FINAL REPORT

for

Fauna and Flora International UK OCTOBER 2014-AUGUST 2016

Saving the Almaciga Tree Project

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, the Philippines

August 23, 2016 Karina May Reyes-Antonio

Summary The Centre for Sustainability (CS) is proud to report on its Saving the Almaciga Tree project (execution October 2014- August 2016), as part of its efforts to establish the Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve (CNFR). The Almaciga tree is the primary non-timber forest product of the forests of Cleopatra’s Needle – its high-value resin represents approximately 80% of the income of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who have lived in this area since time immemorial. This ancient coniferous tree used to dominate the forests of northern Palawan—over-harvesting, together with illegal activities, now threaten its existence. The indigenous communities in the area together with CS aim to ensure the future of the Almaciga tree, and thus livelihood and existence of the IPs, through research, reforestation, and education & training. Upon completion of this project in August, 2016, CS is proud to report that it has achieved all of its original objectives as per the initial proposal, namely:

• Reforestation of the proposed CNFR with 5077 Almaciga seedlings propagated by Indigenous and local communities from the first-ever Almaciga cone-based propagation nurseries in the Philippines.

• 3 ground-breaking scientific reports documenting a baseline survey of the population & health status of the Almaciga tree in the proposed CNFR; a baseline survey of the current overharvesting practices of the Almaciga tree occurring in the proposed CNFR; and a nursery protocol for Almaciga tree propagation.

• Execution of community trainings and workshops, in Almaciga propagation & reforestation, sound resource management & planning, awareness-raising of current Almaciga tree status & sustainable harvesting techniques, and inter-IP exchange for better governance & resource management.

• Execution of Environmental Education Program (EEP) in 11 elementary schools. These achievements were made by overcoming the following difficulties:

• Philippine bureaucracy proved to be the primary challenge which affected all aspects of the project. The delays caused by the consultation & consent process to work with the IPs of the project area ultimately meant that only 1 of the 4 Indigenous communities could fully benefit from the project. In addition, research could only be carried out in 4 of the 7 Barangays of the project area. The delays caused by the consent process to work with the elementary schools also meant that 1 out of the 11 schools was not able to participate in the EEP.

• The delay in initial release of funds for this project meant that we missed the cone collection season of 2014 (August-September, annually). We subsequently had to wait another 10 months after project commencement to start Almaciga propagation activities.

• The weather conditions brought on by El Niño 2016 meant that Reforestation was further delayed by one month, further extending the project timescale.

This project is made possible with the generous support of Fauna & Flora International United Kingdom (October 2014-August 2016) and the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF - July 2015-August 2016).

Project aims Below, we outline the objectives of the project as per the initial outline, and explain any changes made to the original plan: 1. Increase the understanding of the role of Agathis philippinensis within the ecosystem. Although the Almaciga tree is one of the largest tree species in the forests of northern Palawan, very little is known about its life history and ecology. Until recently the classification of the species was even unclear. In order to create appropriate management strategies and to increase the effectiveness of our reforestation activities, a better understanding of the Almaciga tree and its role in the ecosystem is needed. 2. Increase understanding in the reproductive strategy of Agathis philippinensis. Almaciga trees only bear cones once a year, and only a number of trees will bare cones. Additionally it is believed that cones need to ripen for approximately 15 months before the seeds mature. A better understanding in the reproductive strategy of the species is needed as to determine when mature cones can be collected and to understand how to reach maximum germination and growth of the acquired seeds. Upon execution of this project we have confirmed that Almaciga reproduction in the project area indeed occurs once a year—cone bearing begins annually in May, the optimum time for collecting mature cones for propagation is during August and September, and the bearing season ends in October. 3. Raise awareness on the current overharvesting of Almaciga in the communities around Cleopatra’s Needle. The tribal communities around Cleopatra’s Needle do not all understand the link between the overharvesting of the trees and their eventual collapse. Especially the recently discovered link between the overharvesting of resin from trees resulting in a decreased fertility of the seeds, is still unknown to the tribes. As a preparation for the proposed creation of sustainable harvesting strategies with the local community of resin collectors, it is important to first enhance their knowledge about the subject through group discussions and other educational activities. Upon execution of this project we have since learnt that the majority of our IP community partners do already understand that overharvesting leads to Almaciga population decline. However, resource competition between outsiders and IPs fuels continuing overharvesting due to their dependence on this tree as a primary source of livelihood. Therefore, development of sound management planning and effective enforcement are the next critical steps to ensure the long-term success of this project.

