Kidapawan City, Cotabato – December 3, 2024
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) Cotabato, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) College of Forestry and Natural Resources, convened a strategic meeting to advance the Conservation and Sustainable Development Initiative for Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP).
The program, funded by the Department of Science and Technology’s National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), aims to strengthen wildlife protection, promote ecotourism, and develop alternative livelihood opportunities for communities around MANP.
Key Components of the Initiative
Launched on October 1, 2024, and set to run until September 30, 2025, the initiative focuses on:
- Establishing the Mt. Apo Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (MAWRCC): The center will serve as a dedicated hub for rehabilitating and protecting wildlife unique to the MANP ecosystem.
- Exploring Ecotourism and Livelihood Opportunities: The program will assess potential sustainable tourism ventures and alternative income-generating activities for local residents.
To ensure feasibility, a study will be conducted to align the projects with technical, legal, and environmental standards.
Meeting Highlights
The meeting gathered key stakeholders to discuss implementation strategies and address conservation challenges specific to the Cotabato side of MANP. Representing PENRO Cotabato were Forester Mosa Dimaampao, MANP Deputy Protected Area Superintendent Mary Eve Nachon, and Chief of the Conservation and Development Section Fatima Magulama.
The UPLB team, led by Program Leader Tomas D. Reyes, shared insights on academic and research-based approaches to conservation. Joey Recimilla, Director of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), emphasized the importance of regional collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals.
PENRO Cotabato reaffirmed its commitment to the program, with the initiative receiving strong backing from the Mt. Apo Natural Park Sub-PAMB of Cotabato through a resolution passed two years ago.
Empowering Local Communities Through Conservation
The program not only focuses on biodiversity preservation but also aims to empower local communities by addressing conservation challenges and offering sustainable livelihood solutions. This dual approach aligns with the broader vision of promoting ecological balance while fostering socioeconomic development.
A Commitment to Mt. Apo’s Future
As one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural landmarks, Mt. Apo Natural Park serves as a vital ecological haven. This collaborative initiative underscores the urgency of safeguarding its rich biodiversity while balancing the needs of the communities that depend on it.
The Conservation and Sustainable Development Initiative for MANP represents a step forward in ensuring that Mt. Apo remains a thriving symbol of biodiversity and sustainable development for generations to come.