoNPS can move towards developing road maps incorporating connectivity between ecosystems and strengthening coordination and collaboration between DENR, BFAR, NCIP, local governments and other stakeholders.
Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
1st Bioregional Forum 3rd Bioregional Forum
There are gaps in effective management and good Proximity, climate conditions, and geographic setting are governance of tropical marine socio-ecological systems. imperative to be strategic in planning and in the execution There is a lack of skilled professionals for science-based of activities. If the provincial LGU is not available, quickly decision making in the management of tropical marine getting the schedules from other provinces is another ecosystems within a natural resource management option. framework. While everyone has MERF’s contact information not The capacity building challenge starts with developing everyone has wifi access, and access was erratic because Tropical Marine Ecosystems management practitioners of weather disturbances. This challenge was overcome by who are needed by government agencies, LGUs, NGOs, clustering and identifying the focal persons per province and the private sector. The field of work consists of so that there is a relay in communications. management of MPAs and marine/coastal biodiversity for sustainable development. Different political will, persuasions and commitments will take a lot of considerations: MERF ensures to give scientific To establish the network, MERF did the General Social data to whoever sat in meetings, especially the provincial Network Analysis for Biodiversity Conservation in the LGUs, so that they can help respond appropriately, and for NPS. A focus group discussion was held to examine the the conservation and protection of the rich biodiversity in connections and coordination between actors. NPS Bioregion.
124 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities (cont.)
1st Bioregional Forum 3rd Bioregional Forum
The analysis was done using a UCINET software to analyze the social network, covered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Academe/ State College and Universities, Environment And Natural Resources Office or ENRO-Provincial Government, Provincial Agricultural Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office , Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (PFARMC), NGO-provincial scope, fishery related provincial federations, municipal LGUs, fisherfolk organizations, youth organizations, women’s organizations, and, indigenous peoples from the 10 provinces.
Determining the linkages between these actors is important in defining how the structure of the network can be designed and in identifying core members and support. The degree of centrality and the number of ties connected to actors were apparent. It shows how many actors are linked to one another and which actor tends to serve as centers and bridges to other actors and has the highest influence.
MERF found that the most influential are municipal LGUs as they have the resources and mandate for biodiversity conservation. They are followed by Provincial NGOs likely because of their work on coastal management.
There is a disconnect between national agencies of DENR, BFAR and NCIP. The least influential, sadly, is the NCIP in spite of the indigenous people in the area. While all have their biodiversity conservation efforts, there is no direct linkage between these agencies. This may be due to separate jurisdictions and mandates. The national agencies are linked together because of different stakeholders. There is a gap between these agencies in terms of information flow regarding biodiversity conservation.
The result shows that MLGUs and NGOs are integral part of the network that can facilitate information flow, coordination and communication to all other actors in the network. But there is a gap between provincial local government and the academe. Networking is recommended to improve linkages between science and management, and establish strategies on bridging connection gaps with other actors identified. The DILG and Department of Agriculture can do more to address connections gaps since their mandates have impact on policies.
Open Forum
TWhen corporations are engaged in programs and projects, there is a need to know their business. They would rather use their core competencies in their CSR initiatives. Some examples of corporations and the nature of their CSR activities: 1. Coke – water, watershed management 2. Power companies – energy, geothermal 3. Meralco – solar power for schools / nationwide 4. Telecommunications corporations– relay stations
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 125 5. Tour operators – Coron Tagbanwa relate with tour operators 6. Multiple use zone – shake coffee 7. In Mindanao, Unifruity has a project with a Bangsamoro on banana 8. Aboitiz- perhaps fishing?
Corporations can be part of the problem as well as part of the solution. Companies are required urged to conduct CSR activities as they are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission to report on sustainable practices. The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) can help on how and which companies can be engaged depending on the CSR activities. (Flores).
It was noted that stakeholders of watershed initiatives only come together after a disaster and it is business as usual afterwards. Infrastructures such as highways and subdivisions continue to be built without much considerations of watersheds.
In the next five years, the country will lose another 15,000 hectares. There are 600 kilometers of roads in the watershed. While efforts are undertaken such as tree planting, more interventions are still needed in order to address these issues. Tree planting can only slow down deforestation. More efforts are also needed to work closely with local officials as there are barangay captains who themselves operators of bulldozers. (Flores).
It is said that even if the country goes into renewable energy there will still be about 70 percent dependency on coal in 2040. The question then would be is how can coal fuel companies be encouraged and engaged to help in environmental protection.
This is part of the policy studies and part of the agenda in the broader alliance which includes Philippine Movement for Climate Justice and Greenpeace. Alternatives are being pushed for. Government agencies such as the DOE need to be engaged and a firm political stand is needed. The Writ of Mandamus in the Supreme Court with the DOE and the DENR has been filed. (Mayo-Anda).
MW Vialago had a proposed 550Megawatt dam plant which was not pushed for discussion at the PAMBI because the IRR requirements. Academe can be engaged in order to do more solid research and desk work on this, and conduct national level science research on coal and biodiversity (Mayo-Anda).
The Department of Energy manages Energy Regulation 1-94 (ER 1-94) funds that can be used for biodiversity projects and other projects (Sanchez).
The academe through its extension program can help in preparing research studies that can get the interest and support of LGUs. Sanchez shared that when she presented their research on marine protected areas and highlighted the status of 479,000 fisherfolks, the Mayor asked immediately what interventions are needed.
Other strategies that can be explored is to follow the budget process of LGUs and look into possible projects are possible, and partner or tap the media to create awareness on the project.
126 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SESSION 13 Sustainable Financing and Management of Community Protected Areas
Chair:
Ms. Jovelyn Cleofe Swiss Lenten Catholic Fund (SCLF) Coordination Team at Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA) Network International
Roger Garinga Executive Director Institute for the Development of Educational and Ecological Alternatives Inc. (IDEAS)
Presenters:
Mr. Jose Andres Canivel Executive Director, Forest Foundation of the Philippines
Mr. Dennis dela Torre Policy Specialist Climate Change Commission
Mr. Errol Egoy EMS I PLGU – PENARO
Introduction
The session focused on illustrating the various ways of sustaining the initiatives of SGP5-supported projects through financing and management.
The presentations provided various insights on what are the qualifications and some of the available options for financing for projects, as well as examples of best practices in program management.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 127 Forest Foundation of the Philippines (FFP) (Canivel)
The Forest Foundation, formerly the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), is a grant- making and technical assistance-providing, non-profit organization. They aim to support organizations that strengthen communities that want to develop and protect their forests. Their vision is “mayabong na kagubatan na pinangangalagaan ng malakas na pamayanan” (lush forests protected by empowered people). The goal is the protection and sustainable management of Philippine forests and its biodiversity. The Foundation considers most important elements as people, forest, and forest inhabitants.
The Foundation has five (5) focal areas using the sustainable landscape approach. In Luzon, they cover Sierra Madre and Palawan. In Visayas, they cover parts of Samar and Leyte. In Mindanao, they cover Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. They also operate in Basco, Batanes since aside from their focus on landscape, they also place importance on giving attention to forests in small islands of the country, as with their watershed project in Mt. Iraya.