4. Develop sustainable harvest strategies of Agathis philippinensis resin with the Indigenous People by enhancing their knowledge about the reproductive strategy of the species and by increasing their knowledge of different harvesting strategies. To ensure the future survival of the species, the future livelihood of the tribe and to ensure that viable seeds can be collected, sustainable harvesting strategies need to be developed. It is of vital importance that this management plan with sustainable harvest strategies for the Almaciga tree is developed by the local tribal communities for the local tribal communities. The role of our organization is to share with them the science behind the decrease in number of Almaciga trees and to assist them with our experience and knowledge in the creation of management plants, but the local communities need to feel ownership of the final management plan that will be created. 5. Reforest the area (around 30,000 hectares) around Cleopatra’s Needle with Agathis philippinensis seedlings from a to-be-constructed nursery at the area. To ensure the future survival of the Almaciga tree in Northern Palawan, it is our main objective to plant a large number of seedlings around Cleopatra’s Needle. These seedlings will be produced in a nursery that will be constructed at the largest IP village in the area. After the nursery stage (6–12 months depending on the growth rate) trees will be reforested covering the whole protected area. Comparatively, a larger number of trees will be planted in the vicinity of the tribal villages as for them to maintain the trees and to create a livelihood for the future. Upon execution of the project we decided to construct 3 experimental nurseries at various altitudes and locations to determine what are the optimal conditions for Almaciga propagation. 2 nurseries were indeed established in the area of the largest upland IP community of the project site at Sitio Kalakwasan (KLK), Barangay Tanabag, and another nursery in the lowlander community of Bgy. Binduyan. Finally reforestation was executed by local community members in these two Barangays, across approximately 3500 hectares.

Project achievements Below, we list the activities of the project as per the initial proposal, and the results of these activities. We also explain how they have contributed in achieving the original objectives of this initiative: 1. Implement a research program to increase understanding of the role of this tree species and the ecosystem and how to best execute a reforestation program for this species. As previously reported, our Research Program has been ongoing since May 2015. As per our initial proposal, the Program was focussed on a baseline survey of Almaciga in the proposed CNFR, in particular to determine if current resin harvesting practices are the definite cause of the declining Almaciga population in the area. Dr. Lita Sopsop, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences at Western Philippines University (WPU), has lead the Program in official collaboration with CS (see our Memorandum of Agreement attached). Under our joint supervision, Kellie Bocxe and Lars Vermeer—Masters students interning at CS from Wageningen University (the Netherlands), together with local Philippine students conducted the field work between May-

August 2015. As previously reported, the findings from this study were finalised as the following papers (see attached):

• Effects of resin harvesting on reproduction and physical status of Agathis philippinensis, principal author Kellie Bocxe.

• Towards the sustainable use of Agathis philippinensis in Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve, the Philippines: A case study on resin harvesting, principal author Lars Vermeer.

As previously reported, Kellie Bocxe and Lars Vermeer have been working toward journal publication of their findings. Kellie was recently approached by a new American journal, Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, who expressed an interest in publishing her research after seeing it presented at the 2nd Research Symposium of the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development. Kellie continues to work on her manuscript, and we have been in touch with contacts in our academic and environmental network for advice on publishing with this journal—if your kind Organisation has any experience or any impressions of this journal, we would greatly appreciate your guidance also. Lars is currently working on his second draft together with Professor Roger Dolorosa at The Palawan Scientist—journal publication of the WPU (see manuscript attached). As previously reported, the findings from these reports have already been disseminated at the 2nd Research Symposium of the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development last December 2015, and the 2nd International Conference on West Philippine Sea last February 2016. We have also been working to disseminate this research with the local communities of the project area. We reformatted their research findings and recommendations on tarpaulin which was displayed during the Almaciga Management Planning Workshop conducted last May 16-17 (see tarpaulin JPEG attached, Tagalog language only). During this same Workshop, our research partner Dr. Lita made an excellent presentation on this baseline survey to our IP community partners (PowerPoint attached, Tagalog). While the IPs are obviously very familiar with the degradation of the trees in their ancestral domains, this was a critical opportunity for them to see, and more importantly understand, the status of the tree from a broader perspective based on clear and simple scientific research. Due to the successful reception of Dr. Lita’s presentation, we have revised the tarpaulin and are currently working on unveiling these throughout the proposed CNFR area during upcoming events (revised tarpaulin JPEG attached, Tagalog). In collaboration with our other Almaciga project partner, PTFCF, we are also working to publish a brochure in the near future based on Dr. Lita’s PowerPoint presentation (first draft attached, Tagalog). As previously reported, in addition to our initial research proposal, documentation has also been drawn up based on our Almaciga propagation activities. Toward completion of his Master of Science in Environmental Management, former CS Staff, Edgar Jose, submitted his thesis based on our nursery protocol to the College of Sciences, Graduate School at Palawan State University. His

report also discusses Indigenous Knowledge and local policies as a basis for providing recommendations for species management planning. It is entitled:

• Developing protocols on propagation and management of Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis Warb.) for the Batak Indigenous Cultural Community of Sitio Kalakwasan, Bgy. Tanabag, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines (see attached).

