Header photo: VAMR landscape Palawan, Philippines © Roger Garinga
Protecting Key Biodiversity Areas
The forested mountain ranges of Victoria-Anepahan and Bulanjao in Palawan are under pressure from various existing and planned development projects, which threaten biodiversity. The Palawan Biosphere Reserve is a key biodiversity area: a biodiversity hotspot with many species that are found only here. The survival of many species therefore depends on the preservation of the forests on this island.
The remaining forests, including those in Victoria-Anepahan and Bulanjao, are located in the ancestral territory of the indigenous population. For them and the communities downstream, these forests fulfil crucial functions, such as providing water and food. In addition, the area contributes to their cultural values and traditions.
The indigenous people, especially women, are directly affected by the threats to their livelihoods, which are largely dependent on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and to their cultural heritage. At the same time, their traditional knowledge systems are also under pressure.
Together with our local partners, we ensure that the voices of indigenous peoples and local communities are heard. We also work to strengthen their skills and exercise their rights in and around the two key biodiversity areas. In addition, we focus on enforcing existing measures to protect biodiversity and indigenous rights.
Our local partner organisations work on:
- Strengthening indigenous governance structures, knowledge systems and practices, as well as strengthening sustainable, green livelihoods based on NTFPs and agroforestry. These nature-friendly production systems support food security and market opportunities, contribute to a dynamic, local, green economy and thus reduce pressure on the remaining forests and their biodiversity.
- Compliance with and enforcement of existing laws and regulations to protect key areas, with the active involvement of indigenous peoples, including women and young people.
Strengthening the rights, leadership and livelihoods of indigenous peoples
Our goal is to support at least 4,200 indigenous residents in and around key areas by increasing their knowledge and strengthening their skills. This will result in securing land rights through a certificate of ownership, the approval of their sustainable development plans and the protection of the area.
At least thirteen NTFPs and forest-based enterprises will be set up by indigenous residents. The economic resilience of 775 indigenous residents (400 women, 375 men) will be increased. In addition, we are working to strengthen the indigenous knowledge systems and practices of 235 young people.
How will we strengthen indigenous leadership?
In a nutshell, the activities include:
- Capacity building of indigenous peoples and other local communities, including:
- Establishing property rights to ancestral lands;
- Planning and monitoring locally-drivenv forest and biodiversity management;
- Developing NTFP and agroforestry-based enterprises and markets (at community level);
- Policy dialogue with local authorities and multi-stakeholder dialogues;
- Supporting local communities’ input into policy processes.
Working with local partners and authorities
We collaborate with the local parties mentioned above to guarantee impact: our local project partners have strong relationships with national, provincial and municipal authorities. They know the right people and have the right connections to increase our chances of success.
Finally, we make use of various special consultative bodies set up by the government. In this way, we ensure that the voices of indigenous peoples and local communities are heard loud and clear.
For more information, contact:
