Bridging state initiatives and indigenous peoples initiatives for environmental protection in Bukidnon, N. Mindanao

The project will be implemented in Bukidnon, Region X, Northern Mindanao Philippines. At present, there seems to be a disparity between State initiatives in proclaiming protected areas (PAs) and the indigenous people’s (IP) initiatives in environmental conservation in the Mountain Ranges of Kitanglad, Kalatungan and Pantaron. In Mt. Kitanglad however, this has been addressed by KIN through its previous environmental protection projects. In the case of Mts. Kalatungan and Pantaron, there is still a big problem in this matter. KIN would like to address this problem now through the proposed project. The project goal is to bridge the gap between state initiatives and IP initiatives in Mts. Kalatungan and Pantaron using the experiences gained in Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP). The project aims to build, promote and strengthen integrated biodiversity conservation through establishment of a network of state protected areas (PAs) and indigenous/tribal ancestral domains (ADs). It aims further to bring to the fore the importance of bio-cultural diversity as an important approach to conservation considering the prominence of indigenous peoples (IPs) who still maintain their strong cultural identity linked to their forest resources. At the same time, it will complement the State initiatives in establishing protected areas in the region.