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FPE-USAID Up-Scaling Project Showcased 2-Year Project Accomplishments

Eight FPE conservation partners showcase their accomplishments after two years of implementing the FPE-USAID Up-Scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas project based on the four main intermediate results of knowledge management, partnership building, natural resource management, and sustainability. Success stories and lessons learned were shared by partners during the project review and assessment held from June 15 to 17, 2013 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

During the assessment, the Luntiang Alyansa ng Bundok Banahaw (LABB), Polillo Island Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc (PIBCFI), Negros Economic Development Foundation (NEDF), Federation of Multi-sectoral Alliance for Development (MUAD) – Negros, Visca Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Development (ViFARD), Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (CBCF), Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. (PEFI), and Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS) affirmed the contributions of the project to biodiversity conservation through improved restoration and management of the key biodiversity areas in Laguna, Quezon, Negros, Cebu, Leyte, Davao and North Cotabato.

The review summarized these results: case studies on forest restoration, resource and socio-economic assessments (RSEAs) and 3D maps aided local government decisions, resolved conflicts, and increased local expertise; renewed and sustained partnerships with the local government units; active participation of private organizations advanced local conservation efftorts; women participation upheld gender empowerment; and, forest restoration techniques pushed for increased adoption of agroforestry and increased rehabilitated areas in project sites. The promotion of native species has also restored the endemic cinnamon tree in Cebu, among others, while the active support of the watershed council in Davao promises sustainability of water resource for the city and the forest corridoring efforts in Arakan ensures protection of the habitat for the Philippine eagle.

These accomplishments capped the USAID-funded project which will conclude in October 2013. FPE, USAID, local partners and POs are confident that despite the upcoming project completion, initiatives on forest retoration and protection efforts in these areas will be continued and sustained through partnerships with local government units and integration of project goals and targets with other existing programs in the project sites.

FPE Chair Nestor R. Carbonera acknowledged that “project activities may be limited with less support but will still go on either in small or big ways.” Executive director Godofredo T. Vilapando Jr. added these lessons “will definitely help the Foundation in facilitating the implementation of special projects in the future.”