Listening to the Currents: REDAA’s Visit to AGOS Partner Communities

July 8, 2026 | By Romnick T. Taladro, Conservation Specialist, AGOS

For conservation to thrive, communities must lead.

In the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve (ARWFR), local voices, indigenous practices, and everyday strategies guide how nature is protected. This principle lies at the heart of the project Engaging Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in Ensuring Environmental and Social Safeguards for the ARWFR, or simply, AGOS.

Launched in March 2024 and will run until December 2027, AGOS is funded by REDAA, a program that supports ecosystem restoration across Africa and Asia. REDAA emphasizes locally led, interdisciplinary solutions that help people and nature thrive together in a changing climate. Supported by UK International Development through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and managed by IIED, REDAA provides grants and technical support to projects like AGOS.

In March 2026, REDAA Grants Manager Malanie Vaufrey traveled to Aklan to see firsthand how AGOS unfolds in its partner communities. She was joined by the Haribon team, Arlie Jo. B. Endonila, the Chief Operating Officer,; Noel A. Resurreccion, Project Manager,; Ritchel C. Cahilig, Conservation and Training Specialist,; and Romnick T. Taladro, Conservation Specialist.

Before heading to the upland barangays, the team paid courtesy visits to municipal leaders and local police stations, underscoring the importance of safety and respect in fieldwork. The journey began in Barangay Oyang, the farthest of the partner communities, where the team crossed the Akean River on a bamboo raft known locally as a baesa.

Nights were spent in the barangays, first in Oyang, then in Ma. Cristina, and finally in Panipiason, sharing space and stories with residents.

The visit was more than monitoring progress; it was about listening to the currents of community life.

Members spoke of challenges, hopes, and gratitude for having Haribon as a partner. They emphasized how capacity‑building and knowledge sharing strengthen their organizations and empower them to protect their natural resources.

Punong Barangay of Panipiason, Hon. Arth Gregorio, captured this sentiment: “We are happy to have Haribon because they provide support in strengthening our capacity as an organization and expanding our knowledge, especially through BAKAPATUDA. We also need to focus on building the knowledge and capacity of our members rather than on financial matters, because knowledge lasts. As I would say, knowledge is a treasure that cannot be taken away, no matter what happens.”

These words reflect the essence of AGOS.

Conservation here is not about short‑term gains but about resilience, wisdom, and community ownership—like a river that sustains life across generations. By recognizing indigenous practices, strengthening capacities, and listening to local voices, AGOS and its partner communities continue to safeguard biodiversity in the ARWFR.

The REDAA visit reaffirmed a simple truth: conservation, like a river, thrives when people and nature flow together.