Lincoln University Digital Thesis Copyright Statement The digital copy of this thesis is protected by the Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand). This thesis may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: you will use the copy only for the purposes of research or private study you will recognise the author's right to be identified as the author of the thesis and due acknowledgement will be made to the author where appropriate you will obtain the author's permission before publishing any material from the thesis. Challenges in integrating indigenous and state interests to advance sustainable use of forest resources: The case of the Bukidnon forestry project, Philippines A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science at Lincoln University by Vilma O. Lorca Lincoln University 2011 Abstract of a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science. Abstract Challenges in integrating indigenous and state interests to advance sustainable use of forest resources: The case of the Bukidnon forestry project, Philippines by Vilma O. Lorca The growing recognition of the importance of forests in the environment led many developed (donor) countries around the globe to provide aid or grants to developing countries for forest development projects. However, the sustainability of these forest development projects often faces uncertainty. A common problem is conflict of interests between the state, private companies and indigenous peoples, particularly in relation to land rights. Traditional aid was oriented towards neoliberal development (commercialization) which depended to a large extent on individual property rights and this can conflict with indigenous people’s customary land ownership and non-commercial use of forests. The Bukidnon forestry project in the Philippines involves, a government owned or controlled corporation assisted by the New Zealand government, establishing a demonstration commercial re-forestation project with commercial production plantation forestry. The Bukidnon Forests Incorporated (BFI) is the corporation established by the Philippines and New Zealand to achieve this goal. However, since its establishment indigenous peoples’ claims to forest land access and ownership has strengthened. This study has explored the challenges facing Bukidnon Forests Incorporated (BFI) and Ancestral Domain/Ancestral Land (AD/AL) claimants as they endeavour to achieve their respective goals. It has also looked at the concerns, needs and interests of BFI and AD/AL claimants purposely to find mutually beneficial arrangements for both parties once BFI’s current land rights expires in 2016. ii The results of the study indicated that successful establishment and development of a man- made forest plantation is possible in once-denuded and marginalized grassland in the Philippines. However, the government style in managing commercial forest plantation is ineffective in terms of attaining its commercial viability; the long-term sustainability of the project is also uncertain primarily because of insecure land ownership and tenure rights. Moreover, the concept of establishing a large scale industrial tree plantation is in conflict with the objectives of AD/AL claimants in terms of how their ancestral land are being developed. However, alternative institutional arrangements may offer mutually beneficial solution for both BFI and AD/AL claimants. Keywords: NZAID, Philippines, ancestral land, privatization, industrial tree plantation, sustainability, Ancestral Domain/Ancestral Land claimants, institutional arrangements, land ownership, tenure rights iii Acknowledgements I am indebted to many people who have contributed to the completion of this thesis. First of all, I owe my deepest gratitude to the New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID). It has provided financial support for my Masters Degree programme and support for my family while staying in New Zealand. Indeed, this was a great honour and the financial support has been instrumental in enhancing my skills and knowledge to be able to contribute in my own humble ways to the socio-economic development of my home country, upon my return to the Philippines. It has also enabled my family to experience a once in a life time opportunity to stay in this peaceful and beautiful country. I am heartily thankful to my supervisor, Dr. Hamish Rennie, whose encouragement, guidance and support from the initial to the final stage enabled me to develop an understanding of the subject. His comments and feedback guided me through all the way in completing this thesis. Many thanks to his patience. Words cannot express my gratitude to Patricia Tan, Imelda Benitez, Angela Parry, Manuel Casiño, Jock and Jill Struthers, and Prof. Graeme Buchan. Their generous help and continued support during those most difficult times enabled me to pursue my study. Thank you very much and I wish you and your families God‘s blessings. I also express my appreciation to the president, general manager, department managers and employees of Bukidnon Forests Inc., who participated in this research. Without their consent, the completion of my Masters Degree programme would not be possible. Special thanks to the head claimants and key informants whose names I cannot mention. Their participation was important, particularly in giving their time, effort and most especially for sharing their expertise and experiences. May God bless as you pursue your respective goals. I am grateful to many people that I cannot single out including the Lincoln University Student Learning Centre (SLC) tutors and the library staff. Their technical support during the writing process greatly helped improve my writing skills. Finally, I am grateful to all the support given by my family (Popong and my kids Butch, Lyra Dain, Blessie and Bea), siblings and dear mama Ludy during this very challenging time. Their prayers have been a source of strength and inspiration. Lastly, I offer my regards and blessings to all of those who supported me in any respect during the completion of this thesis. To God be all the glory. iv Table of Contents Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. iv Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................... v List of Tables .......................................................................................................................... viii List of Figures .......................................................................................................................... ix Acronyms ................................................................................................................................... x Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1 1.1 An overview of the study 1 1.2 Research aim and questions 2 1.3 Problem, issues and justification for the study 2 1.4 Structure of the thesis 3 Chapter 2 Literature Review ................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Sustainable development 4 2.1.1 Concept of sustainable forest management (SFM) 4 2.1.2 Existing gaps in the adoption of criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management 6 2.2 Global demand for forest products 7 2.2.1 Intensive forest plantation or large scale forest plantations 7 2.2.2 Factors affecting the long-term sustainability of intensively managed industrial roundwood plantations (IMPIRs) in developing countries 9 2.3 Holistic forest management model 10 2.3.1 Management philosophies 11 2.3.2 Silviculture/ecosystems management 13 2.3.3 Profitability/livelihoods 14 2.3.4 Property rights 14 2.3.4.1 Philippines forest land ownership 14 2.3.4.2 Forest land tenure instruments issued by the DENR 15 2.3.4.3 Paradigm shift towards the sustainable use of natural resources 16 2.3.4.4 Land covered by the IPRA Law 17 2.3.4.5 Free and prior informed consent (FPIC) (RA 8731) 18 2.3.4.6 Devolving control over natural resources 19 2.3.5 Institutional frameworks 20 2.4 Collaborative approach to conflict resolution 21 2.5 Chapter summary 22 Chapter 3 Research Methodology ......................................................................................... 24 3.1 Study approach 24 3.2 Qualitative research interviews 25 3.3 Secondary data 25 3.4 Observations 26 3.4.1 Positionality 26 3.5 Qualitative data analysis 27 3.5.1 Coding 27 3.5.2 Data displays 27 3.6 Ethical considerations 28 3.7 Limitations 28 v 3.8 Chapter summary 29 Chapter 4 The study Setting: Physical and Human ............................................................ 30 4.1 The physical setting 30 4.1.1 Location 30 4.1.1.1 Malaybalay City 31 4.1.1.2 Manolo Fortich 31 4.1.1.3 Impasug-ong 32 4.1.2 Elevation and topography 32 4.1.3 Slope 33 4.1.4 Major land classifications and land uses 33 4.1.5 Climate 34 4.1.6 Geology and soils 35 4.1.7 Temperature 36 4.2 The human setting 37 4.2.1 Bukidnon Provincial history 37 4.2.1.1 Malaybalay historical and cultural perspective 38 4.2.1.2 Manolo Fortich historical and cultural perspective 39 4.2.1.3 Impasug-ong