Bio-diversity

A. Problem Statement As Pinatubo Aetas re-establish their communities in the surrounding slopes of Mt. Pinatubo two decades after the volcano erupted, and as they repossess their ancestral domain in those biologically diverse areas through a certificate of ancestral domain title, alongside the many development opportunities come the challenges and threats in the sustainable management and utilization of their ancestral domain. Since farming and hunting are the main livelihood sources of the Aeta communities, proper management and utilization of the forest and their agricultural lands in general will be the major challenge to the biodiversity of the CADT area. Charcoal production, illegal cutting of trees, and kaingin system are among the unsustainable practices already engaged in by some Aeta families which pose grave threat to biodiversity area and watershed. B. Biodiversity Characteristics Zambales mountain range is one of the centers of plant diversity and endemism in the Philippines. Together with Bataan peninsula, it comprises one of the fifteen distinct biogeographical regions in the country. In an enumeration of Philippine plants (Merill 1923-1926), there are 232 species in 158 genera that are endemic to Zambales. Of the total number of endemic species, 66 are narrow endemics or found only within the Zambales Mountain Range. The seven dipterocarp species found in Zambales are assessed as either endangered or critically endangered in the World List of Threatened Trees. In a post-eruption study conducted by Dr. Domingo A. Madulid of the National Museum (1997-1998) titled Plant Diversity Survey of the Zambales Mountain Range Within the CADC Areas of San Felipe, Cabangan and Villar, it was revealed that some parts of the Pinatubo mountain ranges covered by the Ancestral Domain Claim of Pinatubo Aetas are largely intact, thus still contain the pre-eruption endemic species. The Mt. Pinatubo mountain range where the CADT is located forms a critical watershed area for Botolan. All the river systems on this western side of Mt. Pinatubo contribute to the Bucao River a giant river system draining towards the South China Sea, which brings constant threat of massive floods and lahar to the town proper of Botolan. C. How the Problem will be addressed By strengthening the management capability of the community through their federation, increasing their awareness on biodiversity and the need for conservation, equipping them with sustainable farming practices and initiating sustainable livelihood options, the project aim to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the area. General Objective: TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY WITHIN THE ANCESTRAL DOMAIN OF PINATUBO AETAS IN BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES. 2. Specific Objectives: a. Strengthen community-based forest protection within the CADT area Component: Ancestral Domain Protection Activities: -Training and deputation of community forest patrol -Provision of basic equipment and communication devices Expected Output/s: 50 forest guards deputized and doing patrol duties on regular basis b. To propagate and produce quality planting materials for enhancement planting and agro-forestry development Component: Nursery Establishment Activities: -Mobilization of community members for nursery activities -Capacity building of community members on nursery management (seed/seedling collection, propagation) Expected Output/s: -1 central nursery established -3 satellite nurseries established -50,000 seedlings of endemic species raised -5,000 fruit trees seedlings raised -100,000 seedlings of multipurpose trees (fuelwood, housing, green manuring) raised c. To conduct ANR for habitat protection using endemic species Component: Biodiversity Enhancement Activities: -Mobilization of community members in four barangays covered by the CADT for site preparation, planting, protection and maintenance activities Expected Output/s: -100 hectares planted with endemic tree species -40,000 endemic trees planted with 95% d. Establishment of Agroforestry farm model to demonstrate appropriate and sustainable farming technologies for food security and income generation Component: Agro-forestry Development -Organization and mobilization of community members for preparation and farming activities -Training of community members on various sustainable farming technologies e.g. SALT, organic farming, vermiculture. Expected Output/s: -25-hectare communal farm model established with the ff components:(10 has - tree farm; 5 has orchard; 5 has - crops and vegetables; 5 has - upland rice) e. To provide marketing support to maximize community income Component: Livelihood support Activities: Livelihood planning Conduct trainings on livelihood projects Provide farm inputs (e.g. seeds) Provide transport/vehicle for trading of farm products Expected Output/s: 75% percent of families in 4 barangays engaged in alternative livelihood projects

Philippines