The Integrated Development Program Objectives for the Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve (BRWFR)
In line with the thrust towards environmental conservation and protection of natural resources and in consonance with the food security goal of the Provincial Government, all development projects envisioned by the creation of the BRWFR, should contribute in the restoration of forest cover, protect the area from illegal forest activities, promote environmental awareness and provide an alterative means of livelihood assistance.
The Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve was classified as a priority area for restoration under the GPOA.
Although by no means has deforestation of the Bago River Watershed ceased; Since its classification as a reserve and as a priority area, we are pleased to have observed that logging, the largest contributing activity towards deforestation/degradation of the area has reduced considerably. However, when it comes to active restoration of the area; only a relatively small amount of reforestation has taken place.
The rate of regeneration through reforestation of this priority area over the 18 years since its conception as a reserve averages out at just 27.7 hectares per year. To put this into perspective; compared to decades as recent as the 1970’s and 80’s during a time of prolific logging activity, The Bureau of Forest Development estimated the rate of deforestation in Negros island at 5000 hectares per year. During the previous century, 90% of Negros forest was destroyed. The remaining forests of Negros are now very limited and thus, very precious.
We are currently seeking financial assistance to restore the Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve and to sustain and maintain it over the long term.
Our Project aims to create a large livelihood program as well as addressing the security and sustainability of the Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve over the long term through export/sale of Agro Forestry produce.
We cannot stress enough that the implementation of this reforestation project should be understood from the outset, to be a ‘Long-term solution’. When it comes to the establishment of trees and forest there is no instant ‘Quick fix’.
Under request from the Municipality Mayor’s office of Don Salvador Benedicto; the largest Municipality of the reserve, consumed almost entirely within the boundaries of the Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve, Island Forestry International (IFI) conducted a study into the progression of restoration activity within the Bago River Watershed Forest Reserve (BRWFR). The study also set out to address the issues still affecting degradation of the area and to try and seek out the most effective and appropriate solutions. Our findings were delivered to the department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Government’s Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP 2004-2010) and the World Bank’s (WB ) current Country Assistance Strategy (CAS), view economic growth with social inclusion and environmental responsibility, as the principal engines for achieving core development objectives related to poverty reduction and employment. In policy, the guiding principles are to ensure that the positive benefits from growth are optimized sustainability, whilst the real or imputed costs of attaining growth are minimized. This is a collaborative program involving NGO and LGU assisted support with direct and significant community participation through a Farmer’s cooperative in order to achieve an integrated, multi-phased solution towards effect reforestation and eventual forest sustainability.
The project design, promotes participatory and integrated ecosystem protection. It will raise integrated ecosystem awareness among all the project stakeholders as well as the larger surrounding community. It also contains a long term sustainable livelihood improvement element.
The project aims to create and maintain the resources needed to reduce deforestation and soil erosion, and to increase natural forest cover thus improving the quality and security of a vital water source to hundreds of thousands of inhabitants who directly or indirectly, rely on it.
Major Final Outputs of this project
• A concrete plan for effective management and regeneration of a significantly important priority area
• Integrated approach to both watershed and forestry management
• Promotion of ecosystem awareness throughout the community
• Assists the LGU simultaneously address and reduce environmental degradation and poverty.
• Long term security of the reserve from further acts of degradation and protection of new forest establishment
• Long term management of the forest by experienced national and international professionals (previously unmanaged).
• Introduction/creation of a replicable long term sustainable agro forestry program
• Education of the community on sustainable Agro Forestry practises
• Generation of carbon credit revenue
• Creation of sustainable community-based livelihood practices
• Crop diversification (The 1st Macadamia plantation in the Philippines)
• Opportunities to export produce
• Develop, sustain and create a natural tourist feature over the long term
2. Coastal Mangrove planting project - Escalante
The mangrove planting project within the area of Cervantes will serve primarily as a fish nursery and to increase wildlife
