Davao Oriental, Philippines — In a significant step toward inclusive conservation and sustainable development, the BD Corridor Project successfully conducted back-to-back engagements with the Mandaya Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) of CADT 216 in Cateel and CADT 209 in Baganga on November 21-22, 2024. The activities culminated in the validation and signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), marking a milestone in protecting the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor (EMBC).
Bridging Conservation and Community
The MOA validation and signing reflect a shared commitment among Indigenous communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to protect biodiversity while fostering sustainable development. The engagements were not merely ceremonial but involved in-depth discussions aimed at aligning priorities and ensuring mutual understanding of the agreement’s terms.
Key highlights of the activities included:
- Comprehensive Review and Validation: Participants revisited the MOA to ensure all parties were aligned on its provisions, updating signatories where necessary.
- Conservation Priorities and Policy Alignment: Discussions focused on the recognition of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and their integration with existing policies to strengthen environmental protections.
- Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) Process: Finalizing the FPIC process emphasized the need to respect cultural heritage and ensure that community needs take precedence in conservation initiatives.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Strategies were crafted to balance environmental protection with livelihood opportunities, fostering a future where biodiversity conservation supports community empowerment.
A Path Toward Sustainable Futures
The engagement underscores the importance of Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity conservation. The Mandaya ICCs/IPs are central to safeguarding the rich ecological heritage of the EMBC, and the MOA empowers them to take active roles in protecting their ancestral lands. By integrating traditional knowledge with scientific approaches, the project ensures that conservation efforts are both culturally sensitive and ecologically sound.
Strengthening Partnerships
The success of these engagements demonstrates the power of collaboration. Government agencies, including the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), worked alongside the Mandaya ICCs/IPs to achieve shared goals, while other stakeholders lent their expertise to address the challenges of environmental preservation.
This development marks a crucial step in shaping a future where biodiversity and cultural heritage thrive in harmony. It reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to inclusive, community-led conservation strategies, setting an example for similar initiatives across the country.
With the MOA now signed and the FPIC process complete, the Mandaya ICCs/IPs and their partners look forward to realizing the vision of a sustainable, biodiverse, and empowered Eastern Mindanao.
