Raising awareness for biodiversity conservation in Mt. Siburan
SABLAYAN, Occidental Mindoro: In line with the project, Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation: Mainstreaming in Local Agricultural Landscapes, also called Biodiversity Partnerships Project (BPP), Haribon Foundation recently conducted a perception survey among the stakeholders of the municipality.
BPP is spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources—Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Fund (GEF).
The project’s general objective is to assist Local Government Units in critical eco-regions of the Philippines to better incorporate the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity resources in their development planning systems and economic growth strategies.
One of the critical sites for conservation is the Mt. Siburan Important Biodiversity Area, the habitat of endangered species such as the Tamaraw, Mindoro Bleedingheart Pigeon and Mindoro Hornbill, located within the municipality of Sablayan.
A perception survey was conducted at the beginning of the project to verify the respondents’ level of awareness on biodiversity, biodiversity friendly agricultural practices, businesses and investments. This would help in determining their consciousness and interest in biodiversity conservation. The survey also aims to identify appropriate medium for awareness raising for future activities of the project, and ensure the efficiency of biodiversity conservation education campaigns and other activities.
The respondents were the key stakeholders in Sablayan such as employees and heads of offices of the municipal government of Sablayan; the officials, staff and residents of the six forest barangays Burgos, Ligaya, Pag-Asa, San Agustin, Batong Buhay and Malisbong; representatives of the Indigenous peoples tribe Mangyan Alangan; officials and inmates from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm; and the students and faculty from the Paradise Adventist Elementary School, Sablayan Comprehensive National High School and Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The respondents were surveyed in groups of ten through a focus group discussion and key informant interview.
The survey consisted of questions on the condition of their forests, trainings and seminars that they have attended on biodiversity conservation and environment, their awareness on environmental laws and ordinances and their current practices that affect the forest and environment. The respondents were also asked on their organization’s committees, plans and activities that are towards forest and biodiversity conservation.
The results of the perception survey will be used in the on-going information and awareness raising campaign on biodiversity conservation through the BPP.