The Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve (ARWFR), a vital water source for Aklan province and a crucial component of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System, faces increasing threats. Home to unique wildlife, including the Rufous-headed Hornbill, Visayan Hornbill, and Rafflesia, and the ancestral lands of the Akeanon Bukidnon indigenous peoples, the ARWFR's ecological integrity is threatened by conflicting development plans and unsustainable practices.
To address these challenges, the Haribon Foundation is implementing the "Engaging Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in Ensuring Environmental and Social Safeguards for the ARWFR" project (also known as Project AGOS – ARWFR Governance and Safeguards) from March 2024 to December 2027. Project AGOS works through community engagement, scientific research, and the development of sustainable, nature-based solutions.
Project AGOS aims to establish environmental and social safeguards for the ARWFR, contributing to its eventual designation as a Protected Area. We are working to create inclusive, evidence-based policies that support the Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP) and align with local development plans in Madalag and Libacao. Central to our approach is the active participation of state and non-state actors, ensuring that the rights and needs of forest-dependent communities are met while protecting the environment.
It focuses on three key outputs:
- Output 1: Enhanced Scientific Knowledge: Conducting biophysical, socio-economic, and cultural research to inform and strengthen protected area management policies and plans.
- Output 2: Inclusive Governance: Establishing multi-stakeholder assessment and decision-making tools for participatory protected area governance.
- Output 3: Community-Led Nature-Based Solutions: Developing and implementing community-led NbS programs with sustainable financing mechanisms.
Building Partnerships and Empowering Communities for Conservation
Over the past months, the Haribon Foundation has been hard at work mobilizing support and building strong partnerships for Project AGOS. We're committed to working collaboratively to ensure the project's success and alignment with existing regulations and plans. A cornerstone of our approach has been active engagement with government agencies and other vital stakeholders through numerous courtesy visits, alignment meetings, and partnership coordination meetings with key entities, including:
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
- ARWFR Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)
- National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
- Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU)
- Municipal LGUs of Libacao and Madalag
Recognizing the crucial role of academic and scientific expertise, we've also established collaborations with Aklan State University (ASU) and initially coordinated with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Aklan.
Recognizing the crucial role of academic and scientific expertise, we've also established collaborations with Aklan State University (ASU) and initially coordinated with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Aklan.
Furthermore, we've prioritized engagement with local authorities and indigenous cultural communities, working closely with Barangay Councils, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), and Councils of Elders.
Furthermore, we've prioritized engagement with local authorities and indigenous cultural communities, working closely with Barangay Councils, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), and Councils of Elders.
Key Achievements:
1) Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP)
We provided technical output in a three-day workshop in in August 2024 to update the Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP) for the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve (ARWFR), and again during September 2024, at the three-day Technical Working Group (TWG) and Workshop/Writeshop for Updating of the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park (NPPNP) PAMP.
2) Parabiologist Training
In October 2024, we held a two-day Parabiologist Training, bringing together mountain guides/ bantay gubat from Madalag and Libacao, representatives from the MENR Offices of the LGUs of Madalag and Libacao, ASU faculty members, DENR-PENRO/PAMB representatives, and ASU forestry students. The training covered field survey principles and techniques for flora and fauna, providing hands-on experience and fostering a sense of responsibility for biodiversity conservation. Prior to the training, the Project AGOS Team conducted Bantay Gubat Profiling in three partner communities.
3) Participatory Situational Analysis (PSA)
In November 2024, a three-day PSA was conducted in three partner ARWFR communities: Barangay Ma. Cristina, Barangay Oyang, and Barangay Panipiason. Participants included youth, senior citizens, women, farmers, Bantay Gubat (Forest Guards), the Barangay Councilor for Environment, Barangay Councilors from each sitio, a VAWC Representative, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Through workshops, the PSA gathered data on the ARWFR's biophysical, socioeconomic, and cultural aspects, identifying key threats and opportunities and facilitating consensus building among diverse groups.
4) LGU Accreditation and Alignment
Haribon has received accreditation from LGU Madalag and Province of Aklan and conducted project alignment meetings with partner LGUs and institutions in January 2025.
5) Ongoing Surveys and Assessments
Reconnaissance surveys for the Biophysical Survey and perception surveys for communication plan development have been completed in partner barangays. This February 2025, presentations of the AGOS Project and the Governance Assessment for Protected Area (GAPA) activity have been conducted in six additional barangays followed by GAPA Scoping Workshop with ARWFR PAMB members.
We are excited about the progress of Project AGOS and the strong foundations we are building for long-term conservation success. Stay tuned for future updates!
Project AGOS is part of the REDAA program, funded by UK International Development from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and managed by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). REDAA provides grants and technical support to catalyze research, innovation, and action in addressing environmental challenges. For more information on Project AGOS and REDAA, please visit redaa.org.
Project AGOS is part of the REDAA program, funded by UK International Development from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and managed by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). REDAA provides grants and technical support to catalyze research, innovation, and action in addressing environmental challenges. For more information on Project AGOS and REDAA, please visit redaa.org.
