Environmental Group Haribon Foundation

Aldwin Paolo D. Melo TM IRR 1 Professor: Ms. Palmero

Introduction
Area: 299,404 sq.km. Population: 48,098,460 (1980) with an annual growth rate of 2.7%. The average population density of the country is 541.4 persons per sq.km. The Philippine Archipelago comprises approximately 7,100 islands, most of which lie in three major island groups, namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The Archipelago is somewhat elongate in shape, extending for 1,840 km from north to south, and about 1,000 km from east to west at its broadest. The total coastline is about 17,460 km. Geographically, the Philippines are considered a part of southeast Asia. The country is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer, between latitudes 0423' and 2125'N, and between longitudes 1 16OO' and 127OO'E. It is bounded in the north by the Bashi Channel, in the east by the Pacific Ocean, in the south by the Celebes Sea, and in the west by the South China Sea. The Philippines are situated some 965 km from the southeast coast of the mainland of Asia. To the north, Taiwan is the nearest neighbour, being only 97 km from Y'ami in Batanes Province, the northernmost island in the Philippine Archipelago. In the south, the archipelago extends to within a few kilometers of Sabah (North Borneo) and the northern Indonesian islands. The Philippines are located in the "Pacific Ring of Fire", a region of frequent volcanic activity. The country also lies on the western Pacific earthquake belt which is a region of frequent landmovements. This situation may help to explain the pattern of landform and topographic characteristics of the archipelago which is composed of a series of mountain ranges running in a general north-south direction in close proximity to the sea. There are, however, no very high mountains or very steep slopes, and the highest peak, Mount Apo, is only 2,930 meters above sea level. The archipelago has rather few large rivers but many small rivers and streams which empty directly into the sea. There are some large internal plains between the main mountain ranges, and narrow coastal plains around most of the larger islands. There are four main climatic zones based on the distribution of rainfall, as follows: - Type I: pronounced wet and dry seasons, the wet season during the months of June to November, and the dry from December to May. - Type II: no proper dry season but with a very pronounced period of maximum rainfall in December, January and February. - Type III: an intermediate type with no pronounced period of maximum rainfall and a short dry season lasting from one to three months only. - Type IV: rainfall uniformly distributed throughout the year.

History

1972

Haribon was established as a birdwatching society. Inspired by the majesty as well as the plight of the Philippine Eagle, which even then was critically endangered, Haribon drew members from nature lovers who wanted to do something about the threatened wildlife of the country. Haribon undertook the Philippine Eagle project, studying the little known ecology of the Philippine Eagle and looking for the most effective way to conserve one of the world's most magnificent birds of prey. 1983

Haribon became a full-fledged nature conservation foundation under the leadership of its first president, Dr. Celso Roque. Its name was changed from The Haribon Society to the Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources. 1984

Haribon was also accredited by the Department of Science and Technology as a science and research foundation conducting floral and faunal studies. From a nature organization society, Haribon evolved into an organization dedicated to reversing the tide of environmental degradation happening in the country.It was also the first year that Haribon adopted the tree-symbol whose nine leaves symbolized the ecosystems found in the country.

1987

Haribon led the campaign against commercial logging in Palawan, led by then President Maximo Junie Kalaw. It was highlighted by the Boto para sa Inang Bayan signature campaign, which gathered 1 million signatures against commercial logging. The campaign significantly increased public awareness on the environment and on Haribon as an environmental organization. A joint Haribon and DENR task force was created to evaluate the protected areas in the country in preparation for the establishment of an Integrated Protected Areas System (IPAS). The results of this project served as key inputs to the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (NIPAS Act). The Environmental Legal Defense Program was started. It provided legal services, legal research and paralegal training. 1989

DENR, the WWF, and Haribon entered into the Philippine Debt-for-Nature Swap Program, the first debt swap program in Asia. It involved $2 million for conservation work. Haribon administered the first tranch of the swap. It was used to implement projects in Batangas, St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, El Nido Marine Reserve, Mt. Pulag National Park, and Tubbataha Reef National Park Mt. Isarog, the wildlife trade campaign, and environmental education. Haribon initiated the Philippine Netsman Program was to train aquarium fishers away from using cyanide fishing. The Community Based Resource Management Program (CBRM) was initiated covering both forest and marine ecosystems. The first marine sites were San Salvador Island, Masinloc, Zambales and Anilao, Mabini, Batangas. The forest ecosystem site was in Brgy. Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon.