Projects FFP Supports: The projects they can support must be anchored on their four main outcomes: (a) grow forests, (b) grow livelihoods, (c) grow partnerships, and (d) grow advocates. Initiatives that support the outcome of growing forests or “pagpaparami at pangangalaga ng kagubatan” includes the conduct of scientifically- sound forest ecosystem assessments in order to gain more knowledge on what is in the forests.
Grow Forests: They also provide support for participatory planning, zoning and delineation of forests, since they believe that in order to have a strong conservation action, the limits of our forests or of our operations within the forest must be known. They support protection of forests that are participatory, threat-based, and multi-sectoral. It is recognized that forests are diminishing and therefore, they support reforestation, and forest restoration and enhancements that are science-based and knowledge-based, including indigenous knowledge.
They will also continue their support for the management of mangrove forests in areas they have begun in TFCA1. As mentioned with the project in Basco, they support piloting of forest management strategies in three small islands. The conduct of scientifically-sound biophysical evaluation is also important in knowing the effectiveness of the project efforts, through a pre- and post-evaluation.
Grow Livelihoods: They support projects contributing to growing livelihoods, wherein there must be a link between forest protection and addressing the needs of the communities that depend on the forests. Efforts they can support include the conduct of participatory action research, analysis and development of sustainable livelihoods; community enterprises of partner communities and other stakeholders; assessment of interventions on sustainable livelihoods, including enabling policies; and characterization and implementation of sustainable financing mechanisms for forest conservation. Attention to policies must also be included as there may be hindering policies in the development of some initiatives. Since they follow the sustainable livelihood approach, they look for the sustainability of the projects that will feed the community until they need it and while protecting the forest.
128 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Grow Partnerships: The Foundation also supports continuous strengthening of organizations, government, academe, and the community people. For growing partnerships, they see the value of collecting and analyzing data on organizations, institutions, policies, and relevant development plans relevant to forest conservation. They also support needs-based and area-appropriate capacity-building program. Organizing and/or strengthening community-based organizations for forest protections, which entail appropriate forest management bodies and frameworks, including indigenous forest management systems, are also supported by the Foundation. It was also cited that they have done studies on existing policies on forest protection and have partner members from different law enforcement agencies at the national level. These are in line with their support for national policies and bodies that promote forest protection.
Grow Advocates: The next generations must also see the value of forest protection, which is in line with the outcome of growing advocates. The varying perceptions and understandings on the value of forests must be made known, thus their support for initiatives on generating information on the Knowledge, Attitude, Perception (KAPs) and management of knowledge on forests and ecosystems services and products. Advocates may also be created with the enhancement of KAPs on forest conservation. They also place importance on building communities and their participation on forest protection activities in order to generate advocates.
Eligibility and Criteria for Support: Eligible recipients for their support mainly include non-government, peoples, indigenous peoples, professional, socio-civic and community organizations. Other appropriate local or regional entities active in the Philippines, such as the PAMB and international organizations with a Philippine office, may also become recipients. Other recipients may also be agencies or units under the Philippine government, which may also be the academe, in exceptional circumstances. For example, if there are no NGOs, POs, or CSOs who can do what they intend to do.
The Foundation evaluates the proposals through six (6) criteria. They first assess the (1) design, which should identify their objectives, methods and its coherence. The proponent’s (2) capacity to implement the project; its (3) impact, and (4) relevance to the forest, the communities, and other involved stakeholders are also considered. Since the funds are not only for a few but for many other groups, the use of funds must be seen as cost-effective and timely, in other words (5) efficient. Lastly, the efforts must be (6) sustainable, or may be able to be continued even after the end of support from the Foundation and may be implemented in other areas or operated by other units, e.g. LGU, community.
People’s Survival Plan (PSF) (dela Torre)
Sustainable financing was first defined as one that should be readily accessible and is a steady source, as long as there are taxes being paid. The PSF is under the Climate Change Commission, which is mandated to help LGUs be ready for the impacts of climate change, making it climate-resilient and climate-smart. Climate-resilient refers to the capacity of LGUs to address the challenges of changing climate, while climate-smart means having programs that lessen, in general, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 129 The RA 9729 Climate Change Act of 2009 created the Climate Change Commission, which looks at both the community and the natural systems and ecosystems. Then after, with the need for LGUs to create climate adaptation programs or plans, the law was amended to establish the PSF as a financing source.
Sustainable development is at the heart of the National Strategic Framework on Climate Change, while aiming for its end result of a Philippines that is ready to address climate change. Twin pillars of the framework are adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation includes all measures that help make LGUs resilient, from vulnerability assessment to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and infrastructures. While mitigation are all those measures that lower greenhouse gas emission levels, such as renewable energy and the National REDD+ Strategy that is about increasing forest cover.
The Climate Change Action Plan and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (DRRMP) are both integrated in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). It was also emphasized the DRRMP includes National DRRM and local DRRM funds. With that, a Climate and Disaster Financing Framework is also included in the PDP, wherein climate financing is through the PSF and other sectoral financing (BUB/AM). However, the current National Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) Strategy lacks the ecosystems resilience financing, which will put attention to the climate and disaster vulnerable sectors.
Considering the current system in place, wherein it will take (three) 3 years for any proposed program to be implemented, concerned agencies or groups must think ahead to be included in the national budget and have the financing system ready. The Indonesian Strategy on DRFI was presented as an example, which showed the risk layering method. This method of laying out possible financing to meet certain climate change and disaster threats is being suggested.
The Sources of Climate Financing framework based on the UNDP framework on financing was presented, however this was at the national level. The National Climate Fund has a lot of barriers that hinder its flow to the LGUs, considering the need for LGUs to have an Ecosystems Resilience Financing. Policy reforms are then essential for funds to be under the principle of sustainable financing. Still, this is easier said than done.
The National Climate Change Action Plan includes various strategic priorities or sectoral plans for agriculture, water, forestry, ecosystems, DRR, and others. Resilience of natural systems is one of the focus areas as the adaptation component, while climate-smart development is for the mitigation.
People’s Survival Fund: The purpose of the People’s Survival Fund of 2012 is to provide long-stream finance for adaptation projects. An annual allocation of 1B Pesos from government funds are placed in the GAA, which should be accessible to LGUs. This amount is only the minimum and may be increased depending on the needs of the LGU and the capacity of the Climate Change Commission and PSF Board. The PSF shall be supplementary, where financing gaps in LGUs may be the basis for application to PSF. The PSF fund is managed by the PSF Secretariat for the administrative component, the PSF Board for approvals, and the Climate Change Commission. For now, there are still changes being made on the roles of the Commission and the fund disbursement mechanics, which hopefully will be resolved through the Department of Disaster Resilience.
130 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Criteria and Requirements for LGUs: The presented criteria for LGUs to be eligible for application were the presence of multiple hazards, poverty incidence, and KBAs. However, these were deemed non-inclusive or eliminating, for instance if the LGU has no KBAs, for which a suggested workaround was the declaration of PAs. The criteria for Local/Community Organizations (L/CO) may also include NGOs, as long as they are accredited by the authorized agencies, such as DILG, DSWD, DA, DENR or even the LGU. Unfortunately, the academe was not included in this formulation, yet there was no such prohibition under the law.