Edgar has already submitted excerpts of this Thesis to Our Palawan for publication—scientific journal of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD). He has also reformatted it for journal publication (see manuscript attached), and has been in contact with Prof. Roger at The Palawan Scientist who has welcomed our submission for their next issue. As previously reported, Edgar already presented the abstract for this Thesis at the 2nd Research Symposium of the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development last December 2015. Edgar is now applying to present the full Thesis at the 3rd Research Symposium of the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development taking place September 2016. Also in collaboration with PTFCF, we are working to publish a second brochure on this protocol, targeted for distribution among our stakeholder community partners from the Barangays of the proposed CNFR and other parties interested in Almaciga propagation (see latest working draft attached). Finally, we also hosted a Dutch student research intern, Bram Dicou, on our Almaciga project from March-July this year. Bram is doing his Bachelor of Forest & Nature Conservation (Tropical Forestry) at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands). He already completed his first activity to investigate which environmental factors impact on seedling growth—hampered by some testing equipment problems, his observations suggest nonetheless that soil acidity has little impact on seedling growth, while the use of ash fertilizer and especially correct watering greatly contributes to seed growth (see attached). For his second and major activity, to investigate the impact of altitude on seedling growth, please see working research proposal attached. We expect to have his final technical report by the end of this month and would be happy to share his findings with you should you be interested. In sum, our achievements in this activity have contributed toward meeting Project Aims I-IV. As a result of this activity, we have seen an increased understanding of the role of Agathis philippinensis and its reproductive strategy within the ecosystem, as well as of current overharvesting practices occurring within the proposed CNFR, based on sound research and experience gathered from local to international stakeholders. Our audiences include our local communities of the project area, local and national officials of the Philippine government, and local to international groups in academic and environmental circles. In addition, this research has also served to better inform the ongoing development of sustainable harvest strategies.

2. Execute an environmental education program in 11 schools (1,000 children) around the proposed reserve to enhance awareness and understanding of the children concerning their terrestrial environment and stimulate them to protect their natural resources (with Almaciga as a central theme). Our Environmental Education Program was rolled out by CS Staff and volunteers across 10 schools from May 23–August 17, 2016 and officially reached 740 children from Pre-school to Grade 6. We designed the Program to focus on the older elementary school age bracket found at Grades 4-6 such that the information contained in the lessons could be more focused and relevant, and thus have greater impact on the learning experience of the participants. As is often the case in the Indigenous communities and the public schools in this area, however, many other younger and older children also heard about the Program—we chose not to turn away any participants that also arrived to the classrooms impromptu and were also eager to join in. The schedule was as follows:

List of Schools Location Number of Attendees Date

Manggapin (MNG) Elementary School (ES)*

Sitio MNG, Bgy. Langogan

76 May 23, 2016

Heaven’s Eyes Tribal Missions Academy*

So. KLK, Bgy. Tanabag 53 May 24, 2016

Tagnaya (TGY) ES* So. TGY, Bgy. Concepcion

31 May 30, 2016

New Panggangan (NP) ES Bgy. NP 53 August 1, 2016

Tagabinet (TGB) ES Bgy. TGB 107 August 8, 2016

San Rafael (SR) ES Bgy. SR 98 August 11, 2016

Binduyan (BDY) ES Bgy. BDY 91 August 12, 2016

Langogan (LNG) ES Bgy. LNG 102 August 16, 2016

Makandring (MKG) ES So. MKG, Bgy. LNG 60 August 16, 2016

Tanabag (TBG) ES Bgy. TBG 71 August 17, 2016

TOTAL 10 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TOTAL 740 PAX

*Indicates upland IP school For full details, please see the working reports and relevant attachments. Please note, as the EEP was only completed late last week, we are still finalising the reports, nonetheless, these already give a clear snapshot of EEP proceedings. As is detailed in these reports we developed a number of teaching materials in preparation for the Program, including:

• Educational Booklet in the national language of the Philippines, Tagalog, entitled Sulyap sa Kagubatan (A Glimpse of the Forest) – 1,495 pieces.

• PowerPoint lectures on the Seven Environmental Principles and Cleopatra’s Needle • Program Flow document • Facilitators Manual to better guide CS Staff and volunteers on how to effectively implement

environmental education We also employed some wonderful local and international educational materials, like:

• llustrated story book Pipisin the Pangolin (2015) by Rachel L. Shaw, based on the Palawan-endemic Manis culionensis, and retold to students in Tagalog.

