This project works with Local Government Units (LGUs) surrounding Mt. Siburan on Mindoro Island to plan and manage agricultural practices that meet biodiversity conservation and sustainable use objectives in critical eco-regions.
Latest updates from the field
In 2014, Haribon implemented the Important Biodiversity Monitoring System (IBAMS) in Mt Siburan, activating the Mt. Siburan IBAMS Team. The project revisited and updated the LGU Sablayan Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) to best manage the forest resources of the municipality. This was accomplished in partnership with other key stakeholders such as government organizations, POs, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and those in the business sector. The project also further strengthened the Sablayan Forest Management Board (SFMB) for the implementation of the LGU-Sablayan’s FLUP. The team surveyed local farmers practicing biodiversity-friendly agriculture enterprises surrounding Siburan.
In 2015, Haribon presented results of the Ethno-bio Survey on the presence of the critically endangered Tamaraw in Siburan to key stakeholders. This included the LGU Sablayan, MENRO, OMA, tourism office, PNP, PIO, MPDO, NCIP-IP, CBFMA-Palbong, BLGU Ligaya, SASAMAKA, KAAGAPAY NGO/PO Network, DENR-CENRO Sablayan, and the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP). The key stakeholders used TCP’s Tamaraw survey conducted in 1997 on Aruyan-Malati which recorded an estimated population of 10-15 individuals of Tamaraw as the baseline for the whole Siburan IBA. These final steps accomplished the inclusion of Mt. Siburan in the Siburan IBA, giving it added protection.
With Haribon’s assistance, the Sablayan LGU also updated their Environmental Code. Biodiversity-friendly agriculture practices (BDFAP) principles and concepts were lobbied and was ultimately incorporated in the draft update. Biodiversity-friendly practices and approaches were then incorporated in the new Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan of LGU Sablayan.
The LGU Sablayan MENRO Office also drafted a popular version of the FLUP to help raise awareness. We are pleased to report that the LGU Sablayan’s FLUP was passed and approved on October 2015 by the Municipal Council. Soon after, Haribon attended the 4th Quarter Regular Local Project Site Committee (LPSC) meeting in November 2015 conducted in Sablayan, Mindoro.
Today we continue work in Sablayan in the Forest Governance Project or FOGOP.
Objective
To work with Local Government Units (LGUs) on Mindoro Island to plan and manage agricultural practices that meet biodiversity conservation and sustainable use objectives in critical eco-regions.
Donors
Global Environment Facility and United Nations Development Program through the DENR-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.
Duration
November 2012 to December 2015