Although the PSF Process Flow shows that a concept note must first be submitted and approved before the full proposal, it is not currently being followed. Thus, the process flow still needs to be further enhanced. The basic requirements include a letter of intent, proposal template with Work and Financial Plan, CDRA (Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment)/RVA (Risk and Vulnerability Assessment) or E-CLUP/E-CDP or LCCAP, and the Annual Investment Plan. Other documentary requirements are available at psf.climate.gov.ph. The most important in these requirements is to have the hazard characterization, and the risk and vulnerability assessment in order to establish the impact chain and show appropriate adaptation measures.
Programs, projects, or activities that can be funded by PSF include adaptation activities in their landscape considering all sectors, water and land, resource management, agriculture and fisheries, health, infrastructure development and natural ecosystems. They can also fund forecasting and early warning systems; monitoring, controlling and preventing vector-borne diseases triggered by climate change, such as leptospirosis, dengue, zica, and chikungunya. Climate-change index diseases may be established if it becomes a significant health problem, even in their locality, and supported by studies. Capacity-building, from planning to technical capacities for institutional development on addressing impacts of climate change and disasters are also funded. PSF may also be granted to establish information hubs or regional centers, and as risk insurance for any facility or humans that can be damaged by climate change and disaster impacts.
The Project Development Grant was conceived by the PSF Board due to the challenges in accessing funds, wherein 60M Pesos may be devoted as technical assistance for the proposal development.
Other important reminders and considerations were to properly quantify the counter-parting, and ensure to avoid duplications in the proposed efforts. The submission of proposals follows a rolling application process, every October and April.
Co-Managing the Palali-Mamparang Mountain Range (PMMR) as LCA (Egoy)
Nueva Vizcaya is located at the heart of Luzon and the gateway to Cagayan Valley. It is considered as a “watershed haven and agro-forestry hub” with a total land area of 4,378.80 km2, comprising of 15 municipalities. Nueva Vizcaya is also composed of 70% forestland.
The program Co-Managing the Palali-Mamparang Mountain Range (PMMR) as LCA was implemented through the PTFCF/Forest Foundation, and eventually incorporated in the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) in 2006 in the municipality of Quezon and Bayombong. The co-management of watersheds by
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 131 DENR and MLGUs resulted to the issuance and co-management agreement with the 2 municipalities, through a sub-allocation instrument (IPRs or Individual Property Rights) to individual claimants. The PMMR is located in 11 out of 15 municipalities of Nueva Vizcaya.
The PMMR LCA Coverage has been established through Provincial Ordinance 2017-138, wherein it currently covers 4 municipalities and 17 barangays. They are still looking forward to the declaration of the remaining municipalities.
Funding for PPMR LCA: The Provincial Ordinance No. 2017-138 ensures funding of 6M Pesos, exclusive of the Regular Fund from PENARO and 5% of the 20% Development Fund of MLGUs and BLGUs. The ordinance also defines the roles and responsibilities of partner stakeholders and institutional arrangements for implementation, wherein the PMMR-LCA Management Council is chaired by the Governor and co-Chaired by the DENR-PENRO. Members include the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chair on Environment, the 4 Municipal Mayors, the President of Barangay Captain Federation, the President of the Federation of 22 POs, PENARO, PTO, PAO, PCAO, PSWD, DTI, DOST, PNP, PA, NCIP, CSOs, ACADEME, and TESDA.
Management of PMMR LCA: The Palali-Mamparang Mountain Range Local Conservation Area Management Plan (PMMR-LCAMP) provides a framework for the effective and efficient management of the area for the remaining 9 years. The primary objective of the LCAMP is to protect and secure the area for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services through the active participation of various stakeholders, primarily the POs.
A Manual of Procedure for the operations of the PMMR Management Council and for other purposes, governing the overall operations of the council in providing oversight and policy-making functions, was developed by the Technical Working Group (TWG), composed of partner POs, Academe, and CSOs, and duly approved by the Management Council. The MOP also stipulates that POs can enter into a MOA for developing their areas.
A Project Management Unit was created to supervise ground operations and chaired by the MENRO, which was also strengthened to serve as the supervisory unit at the municipal level. POs handle all on-site activities.
Sustainability and Revenue Generation: The LCA has been marketed to investors to develop ecotourism spots, such as the Capisaan Cave System. For example, a MOA between the Management Council and the Nueva Vizcaya Lions Club San Francisco, California Chapter to adopt a watershed in a portion of the LCA in Maddiangat.
Revenue generation is through provision of livelihood programs related to the implementation of activities indicated in the Work and Financial plan. They empowered communities by capacitating POs to sustain the gains of the SGP5, even after the project support.
Key partners were the (3) three levels of LGU in the Provincial, Municipal, and Barangay, national government agencies, CSOs, Community or POs, and the Academe.
132 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
To establish the sustainability mechanism was certainly not an overnight process, from its inclusion in the PDPFP in 2008 until the operationalization of its Management council. Nonetheless, the readiness, willingness and enthusiasm of the TWG members to achieve their targets facilitated the progress of the program, despite the difficulty in reconciling schedules of the members due to other work responsibilities.
On that note, the program recognized that unified efforts of various stakeholders to accelerate the accomplishment of their work. They also learned that they needed the expertise of different stakeholders to move the program, for example involving foresters from the academe, the DENR, and PENARO, who offered several recommendations including the strengthening of partnerships among stakeholders and maintaining strong communication links among partners. They also saw the need to sustain the interaction between communities or POs and the project managers, as community development workers. It was also recommend hiring PO leaders who have been technically trained as part of the planned PMMR Management Team. The provision of assistance on sustainable agriculture for food security was also suggested. They also noted how the eagerness or commitment of the POs is strengthened when they see NGA representatives in the barangays. They also called for the quick response of DENR to forest violation reports. Also recommended are the assistance from the Provincial Agriculture, NGAs and Academe, and the continuous provision of capacity building.
As ways forward, they wish to strengthen the PLGU as the main implementer, considering that they currently have no assigned staff in the PENARO to focus on the implementation. They also plan to strengthen the PMMR Management Council for policy direction in support to the implementation of the Management Plan.
Open Forum
There was an expression of disappointment that SUCs or the academe are not being considered as proponents in the PSF, when it could be an opportunity for the academe on research and extension services. (Elizabeth Carig, Quirino State University) In response, it was suggested that the SUCs propose projects in partnership with the LGU of the province or municipality. The academe can still come up with a participatory action research and aid with policy recommendations or in the design of the program or project. (dela Torre)
Although it cannot be definitively answered for the moment, it can be explored. Nothing in the law explicitly states that the academe is prohibited to propose. Since LGUs have the prime responsibility to its citizens, they may be a conduit for which the SUCs may be tapped for solid scientific foundations needed for the LGU proposals. (Mary Angelie Sto. Domingo, Climate Change Commission) It was disclosed that the SUCs have experienced that the LGU was slow to disburse funds (Carig), which was acknowledged as part of the problem.