• Classic cartoon movie FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992) depicting forest-destruction, its effects, and what we can do.

Due to some very real difficulties we encountered both in terms of staffing shortages and the aforementioned Philippine bureaucracy which lead to great delays on the overall execution of this activity, we regret to say that we were not able to reach the 11th school at Bgy. Concepcion before our project deadline. This was also due to last-minute scheduling conflicts—they originally agreed to receive us on August 17, 2016, but on the same day of our visit made a request to postpone it to a later date. We have, however, already distributed the booklets to this school, and intend to follow up during subsequent EEP efforts which we hope to conduct again next year with funding we have received from Stichting Otterfonds Netherlands. Despite this, our small team still managed to reach 10 of the 11 schools, effectively execute an engaging and informative EEP, and distribute 120 booklets per school so that extras may be shared with family members, teachers, and other interested community members. Of the 1,495 pieces printed, and 1200 distributed, we have plans to further share the remaining 295 pieces with other organisations working in EEP, and other schools neighbouring the Barangays of the project. In sum, our achievements in this activity have contributed toward meeting Project Aims I and III. As a result of this activity, we have seen an increased understanding in the children of the importance of Almaciga within the ecosystem of the proposed CNFR, and greater linkages made by the participants between current overharvesting practices and Almaciga population decline. This was expressly communicated and discussed during the activities, after the movie screening of FernGully, and in the Education Booklet. It is worthy to note that the upland Indigenous children automatically connected with Almaciga as the livelihood of their families and their culture revolve around this tree. In contrast, for many of the lowlander children in the coastal Barangay communities, whose parents are primarily fisher folk, this proved a genuine introduction to this key species for the participants, many of whom had never seen a real Almaciga tree as they are no longer found in the lowlands of the forest.

3. Execute a training program for the Indigenous People to increase their awareness of the reproductive strategy of the species and different harvest strategies. We are pleased to report on our Training Program which included a number of activities to enhance Almaciga knowledge and Almaciga knowledge exchange between the IP communities and external stakeholders including other Indigenous communities, NGOs, academe, government, and the donor community. Our Program included the following activities: Indigenous Knowledge Documentation As previously reported, a baseline survey on IP knowledge on Almaciga was initiated last December, 2015 in So. Kalakwasan, Bgy. Tanabag. We are very pleased to report that as we finally completed the momentous Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process (see Problems encountered section below for further details) in the last 2 IP communities of the project area on May 19, 2016, we were finally able to complete this activity for all 3 IP communities by June 10, 2016, as per the schedule below:

Community Date # respondents

- female # respondents

– male Total #

respondents So. Kalakwasan, Bgy. Tanabag

December 19-20, 2015; February 10-20, 2016 2 25 27

So. Tagnaya, Bgy. Concepcion

June 9, 2016 18 21 39

So. Manggapin, Bgy. Langogan

June 10, 2016 15 16 31

TOTAL 3 COMMUNITIES

TOTAL 35 PAX TOTAL 62 PAX TOTAL 97

PAX The objective of this survey was to document current knowledge on the status of the Almaciga tree in the respective areas of each community, and determine their understanding of sustainable harvesting to better inform future management strategies of the species. As previously reported in the case of Kalakwasan, the IKD activity has been crucial in opening the very important but also very sensitive dialogue on Almaciga issues in Tagnaya and Manggapin. It served as an important primer for these communities before possibly introducing them to the full-blown Saving the Almaciga Tree project—we are currently in negotiations with PTFCF regarding continuing this project to reach the other communities who missed out due to the FPIC process. In particular, in the event that this project is extended, we intend to use this data to more effectively execute propagation activities and equally as important, to better inform future strategies under management planning activities. See reports attached for further details.

