Forest and Climate Protection Project in Panay

This project aims to protect biodiversity of the Central Panay Mountain Ranges (CPMR), an Important Bird/Biodiversity Area (IBA), whose natural resources must be used by adjacent communities in a sustainable manner.

A mountainous spine extends through Panay Island for over 100 kilometers: the Central Panay Mountain Ranges (CPMR) straddles all four provinces of Panay Island and is also home to a number of threatened species.

The Forest and Climate Protection Panay Project established 3 Critical Habitats for the “Big 5” threatened species of Panay: the Visayan Writhed-hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni), Rafflesia (Raflesia spp.), Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons), Visayan Spotted Deer (Cervus alfredi) and Panay Monitor Lizard (Varanus mabitang). This was accomplished by partner LGUs of Barbaza and Valderrama in Antique and Lambunao in Iloilo. The project also determined the population of the Visayan Writhed-hornbill to be between 2600-3600 individuals, suggesting that its estimated population still remains at the same level.

To protect species and surrounding natural resources, community-based forest protection and law enforcement teams called Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEO) were established. Also known as Bantay Gubat, officers were formed in 16 partner LGUs in the CPMR.

Awareness-raising campaigns were also launched in the region on print, television, and radio with an estimated reach of 100,000 people. The Haribon’s Biodiversity on Wheels (BOW) was instrumental in raising public awareness on Philippine and Panay Island biodiversity, climate change and illegal wildlife trade.

Results of the project were shared with scientists and stakeholders during the 23rd Philippine Biodiversity Symposium in Cebu from April 1 to 4, 2014. Haribon efforts were also covered in a video report broadcasted internationally by German media giant Deutsche Welle or DW.