There is a problem in the uplands of Biri Island where there is a deforestations issue and shortage of timber due to irresponsible charcoal makers who were using the mangrove areas for their operations. (Danilo Bernaldez, NSEP). FFP had a project with CERD in Biri before on the mangrove areas. Those concerned on the issue of Biri
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 133 Island were advised to develop their proposal and check the FFP website for the process so that they canbe evaluated for support. (Canivel)
It was also proposed to conduct forest conservation through ecotourism, capitalizing on the rock formations and huge mangrove forests in the island. This would be a way to raise the awareness of the community through the ecotourism development strategy by showing the people the potentials of the island. The strategy can include conduct of activities without compromising the integrity of the ecosystem and also generating income for the community. However, the issue of the lack of LGU participation remained, when there was a need to work together for ecotourism development. (Angelito Villanueva, DENR)
While the abovementioned was commended, it was pointed out that the weather in the area may pose a challenge on ecotourism. They need a holistic and integrated approach, in terms of conservation and development. They also need the DENR, PO, and LGU partnership. As previously advised, this proposal can only move forward if they can come up with the plan for proper evaluation. (Canivel)
The IPR was the sub-allocation instrument they used to recognize the developed area by the people or claimants and to ensure that they will not expand their area, following the agreed management plan. The first step is for the land claimants to be surveyed by the team, based on the management implementation structure. Therefore, this entails the farmer or claimant to create his own management plan that will coincide with the duration or limits of the management plan of the whole co-managed area issued in the municipality. Also to be indicated in the IPR are the duties and responsibilities of the claimant such as no selling, expansion, kaingin activities and that s/he must join the activities held by the municipality in the area e.g. reforestation. At the same time, the claimant will have the right to be provided livelihood and agroforestry benefits. (Teresita Acosta, FRENDS, Inc.)
The issuance of the IPR signatories, from their experience, included the Mayor, PENRO, and the land claimant. All policies included in the IPR agreement are anchored on the national policies. (Carig)
134 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 SESSION 14 Making BDFEs Successful and Sustainable
Chair:
Merly Calubaquib Executive Officer Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)
Allan Vera Lecturer College of Social Work & Community Development (CSWCD), University of the Philippines
Presenters:
Noel Morada President Greenext Lifescience Corporation and Carragel Corporation
Melinda Mohammad Supervising Tourism Officer City Tourism Office, Puerto Princesa City
Norli Colili Palawan Coordinator Non-Timber Forest Product-Exchange Programme
Francis Wade Z. Gomez IV, MD President and CEO New Marketlink Pharmaceutical Corporation
Reena Francisco Co-Founder and Operations Director ECHOStore
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 135 The session’s rationale is to explore the markets for the products and services of biodiversity friendly enterprises (BDFE’s) of SGP5-supported projects.
BDFEs and Enterprise Development (Morada)
The BDFE is a commercial enterprise that generates profit and equitable benefits through biodiversity conservation and sustainable use activities. Usually, it can be seen in the forestry sector, the tourism sector, and with strong presence in the natural product and ecotourism sectors. It can also be found in eco-agriculture, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, ecosystem services and others. It is a positive vehicle for the promotion of local resource management and knowledge systems.
The opportunities of the BDFEs are brought about by the growing consumer preference for sustainable and ethical products and services. Globalization has been able to increase the reach and flow of small business products globally and locally through the use of technologies (internet, social media) and services to previously inaccessible markets and consumers (e.g., e-commerce and virtual marketing). New and specialized markets create incentives and opportunities for small business innovation and investment. Local role in economy and among labor force enhances capacity to contribute to local economic development, poverty reduction, and livelihood diversification. There is an increased market access through changing trade regimes, lower taxes on products and fewer regulatory barriers to international markets.
BDFEs have lower risks, and also improved savings and competitiveness through new business models or paradigm shifts, improved supply chains and value addition opportunities. At present, businesses are already outsourcing the other facilities and services like warehousing, manufacturing, and others to lessen the investments-and-expenditures-related problems of the entrepreneurs.
BDFEs are labor-intensive and provide more important employment opportunities especially for low-skilled workers. They tend to have greater income distribution equality across lower income groups. They are usually an important part of the supply chain for large multinational corporations. BDFEs are also necessary for agriculture- dependent nations transitioning to an industrial and service-oriented economy, and excellent beta-sites for innovation and sustainable initiatives due to their inherent flexibility and risk-taking ability. BDFEs provide all of these crucial benefits in developing countries despite their relatively smaller presence. Finally, worth noting is that they are more inclined to demonstrate a vested interest in community development.
There is a method or approach in assessing market potential of BDFE product: bio-prospecting. It is the systematic search for plants, genes, compounds, designs and organisms that might have a potential economic use and lead to a product development.
The Marine Science Institute (MSI) of the University of the Philippines (UP) made a breakthrough in one of the seaweeds species that can be used for other purposes by extracting reddish luminous pigment, which cosmetic and beauty product companies would purchase for very high cost in order to produce glowing in the dark beauty products. The small pigment can also be used for angiogram. There was also a technology program at
136 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 UP pertaining to endemic species that can be used for anemia, and another plant species better than tawa- tawa that cures diabetes. These products may not be available yet, but these could be consolidated and sold to the market. In India, they have invested to invent plants species for hundreds of millions.
With these, there are some significant features and potential opportunities such as: (1) high sampling and research intensity in low development rates, which includes investigation for novel products for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial, and other uses; (2) it can occur in all natural areas, not necessarily linked to biodiversity rich areas; (3) improved screening technologies to identify higher value natural products; (4) improved intellectual property and benefit sharing arrangements with local stakeholders; and (5) development of bio-prospecting monitoring systems and country-level trade and research capacities of the government.
Key Steps to Enterprise Development
1. Identify the targets and determine the objectives as it is the foundation for enterprise development planning, future decision-making, and problem-solving because it aims to define and focus the expected social, economic, and environmental benefits of the enterprise. This should include (a) realistic consideration of potential impact of enterprise development activities; (b) identification of conservation and sustainable use targets, including threats and opportunities; (c) an understanding of the local livelihood context, beneficiaries, and their economic goals; (d) participatory definition of goals and decision-making processes; (e) identification of champions; and (f) establishment of a committed stakeholder group to move the process forward.
2. Product and market assessment, which provides a thorough and multi-faceted appraisal of the setting in which the enterprise seeks to operate, aims to understand existing strengths and weaknesses and resources available for enterprise development. Product and market assessment involves (a) systematic review of biodiversity goods and services in target area; (b) inventory of goods and services for potential commercialization; (c) evaluation of potential opportunities against enterprise objectives; (d) investigation of existing market dynamics, product characteristics and access; (e) identification of fundamental gaps and constraints to development; (f) definition and application of selection criteria to eliminate non-viable options; (g) a mechanism to refine list and prioritize products for further analysis; (h) recognition of “deal breakers” and factors outside the influence of the enterprise; and (i) identification of potential synergies with other products or chains and opportunities for livelihood diversification or enhancement.