Almaciga Reforestation Training Program We are pleased to report that CS, in conjunction with the Department of Forestry at WPU, conducted the Almaciga Reforestation Training Program with the community at So. Kalakwasan, Bgy. Tanabag on March 31-April 1, 2016 (find Program Training & Attendance attached). As part of the exciting final step in our Almaciga propagation activity, the indigenous members prepared to reforest their tribal lands by attending this Program. The Training included evening lectures and an open forum, a practical demonstration of planting Almaciga seedlings in the wild, and finally the participants themselves planted their first Almaciga seedlings to practice for actual reforestation. We are extremely happy to report that several government agencies also attended, including representatives from the PCSD, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Puerto Princesa City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO), who witnessed first-hand the hard-earned achievements of the community of Kalakwasan in Almaciga propagation. These representatives came from a range of sections, including forestry, enforcement, environmental management, and indigenous issues. Many of these representatives had had limited or no contact with the Batak or other indigenous communities in general—in this way, it provided an extremely important opportunity for exchange between these government agencies and the Batak community. Interestingly, during the activity, the Batak elders also played a key role in increasing awareness and educating government agency representatives and WPU staff about the issues surrounding Indigenous Almaciga harvesting and overexploitation. Overall, it was a wonderful chance for the Batak to duly prepare for the Reforestation activity to better ensure the survival of their seedlings, and provided an important opportunity for the government and education sector to touch base with the IP communities of the grassroots and see and hear directly for themselves about their daily realities concerning this key tree species. Almaciga Management Planning Workshop With great pleasure we report that last May 16-17, 2016 we conducted the Almaciga Management Planning Workshop (AMPW) at So. Kalakwasan (KLK), Barangay Tanabag together with our Batak community partners there and from Sos. Tagnaya (TGN) and Manggapin (MNG - Bgys. Concepcion and Langogan respectively). Staff from PTFCF were also in attendance providing vital inputs, and gave our community partners an important opportunity to meet with a funding partner and better understand project dynamics. The objective of this Workshop was to open the discussion with our Batak partners toward formulating a strategy and formalising an agreement to harvest Almaciga more sustainably, therefore ensuring the strong survival of the species. Day 1 was spent discussing the laws, programs, and research relevant to Almaciga and resin harvesting—resource speakers included Forester Florena Samiano from the Department of Science & Technology-Forest Products Research & Development Institute, Dr. Lita from WPU, Ms. Norlita Colili from Non-Timber Forest Products-Exchange Program, among others including our project partner, the PCSD and the DENR-Community ENRO. Day 2 was dedicated to actual Management Planning, where community members together with our supportive visiting partners, raised and analysed problems, and most importantly discussed solutions and made an action plan. It also provided an important chance for us visitors to learn more about the rich but often saddening experiences of the indigenous communities in our proposed CNFR. The key problem identified in the Workshop is the intense

competition which exists between our Batak partners and non-IPs—indeed of the 19 harvesting sites claimed as per the ancestral domain of KLK, only 3 are exclusively enjoyed by the Batak of this community, while the communities of TGN and MNG have in fact ceased tapping altogether due to security fears from outsiders. Ultimately then, any Management Plan must address this problem before all else, and as such it was identified that immediate actions to be taken toward sustainable harvesting is to resolve disputes around ownership claims of harvesting sites, and organising enforcement measures against illegal tappers and those exercising overharvesting practices. Other key items resolved during the AMPW were plans for the upcoming Reforestation Program—it was finally resolved that KLK families would each take 50 seedlings for private planting and maintenance in their respective plots, while the remaining seedlings would be planted in Communal Areas open to outsiders for research and monitoring purposes. For full details, please see Minutes attached which clearly enumerate the respective actions which CS and other relevant stakeholders will take toward assisting our Batak partners create an effective Management Plan. Only our second management planning meeting with KLK (the first being the Conservation Area Plan Formulation-Tribal Ancestral Zone activity conducted last April 14-15, 2016 as part of the wider CNFR project), the AMPW represented an important and empowering activity which builds on the problem solving and conflict resolution skills which the Batak communities are implementing with increasingly more conviction and strength toward greater security of their ancestral domain. As this clearly marks only the beginning of effective strategising toward sustainable Almaciga harvesting, we intend to continue these efforts either under continued support from PTFCF, or as part of wider CNFR management planning initiatives. Brooke’s Point Excursion We are fortunate to report that with budget savings from PTFCF, CS was able to conduct a visit to Brooke’s Point June 28-29 with CS staff, Arvee Salazar and Aubrey Padilla, accompanied by 6 Batak community leaders representing all 3 IP communities of the project area. The purpose of this visit was for the Batak to learn from the successful Almaciga experiences of IP groups in this southern Municipality. On Day 1, the delegation paid a visit to the Organization of Indigenous Peoples for Action in Palawan, supported by Sister Mae Juanitas of the Congregation of the Augustinian Missionaries. OIPAP members shared critical insights into their Almaciga experiences—they highlighted the importance of gaining their Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title in ensuring exclusive and therefore sustainable Almaciga harvesting practices, as well as Forest Ranger Trainings they received in order to enforce their Indigenous rights against illegal activities. On Day 2, the delegation visited the cooperative, Samahan ng Katutubo sa Amas, supported by Ms. Norlita Colili of the Non-Timber Forest Products-Exchange Program Philippines. Our hosts shared their experiences in forming a strong and stable political structure within the community, their rise to independent Almaciga trading and ability to charge premium prices for their resin, and extremely controlled and therefore sustainable harvesting techniques. Overall, the Brooke’s Point visit was a great source of encouragement and inspiration for our community partners—the level of organisation the IPs of Brooke’s Point demonstrated at the political, financial and technical levels have provided very concrete goals to which the Batak can aspire to moving into the future. Upon conclusion of the visit, the Batak agreed to return home and hold a meeting with their respective

