The Sierra Madre Mountain Range, known as the country ’ s longest and most biodiverse mountain range, is a vital stronghold for the critically endangered Philippine Eagle—an irreplaceable symbol of our natural heritage and a guardian of forest ecosystems that sustain life for both wildlife and people. 

The Central Sierra Madre Mountain Range (CSMMR), especially the 10,791- hectare locally declared Critical Habitat for the Philippine Eagle in Gabaldon, Bongabon, and Laur, Nueva Ecija, is under threat from illegal and destructive activities. Stronger legal protection and community-based conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect biodiversity, forest ecosystems, and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

Objectives

To empower Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to conserve the Critical Habitat and work toward national recognition of CSMMR as a Protected Area, while promoting forest governance, nature-based solutions, and develop biodiversity-friendly enterprises to strengthen climate resilience of the local communities.

Project duration

June 2025 to June 2028