3. Analyze value chain and market niche. Market analysis is fundamental in demystifying the complexity of markets and market forces, and in identifying a strategic position for the enterprise which aims to maximize the chances of enterprise’s success through research analysis and strategic decision-making. This includes: (a) value chain mapping to document the flows of the good or service from production to consumption, market performance, and key interdependencies; (b) quantitative and qualitative analysis of value and profit distribution along chains; (c) determination of knowledge, technology and resource inputs at different points; (d) an appreciation of demand/supply and institutional factors affecting the market; (e) insight into the roles of key competitors, potential partners and intermediaries; and (f) identification of major gaps and
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 137 bottlenecks in the market system, and potential points of entry and value capture or additional opportunities available. It also addresses issues in the determination of market niche and competitors or factors to success, knowledge of technical and resource requirements of market, identification of priorities for advocacy in the enabling environment and understanding of pricing, movement of goods, and intermediary profit margins.
4. Outline value proposition and market strategy. This ensures that enterprises are equipped with the means to take advantage of opportunities and avoid pitfalls in achieving sufficient market access. It includes (a) further research into markets including best practice, trends, and changing dynamics and development of market information system; (b) a SWOT analysis in key market segments; (c) understanding and articulation of competitive offering of enterprise; (d) identification of possible value-addition opportunities through improved production, processing or marketing; (e) defining marketing strategy including plans for ‘5Ps’– product, price, place, people, promotion; and (f) product development and market testing. It also helps address the issues like identification of strategic marketing opportunities including thorough innovation, certified or other high value niche markets, ability to respond to changes in the market through regular input and review of market information, informed negotiation with others in the supply chain, and cost assessment. This can be achieved through extensive market research within each target market and segment, pricing studies, supply chain and consumer surveys, and comparative products.
5. Develop financial and partnership strategies. Establishing strong partnership and financial strategies is critical to the ability of small biodiversity enterprises to locate and attract resources and support. It aims to develop means to manage finances, identify, and engage potential strategic partners. It also helps address the issues like the engagement with private sector and other strategic alliances, identification and formulation of basic financial management systems, and identification of local capacity and business development service providers. Developing financial and partnership strategies includes (a)identification of strategic partners in government, supply chain and private sector towards improved market access, incentives and technical support; (b) clear definition of shared interests, roles and principles of partnership; (c) definition of initial, start-up and running costs of enterprise; (d) identification of internal and external capital investment opportunities and plans; and (e) short and longer term financial planning that aims to increase self-sufficiency through commercialize revenue. This can be achieved through private-public- partnership or joint-research and development arrangements, multi-stakeholder dialogue, training in basic bookkeeping and accounting skills, financial planning with identified costs, potential revenue and profit streams, and establishment of financing schemes–grant funds, microfinance or joint-venture project, development of cooperative, capital loan, etc.
6. Operational plans and monitoring of performance. It acts as a blueprint, guiding enterprise decision-making, planning, and adaptation prior to, and following enterprise establishment. This includes: (a) the development of a regular market, environmental and enterprise risk monitoring, feedback, and management systems; (b) an action plan to address operational and resource needs, and means of achievement and pilot product in market; (c) strategy for the further development of business products or services, human resources and use of profits for social, infrastructural or other investments; and (d) an operational plan outlining organizational structure, human and financial resource management strategies as well as social and environmental
138 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 mechanisms. This helps on issues in attracting investment and consumers through a sound business case and social and environmental claims. It also helps make clear strategies to respond to internal (e.g. staffing, financial projections) and external (e.g. market trends, infrastructure) challenges or changes, adaptive management procedures, and defined roles and responsibilities and unsustainable practices leading to the loss of market share.
Building Communities through Sustainable Tourism (Mohammad)
Puerto Princesa City is heavily engaged in various ecotourism services and activities based on the principles of “Building Communities through Sustainable Tourism.” Ecotourism activities show valuable contribution to the biodiversity. These community-based sustainable tourism (CBST) organizations were also contributing to the protection and conservation of the environments they operate, and all the organizations were also trying to comply with all the requirements, in spite of difficulties.
The concept of CBST is already practiced worldwide, especially in less developed countries like in South America, South Africa and most Asian countries. The Philippines is a leading proponent of CBST. The CBST is considered to be the oldest way of conducting tourism. The city has no established guidelines on CBST before. It only came naturally when tourist influx came to Palawan and the communities were entertaining them in a traditional manner, way, and culture of hospitality.
Sometime in 1970s, only backpackers were going to Palawan and they were entertained by the communities of IPs, fishermen, and farmers. These people eventually created their own organization handling the tourists, like Bahile Fishing Community Sabang SSFCS and Honda Bay HOBBAI (islands of PPC). This influenced the CBST of the city. In 1971, St. Paul Subterranean River was declared a national park by virtue of Proclamation No. 835, a protected area under the NIPAS Act.
There were several developments that raised environmental awareness and consciousness in Palawan. In 1992, the management of the underground river was devolved to the LGU and it was renamed Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park (PPSRNP). There was also the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) Law for Palawan RA 7611 and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff, Bantay Puerto Programs, Clean and Green Program, and Pistay ang Kageban. Eventually in 1999, PPSRNP was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, the UNESCO and UNDP funded the community-based Coastal Resources Management and Sustainable Tourism in Uluugay Bay, which served as an opening of CBCRM in PPC. The local partnerships between LGUs and NGOs–POs were already developed at that time.
The CBST framework in city reflects the concepts of sustainability, including the international agreements on sustainability goals up to the present, from MDGs up to SDGs. The city envisions becoming “a most livable city demonstrating a proper balance between development and environment with inclusive economic growth inhabited by self-reliant, empowered and compassionate citizenry” which is also in the PPC Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 139 In addition to its overall vision was the development of communities to improve the quality of life or the living conditions of the people, where the community is the major stakeholder. Tourism activities are owned and managed by the community. Sustainable tourism and ecotourism development is achieved through the positioning of the city as the prime ecotourism destination of the DENR and DOT, which ensures triangular interrelation and balances of the environment, tourism and local people through environmental protection and conservation and cleanliness campaign, and the development of ecotourism destinations. The CBST also contributes by empowering local communities through ecotourism and CBST development, in which the communities are the major stakeholders and beneficiaries.
CBST is part of the overall sustainable development of the city. As major stakeholders and beneficiaries, they should own and manage their respective CBST sites. However, there are issues on ownership and tenurial concerns where they reside and manage. Basically, CBST means that the community is in action.
There are various steps undertaken by CTU together with the partners to establish CBST mechanism and stakeholders. The CBST development process along with the flow of the services delivery include: (a) proper site identification and planning; (b) actual site development, which includes the development of the project as tourist attraction/destination; (c) doing the intensive capacity building which consisted of various aspects, including environmental awareness, environmental protection and conservation; (d) operations and management, after which the project can be taken over by the community; and (e) tourism onitoring for sustainability.