communities to update them on their visit. We already have news that KLK has conducted the meeting, and are still following up with TGN and MNG for further updates. Please find the Report together with the Back-to-Office Meeting Minutes attached. In sum, our achievements in this activity have contributed toward meeting all Project Aims I-V. These trainings have served to open a very important dialogue and space for exchange between our local communities and key stakeholders including fellow IPs, to academe, donors, and very importantly, government. It has also been an extremely inspiring Program to witness our Batak partners find their voice before these stakeholders for greater exchange, and for them to consequently convey an increasingly louder message toward raising greater awareness on the issues surrounding overharvesting in their ancestral domains toward more sustainable resource management moving forward. 4. Construct an Almaciga nursery and reforestation program (5,000 seedlings to start) in collaboration with the Indigenous People. We are pleased to report on the success of our Almaciga nursery and reforestation program as follows: Nurseries As previously reported, 3 Almaciga nursery sites total were successfully established during this activity:

• Site 1 - Lipso: This area is within the ancestral domain of the community of So. Kalakwasan, Bgy. Tanabag—slightly higher elevation at approximately 200MASL, approximately 2-hour hike from the main settlement.

• Site 2 – Pulang Bato: Also part of So. Kalakwasan—lower elevation, 45-minute walk from the main settlement.

• Site 3 - Binduyan: This nursery was established with the local, industrious Gregorio family—lowlander family residing at sea-level.

Nursery construction was then followed by cone collection, executed by our Indigenous partners from July to October 2015. Six expeditions total were carried out during this period (July – 1 expedition, August - 3, September-October - 2) in the Almaciga areas of neighbouring barangays Binduyan and Tanabag, accompanied by community members of each who served as tree climbers and cone-wildling collectors. Between 15-45 community members went up at each expedition (depending on availability), each cone weighing approximately a half kilogram, and up to 600 cones were collected in a single expedition (300kg).

1. From cone collection to seed planting, the protocol followed was: 2. Seeds from ripe cones are immediately sown in seed beds for germination. Unripe cones

are stored at the nursery facility until they completely ripen and open up (average 2 weeks), releasing the seeds.

3. Germinated seeds are transferred to potting bags. 4. Around-the-clock monitoring until seedlings harden (estimated for initial 2-3 months,

September-November) – watering and pesticides are applied. 5. Ongoing process of hardening seedlings and monitoring until planting.

As a result, we are very pleased to report that prior to Reforestation commencing on June 7, 2016, the final seedling-wildling count came to 5077 pieces total – 5049 seedlings and 28 wildlings, or as per the table below:

Binduyan Pulang Bato Lipso TOTAL Seedlings 1194 2021 1834 5049 Wildlings 4

0 24 28

TOTAL 1198 2021 1858 5077 Since last reporting there developed a substantial difference in growth rate between the three nursery sites, with Binduyan being the fastest-growing, and Lipso showing abnormally slower growth. CS Staff speculate that the markedly slower rate of growth is most likely because the local community members at this site have not as yet fully mastered maintenance and monitoring, in comparison with the other sites. Prior to Reforestation, the final measurement stood as tabled below:

Binduyan (05-05-16)

Pulang Bato (05-30-16)

Lipso (06-01-16)

Height range 6.35-16.51cm 7.62-20.32cm 2.54-15.24cm Compound leaf range

1-5 leaves 2-4 leaves 1-4 leaves

The Nursery activity has represented a crucial learning curve for everyone involved, but we are happy to report that it has been the basis for a meaningful and fruitful collaboration between our team and the local communities. Our working together is made even more meaningful considering that our nurseries are pioneering seed-based Almaciga propagation in the Philippines, thus breaking new ground nationally! Of the 3 Almaciga nurseries that we managed to track down in the Philippines in the provinces of Eastern Samar, Negros Occidental, and the Palawan municipality of Brooke’s Point, all are based on wildling collection. As such, after 10 challenging months of experimentation, difficult learning curves, and tireless monitoring and caring for the 5000+ Almaciga seedlings both by CS Staff and our community partners, moving from the Nursery to