1990

Haribon led the campaign against the Masinloc Coal-Fired Thermal Plant. Efforts in this campaign led to the proclamation of Oyon Bay as a protected area. Formation of the

Green Forum the NGO-PO-Church forum addressing broader issues of sustainable development. A Filipino delegation which included then Haribon president Junie Kalaw and current board member Philip Camara negotiated the second Debt-for-Naiure Swap with the US Senate. It resulted in the establishment of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment, providing a permanent endowment to fund Filipino NGO environment initiatives.

1992

Congress passed the National Integrated Protected Areas (NIPAS) Act, which established a system of protected areas in the Philippines. Haribon was involved in developing the principles of this landmark legislation. Haribon became the Philippine partner of BirdLife International, a global alliance of conservation organizations working to protect birds and their habitats. Haribon campaigned against a proposed cement plant threatening the pristine environs of Bolinao. The campaign was truly community-based and multi-sectoral, involving communities, NGOs, the church, academe, media, and other groups. 2001

Haribon spearheaded the formation of PAMANA Ka sa Pilipinas, a nationwide alliance of community-based marine protected area managers composed of fisherfolk and local government units. By 2001, PAMANA became an independent organization separate from Haribon. PAMANA is currently composed of 122 member sanctuary sites. Haribon and BirdLife International came out with the Threatened Birds of the Philippines, the Philippine Red Data Book compiling the most comprehensive information on the countrys threatened birds. A culmination of the Red Data Book project, a total of 117 Important Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) throughout the Philippines were identified as areas of global significance for biodiversity conservation. Research on these areas were compiled in the Haribon multi-award winning book, the Key Conservation Sites in the Philippines. Haribon, with the support of the Royal Netherlands Embassy, launched the Building a National Constituency for Biodiversity Conservation Project. Haribon, with support from the European Union launched the Integrating Forest Conservation with Local Governance project. The endeavor seeks to utilize the recently-approved Local Government Code towards the protection of the countrys forests. Haribon was one of

the major organizers of the Conference on Protected Area Management in the Philippines on November 12-16, 2001 at Davao City. First launched a tri-media campaign to build a national constituency on biodiversity conservation. The EU-Funded Integrating Forest Conservation with Local Governance in the Philippines project was launched. This project adopted a new strategy for biodiversity conservation, that is, allowing the local stakeholders like LGUs to have more responsibility in managing their forest resources by integrating forest management plan in their CLUP.

2002

Haribon built the capacities and capabilities of four academic centers for excellence (ACEs) for biodiversity conservation: Camarines Sur State Agricultural College, De La Salle-Dasmarinas, Silliman University and Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of TechnologyPAMANA became independent from Haribon. Haribon initiates its first project with a component of sustainable livelihoods in Bolinao. Banka't Buhay 2002: Local coastal issues were lifted up as a national issue, this included DAO17, Institutionalization of fish Warden and establishment of Marine courts which is the initial phase towards Green Courts. Lobbying for DAO 17 with NFR networks in order to contribute in the decentralization of DA-BFAR to LGUs and the delimitation and delineation of municipal waters which would benefit small fisherfolks. 2003

Haribon launched the Haribon Ambassadors for Conservation composed of celebrities and media personalities Haribon was one of the organizers of the World Conservation Union (IUCN)-World Comission on Protected Areas, Third Southeast Asia Regional Meeting on April 1-5 2003 here in the Philippines Haribon implemented Threatened Species Program with support from Critical Ecosystems Program and BirdLife International (2003-2007) to arrest threats to terrestrial species and habitats by ensuring strong local commitment and supporting civil society initiatives for conservation. It supports also field research on threatened species.

