Knowledge networking and learning of ecosytem-based research and development: a ridge to reef initiative in the PH

The project was inspired by and is a follow-up to Samdhana Institute’s apprenticeship and video documentation training exposure on marine ecosystems held early in May 2008, and hosted by the Telapak community organizations in Serangan and Les of Bali, Indonesia, to which 5 EGP partners participated. Nine Philippine EGP partners (including Samhana) have been involved in the development of the current KNL project and will actively participate in it. The project is premised on the fact that coastal-marine ecosystems are affected by forest destruction in the uplands. The complexity of the environmental problems facing us today reinforces the need to take stock, review actions and commitment, and to start joint efforts to consciously integrate and harmonize projects and programs on environment to prevent further harm to the remaining forest and coastal ecosystems. The KNL partners are committed to create and strengthen their network to become an effective instrument to address the country’s resource degradation. Its link aims at sustaining a working model on forest and coastal ecosystem management to counter inappropriate land use practices and help preserve cultural systems that put premium in safeguarding the environment. The main goal of the project is to develop a collaborative link and action of decisive and dynamic community of practitioners and learners bound by a shared vision on participatory resource and ecosystem management in the Philippines. Activities include, amongst others: Trainings on Information management; Series of trainings & workshops: Livelihood Systems Dev’t., Fish catch monitoring, Advocacy campaign climate change & mining disaster, OD Leadership; Study Tour (apprenticeship, exchange visits); Advocacy Campaign Climate Change + Mining Disaster and a 3-D mapping Workshop and other appropriate tools for geospatial analysis. Networking with Indonesian partners will take place at the World Ocean Conference in Indonesia, May 2009. It is expected that through this project, the partners network will be strengthened, and leadership, social skills and bio-physical assessment capabilities among partners are enhanced and utilized.