Reforestation marked a new and exciting phase for the Indigenous and lowlander communities involved. Reforestation It is with immense pride that we report on our Reforestation Program which was joyously inaugurated June 6 in KLK in a ceremony publicised by ABS-CBN TV Patrol Palawan, Palawan News, and PCSD News (see media coverage attached). The Inauguration was also attended by representatives from Bgy. Binduyan, PCSD, and the DENR-Community ENRO. Tree planting of all 5000+ seedlings was completed July 21, 2016, executed by CS Staff together with a total of 47 Batak members from Sos. KLK, TGN, MNG, and 8 lowlander members from Bgy. Binduyan across 3 Communal Areas (CA) – Kaysuka and Supil in Bgy. Tanabag, and Purok Talabigan in Bgy. Binduyan. 3 expeditions total were conducted in Kaysuka, while 2 expeditions were required in Supil and Purok Talabigan to plant all seedlings. Find documentation attached, including GPS coordinates of CAs, and list of participating families. For seedlings in KLK, and as agreed upon during the AMPW, 50 pieces each were allocated to 45 participating families for planting in their own respective private plots, while the remaining seedlings were planted across 2 Communal Areas (CA – Supil CA 5.6 hectares, Kaysuka CA 20 hectares). Supil, closest to the Pulang Bato nursery, is approximately 1-hour walk from KLK. Of the 2021 seedlings at Pulang Bato, 1350 pieces went to 27 families, while the remaining 671 seedlings were planted in the Supil CA. Kaysuka, closest to the Lipso nursery, is approximately 4-hours walk away. Of the 1858 seedlings and wildlings at Lipso, 900 pieces were distributed among 18 families, and the remaining 958 seedlings-wildlings were planted at the Kaysuka CA. Maps 1 and 2 below outline the 2 CAs of KLK, including the GPS coordinates of the perimeter points.

Map 1 Communal Area Supil

Map 2 Communal Area Kaysuka

Seedlings were placed along line formation, or as close to with terrain permitting, spaced at approximately 10 metres apart. Each seedling was planted underneath protective poles clearly indicated with polybags as make-shift pennant. In Supil, which is a mix of primary and secondary forest, and kaingin, and where vegetation is relatively open, the executing team opted to provide additional signposts for each seedling by tagging a neighbouring tree with neon orange marker tape. In Kaysuka, a mix of primary forest and kaingin, but where vegetation is thicker, surrounding trees lining the boundaries of the CA have been duly tagged with neon orange marker tape to clearly indicate the reforested areas for passers-by. Also in the Bgy. Binduyan CA which is primary forest characterised by open vegetation, and where planting lines are very clear, boundary trees only have been marked with red paint. CS staff attempted to carry out geo-tagging of individual seedlings (equipment: SONY Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V), however, this was achieved to limited success only—logging coordinates was largely dependent on the camera’s ability to capture GPS signal which is limited in the CAs, especially with cloud cover. Nonetheless those images captured containing GPS information are in the process of being duly compiled by our team, and CS staff and other researchers will be encouraged to continue geo-tagging when signal permits in future monitoring activities. It is envisaged that CS will conduct quarterly monitoring of the reforested seedlings—each quarterly monitoring will include field visits to the CAs, as well as interviews with the families for updates on the progress of the private plantations, and specific visits to these sites should the families require additional assistance and training.

Map 2 Communal Area Binduyan

After 21 months since the Saving the Almaciga Tree project initially began in 2014, we at CS together with our community partners cannot emphasise more our delighted satisfaction at this momentous event. We only hope to be afforded the opportunity to conduct more Almaciga propagation activities so as to continue to rehabilitate the majestic Cleopatra’s Needle forests with this key tree species, and thus ensure the livelihood and traditions of the Batak people may live on for many generations to come. Depicted below are all 3 CAs situation within the wider proposed CNFR.

In sum, our achievements in this activity have contributed toward meeting Project Aim V, to reforest the area around Cleopatra’s Needle from locally-established nurseries.

Measures of success Here, we assess the success of the project in terms of: Addressing the conservation problem Simply put, our conservation problem in this project is Decline in population of the Almaciga tree due to overharvesting and habitat loss. This project addressed this problem both theoretically and practically. IN THEORY

• Production of 2 scientific articles and 1 brochure (ongoing) discussing the effects of overharvesting, based on sound and thorough research.

• Production of 1 scientific article and 1 brochure (ongoing) outlining Almaciga propagation protocol, based on successful experience and documentation.

• Development of tarpaulin signage disseminating these findings with local community stakeholders.

Map 3 Communal Area sites as per wider proposed CNFR

IN PRACTICE

• Rehabilitation of Almaciga population with the successful propagation and reforestation of 5077 seedlings.

• Establishment of 3 operating Almaciga nursery sites and the intense training of 3 families in nursery care.

• 1x Reforestation training – IP community members of Sos. Kalakwasan, Tagnaya, and Manggapin, and community members of Bgy. Binduyan.

• 1x Resource management planning training - IP community members of Sos. Kalakwasan, Tagnaya, and Manggapin.