Requirements and Process Flow for CBST: Upon signifying their intention to engage in CBST, the community and organization shall fulfill the following: (a) present their intent which originates from the barangay, and the barangay makes an endorsement that the community has a potential site for ecotourism that could be developed, based on the ordinance; (b) site assessment and site development which requires undergoing organization processes from the barangary, CENRO, PENRO up to the DENR level; (c) project development to the PCSD, passed to CTU, City Engineering in terms of infrastructure and facilities; (d) organization, which focuses in community organizing, capacity building and classification and all other requirements prescribed; and (e) secure the mayor’s business permit to ensure they would be able to operate as an enterprise.
There is also the monitoring systems component and goals for the CBST. It aims to comply with a model “CHI WATCH approach” introduced by the Ateneo School of Governance. It was formally adopted in the ordinance as a CBST monitoring tool as follows: (a) on-site identification and development, to ensure that site identification and development has gone through the correct legal process; (b) capacity building, to see whether site personnel have gone through the required proper skills training before managing and operating the site; (c) livelihood creation and management, to ensure that jobs are created or generated in the CBST; (d) environmental protection, to check whether environmental standards are complied with during the operations and management of CBST; (e) monitoring processes of the LGU, to ensure that standards are complied with; and (f) fund utilization and reporting, to increase transparency in the fund utilization for the site development.
With the passage of Ordinance No. 546, CBST has become a major tourism policy or platform of the City Government of Puerto Princesa, which builds its commitment to ensure inclusive growth and sustainability in the tourism sector, through the participation of local communities in tourism development.
140 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Summary of Challenges and Opportunities
Palawan’s CBST ecotourism has a lot of potentials and is continuously growing, developing and becoming sustainable. PPC now has an international airport with several direct international flights, including regular and chartered flights. The foreign tourists were increasing, with total CBST arrivals in 2017 of 682,184 and total CBST gross income of PhP 124,471,531.90. With the increasing income, it should also entail more product innovations to be done. The LGU, through its CTU, should support the CBST enterprises and organizations.
There was also the Puerto Princesa City Five-Year Development Plan 2018–2023 formulated with at least a projected additional 30 percent annual growth rate. At present, there are about 1,500 CBST organizations at PPC and there are more that expressed their intent to CBST.
Along with these are the challenges, lessons learned, and best practices, as follows:
Critical Aspects Challenges Lessons Learned Best Practices
1. Environmental Mitigating Impacts of Lack of understanding Environmental education and Compliance tourism on CBST sites, lack of environmental laws, awareness campaign (IEC) , of capacity of community possible negative conservation programs and to appropriately protect environmental impacts assistance by concerned and manage natural of tourism can lead to government agencies (ENROs) , resources. neglect, environmental NGOs and donor agencies degradation and destructive activities Technical assistance of concerned agencies and NGOs
Behaviour of tourists Guidelines on Do’s and Don’ts / visiting the sites and Code of Conduct for guests even host communities can cause environmental Monitoring of environmental problems impacts
Processing of Environmental Clearances can be a tedious , long process and costly to CBSTs
2. Site Identification, Land tenurial issues in Land ownership issues Clear first any tenurial issues Preparation and CBST sites need to be cleared first before starting any development Development before any development takes place
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 141 Critical Aspects Challenges Lessons Learned Best Practices
2. Site Identification, Some sites have poor Lack of infrastructure and Infrastructure support leading to Preparation and access infrastructure facilities limits access tourist areas Development and affect viability of destination Tourist infrastructure and Setting up of Visitor Information sanitation facilities are Centers and Restrooms inadequate and fall short of standards
Site Development Planning /assessment
3. Capacity Building Community not well- Continuous capacity– Capacity-building partnerships organized and fragmented building is essential with NGOs and academe, DOT, TESDA Community Organizing CBST Organization s needs work for CBST and focus and direction to Training on the basics of institutional building meet set goals and vision organizational development to guide community and unify Lack of thorough CBST organizations organizational ties understanding of the interest tend to wane if tourism industry and community organizing CBST GEAR-Up training on tourism work falters industry skills Training of COs (community Community organizers organizers) needs further training and conflict management skills CBST Federation organized as part of institutional building To improve service quality needs training on tourism industry skills including tourist safety
4. Economic Viability Developing quality Poorly planned and “Know your product and market” tourism products executed tourism product thru product developemnt and can fail expectations of market research Poor Marketing linkages visitors Marketing of CBST by Astoria, Lack of marketing and A good product- Daluyon, Sheridan and other promotion to regional and market match has to be players local markets thru various researched media Availability of print brochures, Private sector web presence and social media, collaboration (including participation in tourism and big players support) trade fairs contribute to marketing success, market access is important
142 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 Critical Aspects Challenges Lessons Learned Best Practices
4. Economic Viability Contract partnerships with tour, tour operators and guides
Visible promotions boost attractiveness and visitation of tourists
Creation of more Basic income from user Diversification of tourism livelihood opportunities fees and guiding services products (agri-tourism, home and employment insufficient stay, adventure, etc. Expand livelihood to non- Seasonality of tourism tourism-related ventures affect income generating DOLE livelihood; DTI capacity Promote to local market
5. Policy framework Implementing the CBST Importance of policy in CBST ordinance an enabling Ordinance support of CBST policy platform
Policy on the use or rights Technical support of Integration of community-based to access to common government agencies or approach/ strategy in tourism resources offices according to the development intent and substance of the CBST ordinance
Contributing sustainable Policy reform or CBST contribution to community development goals amendments needed in development (barangay share), the CBST ordinance to and conservation of natural and enhance positive impacts cultural resources in addressing poverty reduction, and biodiversity conservation
6. Monitoring and MandE on CBST progress Monitoring of CBST Participation of multi-sectoral Evaluation and development activities is important to groups in monitoring using social identify gaps and evaluate accountability approach performance CBST Convention sharing of experiences, discuss CBST issues, and foster solidarity
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 143 Recommendations to address these include the continuing strengthening of community capacity to safeguard the environment and in biodiversity conservation activities. Proper planning is also essential in all levels of CBST development to prevent poorly conceived projects and target how long CBST will prove itself to be sustainable. Establish vital marketing linkages to promote CBST products essential to its sustainability. Diversity in tourism products and livelihood options can be studied and pursued, then linked to the local tourism supply chain, as well as non-tourism related business opportunities to optimize and sustain income. There needs to be continuous capacity-building activities for tourism industry skills and destination management to provide quality service to visitors. Finally, provide enabling policies for CBST development and policy reform for existing CBST ordinance.
Non–timber Forest Product Exchanges Programme (Colili)
This program covers sites in Aborlan, Narra, and Quezon where the Victoria–Anepaan mountain range is situated. NTFP engaged with the SGP on the project “Enhancing Capacities, Indigenous, Cultural and Local Communities as Co-Manager of the VAMR through Engagement in Biodiversity Friendly and Sustainable Economic Activities”.
Victoria and Anepaan are the two (2) mountain blocks that can be viewed right after PPC. In between the mountain blocks is where Estrella Falls is located, which is an inland waterfall in Palawan. These two mountains are the home of two indigenous peoples: the Palaw-an and the Tagbanua. Two mining operations can also be found in the localities of Narra and Quezon.
