{"id":391567,"date":"2026-01-05T15:50:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T14:50:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?post_type=project&p=391567"},"modified":"2026-04-17T13:18:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T12:18:55","slug":"indigenous-leadership-for-biodiversity-protection-in-philippines-last-ecological-frontier","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/project\/indigenous-leadership-for-biodiversity-protection-in-philippines-last-ecological-frontier\/","title":{"rendered":"Indigenous leadership for biodiversity protection in Philippines’ last ecological frontier\u202f"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Header photo: VAMR landscape Palawan, Philippines \u00a9<\/i><\/mark> Roger Garinga<\/mark><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n

Protecting Key Biodiversity Areas<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n

The forested mountain ranges of Victoria-Anepahan and Bulanjao in Palawan face multiple pressures, including existing and planned development projects. The Palawan Biosphere Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot with many species that are found only here. The survival of these endemic species therefore depends on the conservation of the forests on this island.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

The remaining forests, including those in Victoria-Anepahan and Bulanjao, are located within the ancestral domain of Indigenous peoples. For them and the communities downstream, these forests fulfil crucial functions, such as providing water and food. In addition, the area contributes to the Indigenous peoples\u2019 cultural values and traditions.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

These 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.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

In this project we create space for the voices of Indigenous peoples and local communities to be heard. We also work to strengthen their capacities and exercise of their rights in and around the two Key Biodiversity Areas. In addition, we focus on the enforcement of existing measures to protect biodiversity and Indigenous rights.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\"\"
Indigenous women \u00a9<\/mark><\/em> Green Livelihoods Alliance<\/mark><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Almaciga, resin from the Agathis dammara \u00a9<\/mark><\/em> Green Livelihoods Alliance<\/mark><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n
\n

Our local partner organisations work on and towards:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n