Butuan City, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Biodiversity Corridor (BD Corridor) Project, is spearheading a pivotal Tenurial Analysis Workshop – Module 2 for stakeholders in the Eastern Mindanao Bio-Corridor (EMBC). Held at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City, from December 3 to 6, 2024, the workshop underscores the DENR’s commitment to advancing Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) strategies within Region XIII.
The event convened 53 stakeholders—24 women and 29 men—from DENR Region XIII, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XIII, local government units (LGUs), academic institutions, and the BD Corridor Project Management Unit. The workshop aims to enhance strategies for sustainable biodiversity conservation by addressing critical themes such as ecosystem services, policy frameworks, and conservation planning.
Key Workshop Highlights
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on:
- Ecosystem Service Areas (ESAs): Comprehensive reviews of biodiversity corridor landscapes and their ecological functions.
- Production Conservation Areas (PCAs): Policy frameworks detailing allowed and restricted resource uses at various scales.
- IEM Planning Frameworks: Development of tailored frameworks for landscapes and seascapes.
- Conservation Strategic Plans (CCSPs) and Local Conservation Areas (LCAs): Preparation and mainstreaming strategies for IEM-based conservation plans.
- Endorsements for PCAs: Action steps to validate and secure multi-stakeholder agreements.
These discussions are critical in fulfilling Indicator #1 of the BD Corridor Project: achieving stakeholder consensus on integrated frameworks for biological corridors. This includes defining long-term conservation outcomes and recognizing Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to establish management regimes in open-access and non-protected areas.
OIC-Regional Executive Director’s Vision
OIC-Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo highlighted the EMBC’s multifaceted significance, describing it as a “Biodiversity Corridor, Ecotourism Corridor, and Gold Corridor.” She expressed optimism about the workshop’s outcomes, emphasizing its role in identifying LCAs and OECMs that will benefit conservation efforts.
“With the BD Corridor Project and the conduct of this tenurial workshop analysis, I am excited about the result since it can propel progress on the actions and initiatives towards conservation as it will help identify the potential areas for LCAs and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) that would later be beneficial in our conservation initiatives,” Ocampo said.
Strategic Mapping Modules
The Tenurial Analysis Workshop is structured into three modules:
- Module 1: Creation of policy-mandated PCA and ESA maps.
- Module 2: Identification of permissible and prohibited land and resource uses within PCAs and ESAs.
- Module 3: Integration of tenurial overlays and political boundaries to guide stakeholder engagement.
This module-based approach ensures a systematic mapping exercise tailored to the needs of the Davao and Caraga Regions. By involving DENR and LGU representatives, the project aims to refine its pilot-tested processes and equip participants to identify LCAs and update land-use plans in their respective areas.
Towards Sustainable Forest Management
The workshop also builds on a related activity held in August 2023, which identified potential OECM sites in the EMBC. It emphasizes integrating governance, property rights, and ecosystem services to ensure effective management of forestlands under various tenure arrangements.
By addressing these priorities, the workshop sets a benchmark for improved forest management practices that align with biodiversity conservation goals. The initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding Eastern Mindanao’s rich biodiversity, balancing ecological integrity with sustainable resource use.
The Tenurial Analysis Workshop underscores DENR’s proactive efforts to ensure that public lands and forestlands are not only preserved but also sustainably managed for the benefit of present and future generations.