The NTFP organized the communities to form their own enterprises using non-timber forest products. The raw materials used by the communities were named after the NTFP, like forest honey, pandan, buri palms, and the almaciga resin.
Finished products of forest honey are pure and natural; traditional and functional handicrafts of the Tagbanua and Palaw-an make use their traditional crazy weave; and primary processed resin is supplied to two plants that are based in Cebu and Antipolo. The standards are high in harvesting naturally produced honey by Apis dorsata (pukyutan) and Apis cerana (ligwan) species of bees. It is not cultured. Only matured honey are harvested by smoking, not burning the colony, and naturally dripped, filtered, packed and sealed—not squeezed. For the resin, it is based on the market. And, the volume needed depends on the carrying capacity of the resource, skills of the community-based NTFP enterprise (CBNE), and market needs.
The projection for forest honey harvesters for 2018 is 1.3 tons and, as of January to July 2018, there is a 285-kilogram harvest. Traditional and functional handicrafts demand is 200 pieces of packaging bag per month. Primary processed resin market demand is 60 tons per month for varnish and 60 tons per month for paint dryers, of which the present capacity of CBNE is 2.5 to 4 tons per month only. Due to its traditional way of harvesting and processing, the projected volumes could not be reached. The plants require a certain level of quality of resins, regardless of the texture and color, as long as there is no contamination such as bark, soils, sands, and stones because they have already accumulated three hectares of wastes in Cebu.
144 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 The arrangement is that the NTFP facilitates the respective CBNEs organization and their members are the suppliers-harvesters of honey, weavers of handicrafts, tappers/gatherers of resin because they are the owners of CBNE. Harvesters and processors are trained on sustainable harvesting and processing of natural forest honey according to the agreed standards. The Philippine Forest Honey Network, where each CBNE adheres to, has set standards. CBNE weavers of handicrafts have their business plans that contain details on marketing, production and resource management, and finance and organizational development. CBNE harvesters and primary processors consolidate harvested resin and facilitate transport to processing plants.
In the five or ten year projection of raw material requirement for 2017 – 2021, forest honey is projected at 20 percent increase from 2017 volume, almaciga resin is projected at 150 tons. The opportunities in the biodiversity friendly market are high because the market demands or needs these products. 600 kilograms of forest honey was sold in 2017, while almaciga resin was 60 tons per month. The threat on the other hand is the permitting system of the NTFPS.
Lagundi Products by New Marketlink Pharmaceutical Corporation (Gomez)
During the stint of Undersecretary Antonio Lavina, there were efforts to prevent “Anti-Biogenetic Piracy” because many of the bio-genetics were accessed with impunity by foreign interests. These initiatives continue with the SGP.
It was thought at that time that biogenetic piracy would start with the medicinal plant resources. The interest on medicinal plants resources was heightened during the time of Secretary Juan Flavier who popularized the “sampung halamang damo” or ten grass medicinal plants.
Neutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries are closely linked but are actually contradictory—neutraceutical is more of the disease prevention and promotion, while pharmaceutical is about cure of diseases.
Marketlink is a 100 percent Filipino-owned corporation and one of the most successful herbal companies in the country. Their product is lagundi, which is the most successful herbal medicine in the Philippines. From being a folkloric medical intervention, lagundi is now a mainstream pharmaceutical product which was even given the top medicine award in the country. Lagundi raw material is supplied by PCCARD.
Being the buyer, Marketlink is at the end of value chain before products reach the consumers. Companies buy the output of PCCARD and their communities and they develop the finished products that are sold to the consumers. Pharmaceutical companies are governed by government policies such as those from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The sources of the raw materials have (4) four major criteria. The pharmaceutical uses four criteria to make sure that they are in compliance with the FDA regulations. The correct components of quality are:
1. Species—There are a variety of plants that could be called lagundi but are actually completely different plants. Many times it is the same specie but a different variety. A variety of species have also different
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 145 specimen markers. The correct species of the lagundi is the one coming from the UPLB herbarium, which was the variety bought and supplied to PCCARD, which it propagated. The correct way of checking the specie is through HPC to ensure the purity of the specimen of the correct species.
2. Handling—There should be no pathological microbes. The way of checking it is through micro pass testing. The raw material should be air-dried and cannot be exposed to insect or contaminated by anything. Clear water should be used in cleaning the raw materials. The people handling it should wash their hands as a discipline.
3. Processing—Materials were already brought to the central area of PPC wherein the processing plants is located. It is easier to do the quality control because only a few people handle the materials. It is converted here from dry leaves to milled powder.
4. Packaging and Shipping—It is preferably vacuum-packed and not exposed to direct sunlight before it will be transported via air or sea cargos.
Quality check is critical and meticulously done.
Checking of the quality should be very critical and meticulous. The number of micro testing to be done should be equivalent to or more than the number of satellite areas, there should also be at least three checking of micro assai testing to be done.. In Roxas, there are four pathological testing made according to season.
The following are key factors for successful use of biodiversity friendly inputs or raw materials::
1. Location. Climate and soil of the area such as in Palawan and Roxas is important to ensure potency of raw materials.
2. Processing Facility. The facility is crtical for processing the raw materials.
3. Organized Community Education. Educated and organized communities can help produce clean, organically produced materials and resources.
4. Price. Prices need to be affordable. The corporation is paying premium to organically produced.
5. Export of Finished Product or Standardized Extracts Products. Lagundi, banaba, to oregano have large export market.
The SGP or DENR can organize international trade expositions wherein foreign market can participate and see the country’s biological raw materials. Currently, the Expo West, held every first week of March is one of the biggest international trade expositions. . The SGP or DENR can also assist so that the Philippines can participate in such fair. Other Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Korea would get large and several booths. During
146 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 the time of Secretary Flavier, the Philippines was able to participate with the help of the Philippine Chamber of Medicine which raised funds for two booths which was called the Philippine Pavilion. Participation was not sustained in succeeding years because of budget constraints.
Pioneering Social Enterprise Retail Stores (ECHOStore) (Francisco)
ECHO stands for Environment, Community, Hope and Health Organization. They work with different communities through organizations by providing them with sustainable businesses and capacitating them in product development that are environment-friendly.
ECHO Store is guided by the principles of self, community, and planet. (i) “Self“ because they believe in clean, fair, and good food. In the store, they promote natural farming and healthy food without any chemicals. (ii) “Community” because they would like to also highlight the people behind the products. They also want to help communities bring value to their products. They assist the communities produce what is needed in the market as well assist in scaling-up their market. (iii) “Planet” because they promote protecting the planet by educating people about environmental protection and conservation.
ECHO Store is a food and non-food product market. They sell all natural and fresh vegetables, frozen products, organic meats such as pork, beef, and seafood. The store has a café which serves food made from the products sold at the store. Part of the strategy to market the product is to let the customers try it. ECHO has also established a small farm in Cavite where all their organic vegetables are produced.
The products come from different communities all over the country. The ECHO Store also carries different brands from various companies. The community-based products are sold to corporations, manufacturers, and private individuals.
