The Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve (ARWFR) is a 20,544-hectare protected landscape in Libacao and Madalag, Aklan, forming part of the Central Panay Mountains Key Biodiversity Area. 

It shelters threatened and endemic species such as the Rufous-headed Hornbill, Visayan Spotted Deer, Panay Monitor Lizard, and Rafflesia speciosa. As Aklan’s main watershed, it sustains local agriculture, food security, and Indigenous livelihoods of the Akeanon-Bukidnon tribe. 

However, ARWFR faces mounting threats from illegal logging, charcoal production, slash-and-burn farming, wildlife hunting, and unregulated development, leading to forest degradation, habitat loss, and weakly enforced environmental laws.

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.

Project AGOS is working closely with Brgy. Panipiason and Brgy. Ma. Cristina in Madalag, and Brgy. Oyang in Libacao.

Project duration

March 2024 to December 2027

This project is supported by the Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (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 offers grants and technical support to catalyze research, innovation, and action in addressing environmental challenges. For more information on Project AGOS and REDAA, visit www.redaa.org.