Reforestation of Penaranda River Forest Reserve and Agroforestry Training for Indigenous People April 1997 - August 1998 Penaranda River Forest Reserve, Philippines Implemented by: ICA Japan & Wesleyan University
PROJECT OVERVIEW Bio-Diversity Conservation and Reforestation, Rio Chico, Philippines In 1996, we studied the actual extent of environmental destruction in Rio Chico, Nueva Ecija in coordination with Wesleyan University. Most of the farmable lowland in Rio Chico belongs to a few landlords, and many landless poor peasants can only earn income through illegal logging of the highlands. The forests around Rio Chico have almost disappeared, endangering village's existence due to loss of income and the rise of flash floods. Limited environmental educational programs in the region contributes to a low awareness of environmental preservation. Staff of ICA Japan and local forestry experts comprehensively discussed regional issues with villagers and upland minorities, and have begun to identify the bio-diversity in the area. We are working with Wesleyan University to begin an agroforestry and environmental project for environmental preservation, and to protect minority's interests. A third phase will be to implement a wide area environmental education program so that people develop a culture of preserving wildlife and forests.
1. The uplands are the ancestral domain of the nomadic tribe, the Dumagats. Agro-forestry was introduced to build a sustainable village life and to take away their dependance on illegal logging.
Endangered Rainforests
	2. Rainforest and reclaimed land are located in the same mountainous range. The total area of rainforest is on the decrease due to illegal logging. Compared to 50 years ago, only three percent of rainforests remain.
	3. The entire mountain range below the project area has been illegally logged and grazed. At the bottom of this valley is the official reforestation station which is too small and weak to control the illegal logging or to engage in serious reforestation.
	4. Typical de-nuded mountain in the supposedly protected national forest area. New strategies are needed utilizing the indigenous people to preserve the bio-diversity.
	5. This tree was logged illegally. These pieces of wood will be used for carving.
	6. Some people have built their houses in the rain forest. Deforestation increases due to human activity.
	7. Rapidly increasing population in urban areas causes people to move to mountainous areas to seek new opportunities.
Project Area
	8. East transect of this mossy forest.
	9. Because they are situated beyond high mountains, these mountains have remained untouched.
	10. Typical Dumagat hut.
Village Meeting
	11. Mr. Nasino explaining the content of the project.
	12. Indigenous people are voting to support the new project.
	13. Seminar workshop was carried out on Mt. Mapidya for one week.
Bio-Diversity Reserch
	14. Bio-Diversity Reserch was carried out by Mr. Nasino in the forest.
	15. Local assistant collecting plants for specimens.
	16. After research on the mountain, students bring back sample plants to Wesleyan University.
	17. Dean Nasino of Wesleyan School of Agriculture and a student researcher. The researcher stays in an indigenous tent when he comes to the mountain.
	18. On the way to the project site, we observed illegal loggers using the river, rather than vehicles, to transport the logs.
	19. Mr. Dei, ICA staff, went to Mt. Mapidya to provide technical assistance to the project.
Lecture and Practice of Bio-Diversity
	20. Experimental practice of a stuffed specimen was conducted at Wesleyan University. Mr.Suzuki, Japanese expert, shows how to make a specimen of a mouse.
	21. Students are testing their ability to use the new inclinometer.
	22. Lectures on biodiversity by Mr. Suzuki were held for three weeks at Wesleyan University. Fifty students and teachers attended every day.
Bio-Diversity Specimens
	23. Preserved specimens of animals from the project site in a new bio-diversity collection box.
	24. Herbarium cabinet and collection box.
	25. A collection box and a herbarium cabinet were placed in the bio-diversity classroom to use for the lecture.
Nursery and Propagation Shed
	26. Propagation shed and nursery at Wesleyan University.
	27. Some of these seedlings will be planted in the project area.
	28. In this shed, they are propagating some plants which were brought from the project area.
Ancestral Domain Rights!
Throughout the year, many negotiations were held regarding the rights to the Highlands and who would be selected to be partners with highland peoples in development.?@
	29. On June 16, 1998, DENR and Wesleyan officials gathered to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Highland Indigenous People.
	30. The Highland Indigenous People sign the MOA, receiving custody of and responsibility for the Highlands.
	31. Dr. Ricardo V. Serrano, the Regional Director of DENR, and Dr. Emmanuel G. Cleto, President of Wesleyan University, also sign the MOA as witnesses and partners in development.
	32. After the signing of the MOA, the Certificate of Ancestral Domain was presented to the leaders of the Highland Indigenous People. (Six days later Dr. Serrano was assinated due to his outstanding and assertive leadership in environmental protection. We salute you, Dr. Serrano!)
	33. In celebration of receiving their Ancestral Rights, the Highland Indeginous People pose for a photo. Included are their supporters from Wesleyan University.
Strengthening the Partnership
	34. After the signing of the MOA, members of the partnership met to re-think their practical vision for the 21st Century and to begin resolving contradictions which the partnership faces. The workshop was entitled: "Working Together for Upland Development for the 21st Century!"
	35. About 35 people, including Highland Indegenous People, Wesleyan staff, and Japanese NGO representatives, participated in the workshop.
	36. The participants created a vision using drawings and all people present could easily understand and communicate well.
	37. A Highlander speaks in depth about the problems and contradictions they face.
	38. A Japanese participant who speaks the local language helps present solutions suggested by the workshop.
Artistic Representation of the Vision
	39 After the workshop, Dean Nasino of Wesleyan University took members of the workshop on a tour of the campus. In his office is this artistic sketch representing the aspirations of the Highlanders.
	40. The sketch reminds us of how to live in harmony with nature .
	41. This is the model site which inspired the artistic sketch.
	42. In the midst of the 300 hectare project primary area, we have created a compound which includes Seed Germination House, a small Nursery, and a multi-purpose meeting and training center. Nearby is the watchtower.
	43. A closer view of the Germination/Propagation House and Nursery which will soon be the main Seedling Bank for the project area and for Rio Chico.
	44. This is the Mapidya Multi-Purpose Sitio Hall used for meetings, trainings, and primary literacy classes for youth and adults. It also functions as the office of the cooperative.
	45. This nursery is covered with fine orchid net (double) and can accomodate up to 15,000 seedlings under its shaded area.
	46. Dumagat children have learned how to transfer seedlings. This builds a culture of caring for the forest at an early age.
	47. The Seed Germination (Propagation) House is under preparation by the Dumagat youth. It is 9 x 15 feet.
	48. It is made of hardwood yakalsaplungan with a screen roof and orchid net to protect the seedlings from the direct heat of the sun. The walls are also covered with plastic. The culture medium is composed of fine sand, clay loam, and sawdust for the bottom pack.
	49. They are sowing Gmelina seeds (2 kg), Mahogany seeds (2 kg), Acacia Auri seeds (1 kg), Umbrella tree seeds (2 kg), Teak seeds (2 kg), and Narra seeds (2 kg).
	50. Maria Ramos delos Santos, a Dumagat lady farmer is in charge of lending these tools to the members of the tribe. In addition to the tools shown, there is also a plow harrow, bolos, and complete carpentry tools.
	51. The children are enjoying the cool water supply from this jetmatic deep well pump, which is the first to be installed in this Highland Area. It provides potable drinking water and water for the nursery.
	52. This is the 23 foot high Mapidya watchtower located on the highest peak overlooking the southern portion of our area of responsibility.
	53. It is used for monitoring forest wild fires, biodiversity, and illegal forest activities.
	54. The two grandchildren of a Dumagat volunteer fire brigade member enjoy the grand view of their ancestral lands.

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