ECHO Store is able to access partnerships through the “Empowering Communities with Hope and Opportunities through Sustainable Initiatives” or ECHOSI. Through the program, the company partners with LGUs from different regions in the country through the national government agencies like, PCW, DA, DTI, DOST and DENR. They work together through the existing programs of these agencies in their respective communities.
ECHOSI’s intervention to the communities is helping them in product development and innovations so that they can have new access and markets. They also work with different NGOs and cooperatives in the Philippines to assist in product growth, market access, and livelihood sustainability. The products are sold through the store and online. The ECHO Store is present in most parts in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, especially in Metro Manila.
ECHOStore believes in fair trade practices and buys the produce from farmers in fair price so that the latter experience the social, economic and financial benefit of their business as well as ensure its sustainability.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 147 Open Forum
The need for BDF product certification is largely dependent on the buyers. There are buyers such as multinational corporation that would only purchase from the companies which are certified as practicing sustainable marine harvest.. For example in seaweeds production, marine sustainable harvest certification is being required by international organizations. Another alternative is Halal products certification. It is important that product development of of BDFEs is pursued for international markets (Morada).
Income sharing between the organization and communities is another matter that needs to be looked into. (Morada).
Monitoring and measuring the impact of sustainable tourism in terms of its contribution to environmental protection should be considered to ensure that initiatives being implemented only provide positive benefits to the environment. (Mohammad).
As a concrete example of how CBST helped on this aspect is the experience in Isla Felomina and Sabang Mangrove. Isla Felomina was declared as a marine sanctuary but it was not properly safeguarded years ago. Through the development of CBST, it was declared as a protected area and called “Isla Felomina Marine Sanctuary”. Though it was not documented, the restoration and revival of the marine species in the area is observed. On the other hand, Sabang Mangrove is the only mangrove forest in the PPUR that has a critical role in sustaining the cleanliness of Sabang Bay because of the mangroves. The development of CBST deters further depletion and destruction of the mangroves. Through the SGP grant, it expanded the hectarage of mangrove cover for monitoring and safeguarding activities. There was a clear impact on and effect to the biodiversity of the area. CBST addressed the provision for livelihood and quality of life of the people at the same time. They are taught to become stewards, in a sustainable way, of the tourism destination in the area. The impact in biodiversity is observable although it was not documented in writing.
The CBNE network conducted IEC and people have been looking for true alternative livelihood. The network filed a petition paper on the mining operation in Narra and Quezon with the barangay, mayor, PCSD, and province but there was no actions undertaken by the government. People have been lobbying about this issue since 1970. The case was already brought to the court in Palawan and the people won. Unfortunately, the mining operator appealed and the case is now pending at the Court of Appeals.
Previously, the supply of lagundi is not enough to meet the demand in the market. Pharmaceutical industry helped the suppliers. Advance payments were executed which enabled suppliers to expand its supply, Marketability of lagundi was not yet clear when it started because it not considered a medicine even by medical associations, and PCCARD was having difficulty encouraging suppliers to grow lagundi. Later, PCCARD borrowed funds from FSSI to set up a plant, which was eventually repaid. Excess production has never been a problem because of the high demand (Gomez).
148 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 ECHO Store has a universe of products that they want to continue, and they are open to products that are not yet being sold by the store. The store is already 10 years old, and over the years, the store provided an opportunity to test the marketability of products. The store is like an incubation period of the communities, with government intervention from DTI, to test the products in the stores, its marketability, the packaging, from three- to six-month product testing. They are open for new products because there are changes in the trends. Products are chosen depending on the trends. This is the reason why ECHOStore continues to work with the groups all over the country and because they keep on innovating products (Francisco).
The Chair and Co-chairs also shared their insights and highlighted that the current trends show a growing demand for BDFE products and increase in reach of specialized markets. The trend for the producers is to develop the BDFEs. From bio-prospecting up to value chain analysis, there are different types of challenges as well. The processes and external conditions like mining are big issues and concern. Monitoring and evaluation primarily on the environment impact and on the household impact is very difficult to measure. This concern always goes back to the question of how BDFEs make an impact to the biodiversity and whether the people behind the production are truly benefiting, with concrete income to think about. Also, there is a challenge in promoting the small producers, which in fact are small and poor BDFE organizations. The issue of certification and recognition of BDFEs and its importance, such as to bio-piracy of the herbal medicines or pharmaceutical products, is a concern.
The lesson learned was that community organizing plays an important and vital role in the development of BDFEs. The capacity building of the producers ensures that they have business plans and knowledge on how to do business, which includes pitching. It was also clear that advocacy is very critical and it is not only a matter of protecting and conserving the biodiversity resources. The production and marketing is dependent on the regulatory nature of the season and environment, and there is a need to ensure the quality of the produce. There should likewise be a strategy to be applied in terms of targeting the market for its potentials to scale up and to be followed by the smaller markets.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 149 SESSION 15 The Future Of SGP
SGP OP7 Strategy and Direction
Ms Grace Tena Programme Analyst UNDP-Philippines
While there is still no specific laid out program design yet for the Philippines in terms of the SGP7, Ms. Tena presented the SGP OP07 General Direction to give the participants an idea as to what to expect in the next phase.
Tena gave a brief overview of SGP. Since its establishment in 1992, there were 21,600 projects worldwide with the total amount of US $582 million. The program gave five types of grants:(1) planning grants, (2) regular grants, (3) strategic grants , (4) global/regional grants, (5) innovation program, with funding up to $ 5,000, $50,000, $150,000, $500 000, respectively, for the first four grants.
In terms of the strategic directions-value propositions, Tena stated that critical landscapes and seascapes shall be the focus and the main consideration in approving projects. The identification of these areas may either be based on the physical, legal (current PAs/KBAs as established by law), political or a combination of two or all. The focal area of the previous SGPs was biodiversity with climate change mitigation which gained the attention of the participants. Tena explained that funding is from the climate mitigation fund. Atty. Mayo-Anda further explained that the focus on climate change mitigation is due to environmental agreements that were signed by Party to the Convention. For this SGP OP07, it is multi-focal with priorities on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable land management.
Another highlight from the presentation is the implementation arrangement, the options can be execution by UNOPS or execution by NGOs.
150 SGP-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018 GEF CSO Network-Philippines – Government Dialogue over the future of the SGP
Mr. Oliver Agoncillo Executive Director Fund for the Philippine Environment
GEF CSO Network Philippines was created to address the need to organize the CSOs as one unit to engage in development policies on global, national and local levels. The creation of the network is timely since it is also in preparation to the SGP thrusts under the GEF-7.
Agoncillo mentioned a brief background on how the Network was created. With its establishment, the GEF CSO Network Convenors, Alternates and Founding Members were able to craft the mission, vission, and core values of the Network.
Some of the key discussions for both presentations include the (i) The role of the Network is with policy making initiatives not project implementation.; (ii) The direction of the SGP 07 is landscape/seascape in approving projects. , (iii) The CSOs and communities should never cease to engage with national government agencies in in planning and implementing projects; and (iv) The SGP 07 Representative (Tena) offered the provision of a venue on policy dialogue for all CSOs to convene.
Realizing Stronger Community-based Biodiversity Conservation 151