2004

Haribon established corporate partnerships (GMA 7, Meralco, Napocor, The Manila Times, EDSA Shangri-la Hotel) to improve the level of awareness and support for biodiversity conservation among the general public. Haribon obtained publisher status from the National Book Development Board. Haribon got the first Panibagong Paraan Award for Masinloc. Integrating Forests Conservation with Local Governance Project (IFCLGP) Conference in Subic Haribon launched the First National Birdkite Festival at the Global City. Forged MOA with the DENR as partners for biodiversity conservation Haribon launched the BOto para sa Inang Bayan Campaign (part 2), a signature campaign to stop commercial logging and mining in the country Haribon advocated/lobbied for the issuance of DENR memorandum circular 2004-06 which promotes rainforestation as an approach in restoring the tropical rainforest using indigenous species.

2005

Start of Rainforestation Organizations and Advocates or ROAD to 2020 Campaign, an environmental conservation movement to restore 1 million hectares of our rainforests using native tree species by year 2020. Haribon received the Catholic Mass Media Serviam Award Special Citation for institutional category Third National Congress of PAMANA and partnerships with MNS( Marine Support Network, a network of NGAs(DENR, DA-BFAR) and NGOs (WWF, CI, CBCRM-RC, Siliman U, etc.). This was a congress were small fisherfolks directly engaged the Department of Natural Resources-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB) on the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) on how to advance DAO 17, and localizing fisherfolk advocacy.

2006

Catholic Mass Media Special Citation for the billboard "Wealth" installed by Meralco; also garnered a silver medal in the 2006 Araw Values Advertising Award Haribon spearheaded the National Conference on Integrating Forest Conservation with Local Governance at Subic , Pampanga

2007

Haribon Assisted in the database that led to the identification and designation of 117 environmental courts in 2008 UNDP-GEF-SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM supported Haribon in the production of Environmental Baseline studies in Cebu, Negros and Panay Islands to provide benchmark data to start building the Cebu-Negros-Panay Landscapes and Seascapes database?MIS and to facilitate the appraisal, validation and implementation of community-based biodiversity conservation initiatives in areas identified as priority sites for SGP funding. Haribon initiated IBA Montoring System orientation and installation in some Haribon sites, e.g. Sablayan, Occ Mindoro, and Mangatarem, Pangasinan.

Activities
Strengthening community-based resource management through community organizing, sustainable livelihood development, and community empowerment Building a broad constituency for biodiversity conservation through membership development, communication and public awareness raising, alliance building and networking, and advocacy Conducts scientific and developmental and participatory research studies using globallyand locally-accepted standards for biodiversity conservation Establishing an education and training institution on natural resource management with world-class standards Strengthening the institution through staff development, upgrade of facilities, establishment of Pugad Haribon or Haribon house, and by continuously improving its policies and procedures Developing proactive and responsive policy advocacy mechanisms Developing financial sustainability mechanisms Bird Watching Session Bird watching is becoming a popular hobby nowadays. Its more than just an activity to marvel at the wonderful world of birds. Its also a form of awareness raising on the condition of our environment. Birds depend on forests for food. If forests have plenty of fruit trees, or insects, birds will most likely stay but because of our diminishing forests, our bird species have dwindled significantly due to habitat loss. Million Hectare Challenge The Million Hectare Challenge urges all Filipinos to support the ROAD TO 2020 campaign, which aims to restore 1 million hectares of forests by year 2020 using native tree species. Help raise 3 million pesos for ROAD TO 2020. Funds generated from the Million-Hectare Challenge event will be used to support tree-planting activities, promotion of environment-friendly and sustainable livelihood options for local communities, establishment and maintenance of indigenous tree nurseries, awareness-raising and capacity building among communities.

TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY You are welcome to plant your seedlings with us. Knowing you have made a difference, making the country a better place to live in your own small way, is already reward enough.

Achievements
The 2003 Panibagong Paraan Award, UNDP-sponsored award for the project Community-based Mangrove Management in San Salvador Island, Masinloc, Zambales The 2002 Manila Critics Circle National Book Award for the book Key Conservation Sites in the Philippines. A Haribon Foundation and BirdLife International publication that lists 117 important bird areas all over the Philippines. This publication is highly recommended especially for environmental legislators and policy makers to be adapted in their priority areas/ sites The 2002 National Academy of Science and Technology Outstanding Book Award for the book Key Conservation Sites in the Philippines The 2002 Gintong Aklat Award for the book Key Conservation Sites in the Philippines The 2001 Catholic Mass Media Award for Best Website

Recent and Future Projects

Integrating Forest Conservation with Local Governance in the Philippines Project A 4-year project that started in 2001 and will end in 2005. It aims to improve conservation of important areas through integration with local development planning and strengthening of local governance, raise the awareness of local people and local government on issues of forest protection and conservation. From the 117 IBA sites, the project was able to shortlist 3 primary sites and 3 secondary sites based on these criteria: biological importance, socio-economic importance, probability of success and institutional capacity. Among its major contributions was the integration of forest management plans in the local development agenda (Funded by the European Commission in partnership with BirdLife International). Promoting Community-based Rainforestation in the Provinces of Antique, Bukidnon and Occidental Mindoro A 3-year project that was an offshoot of the IFCLGP Project. It started in February 2004 and will end in February 2006. It attempts to restore deforested areas using indigenous

tree species which is more consistent with biodiversity conservation strategies such as protected area management and natural regeneration. Its sites include Antique, Bukidnon, and Sablayan (Funded by the European Commission and the Government of New Zealand). Community-based Mangrove Management Project A 2-year project proposed by the Samahang Pangkaunlaran ng San Salvador, a peoples organization of fisher folks. It started in 2004 and will end in 2006. It aims to ensure the sustainability, conservation, and management of mangrove resources along the island through participatory community-based coastal resource management. It is implemented in San Salvador Island, Masinloc, Zambales (Funded by the UNDPGEF RNE Small Grants Programme). Lanuza Baywide Participatory Marine Sanctuary Monitoring Project (Technical inputs to PAMANA) The organization Pambansang Alyansa ng Maliliit na Mangingisda at Komunidad na Nangangalaga ng Karagatan at Sanktwaryo sa Pilipinas (PAMANA Ka sa Pilipinas) is the biggest legacy of the Building a National Community of Local Coastal Resource Managers in the Philippines project. The organization PAMANA was envisioned as a nation-wide network of MPAs and their managers. It aims to enhance capability of Marine Protected Area managers to effectively manage the MPAs in their area (Funded by The David and Lucille Packard Foundation). Threatened Species Program (TSP) A 5-year project that started in 2002 and will conclude in 2006. It is concerned with the conservation of threatened species and their habitats in the Philippines (Funded by the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF). Awareness-raising, Networking, Education, and Support Mobilization (A NEST) Project A 2-year project that started in December 2003 and ended in November 2005. It aimed to involve a wider public in biodiversity conservation to help mitigate the rapid loss of biodiversity in the Philippines (Funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy). Developing a Resource Manual on Environmental and Social Valuation for Local Decision-making in Important Biodiversity Areas Project An 11-month project that started in August 2004 and ended July 2005. It aimed to strengthen and build adequate capability of local stakeholders to make informed decisions and intelligent engagement in reviewing development-related interventions in their locality especially on mining projects and biodiversity issues. Funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy.

Environmental Laws Project A 7-month project that started in October 2004 and ended April 2005. It aimed to enhance understanding on environmental laws among local judges. Funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the UNDP-GEF-RNE Small Grants Programme.

Organizational Chart
Office of the Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer: Anabelle E. Plantilla Executive Assistant: Laurinette Alice A. Gonzalez

Constituency Development Department Manager: Maria Belinda E. dela Paz Head, Communications and Information Division: Astrid C. Villanueva OIC Head, Training and Education Division: Arlie Jo B. Endonilla Head, Corporate Partnerships: Christine G. Cenal Head, Advocacy Division: Maria Belinda E. dela Paz Coordinator, Membership Division: Nikki del Castillo Site Action Department Manager: Noel A. Resureccion

Research Department OIC Manager: Noel A. Resurreccion

Organizational Support Department Manager: Je-el C. Ong Supervisor, Human Resources Unit: Arlie Jo B. Endonilla

Supervisor, Administrative Services Unit: Yasmin M. Ponce

OIC Supervisor, Finance Unit: Daisy M. Salumbre Location

Haribon Foundation 2/F Santos & Sons Building 973 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City 1109 Philippines

Gallery Photos

References
http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/national/philippines/index.html http://www.haribon.org.ph/ http://ramsar.wetlands.org/Portals/15/Philippines.pdf