• 1x Sustainable harvesting training at Kalakwasan - IP community members of Sos. Kalakwasan, Tagnaya, and Manggapin.

• 1x Sustainable harvesting training at Brooke’s Point Excursion - IP community members of Sos. Kalakwasan, Tagnaya, and Manggapin.

• In addition, the success of the Almaciga project, and the dedication to the project which CS Staff showed in the communities, also greatly contributed to stronger working relations toward the wider, ongoing project to establish the proposed CNFR and protect the critical habitat of Almaciga.

Achieving intended objectives We outline our actual achievements against the planned objectives as tabled below:

Objective Achievements 1. Increase the understanding of the role of Agathis philippinensis within the ecosystem.

• Production of 2 scientific articles and 1 brochure (ongoing) discussing the effects of overharvesting, based on sound and thorough research.

• Production of 1 scientific article and 1 brochure (ongoing) outlining Almaciga propagation protocol, based on successful experience and documentation.

• Development of tarpaulin signage disseminating these findings with local community stakeholders.

• Presentation of articles at 2nd Research Symposium of the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development & the 2nd International Conference on West Philippine Sea.

2. Increase understanding in the reproductive strategy of Agathis philippinensis.

• Production of 2 scientific articles and 1 brochure (ongoing) discussing the effects of overharvesting, based on sound and thorough research.

• Production of 1 scientific article and 1 brochure (ongoing) outlining Almaciga propagation protocol, based on successful experience and documentation.

• Development of tarpaulin signage disseminating these findings with local community stakeholders.

• Presentation of articles at 2nd Research Symposium of the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development & the 2nd International Conference on West Philippine Sea.

3. Raise awareness on the current overharvesting of Almaciga in the communities around Cleopatra’s Needle;

• Production of 1 brochure (ongoing) discussing the effects of overharvesting, based on sound and thorough research.

• Development of tarpaulin signage disseminating these findings with local community stakeholders.

• Forums Reforestation Training Program, Almaciga Management Planning Workshop, IKD, and Brooke’s Point Excursion.

4. Develop sustainable harvest strategies of Agathis philippinensis resin with the Indigenous People by enhancing their knowledge about the reproductive strategy of the species and by increasing their knowledge of different harvesting strategies.

• Reforestation Training Program, Almaciga Management Planning Workshop, IKD, and Brooke’s Point Excursion.

4. Reforest the area (around 30,000 hectares) around Cleopatra’s Needle with Agathis philippinensis seedlings from a to be constructed nursery at the area;

• Establishment of 3 nurseries. • Reforestation of 5077 seedlings across 3500

hectares.

Achieving intended local involvement Due to the nature of this initiative, ultimately this project comes from the local communities, is for the local communities, and goes to the local communities. While the communities were involved at every, single step of the project, it is true that a significant amount of time and energy is still taken up by community organising on the part of CS. Their limited experience with initiatives like this

means that while we would like to involve them more in project planning, scheduling, and budgeting, at the moment, we are still “setting the rhythm” so to speak. Notwithstanding, we have witnessed that in marked contrast to when we first began working with them in 2014, our community partners have increasingly taken the lead during activities and are much more confident in shaping project outcomes. We outline to what degree local communities and organisations were involved per activity by categorising actors as primary or secondary, as tabled below:

ACTIVITY PRIMARY INVOLVED SECONDARY INVOLVED 1. Implement a research program to increase understanding of the role of this tree species and the ecosystem and how to best execute a reforestation program for this species.

• Dutch researchers • Filipino research

counterpart • IPs & lowlander

community members—guides, respondents, porters

• CS

• WPU • Wageningen

university • Barangays • Government agencies:

PCSD, DENR, City ENRO

Execute an environmental education program in 11 schools (1,000 children) around the proposed reserve to enhance awareness and understanding of the children concerning their terrestrial environment and stimulate them to protect their natural resources (with Almaciga as a central theme).

• Students • CS Staff & volunteers • School teachers • Parents

• Department of Education

Execute a training program for the Indigenous People to increase their awareness of the reproductive strategy of the species and different harvest strategies. IKD

• IPs • CS Staff & volunteers

Reforestation Training AMPW Brooke’s Point Excursion

• IPs • WPU • CS

• IPs • CS • Barangay • Government agencies:

PCSD, DENR, City ENRO

• WPU • FPRDI-DOST • NTFP-EP

• IPs • Samahan ng Katutubo

sa Amas • OIPAP • NTFP-EP • CS

• Government agencies:

PCSD, DENR, City ENRO

4. Construct an Almaciga nursery and reforestation program (5,000 seedlings to start) in collaboration with the Indigenous People;

• IPs • Binduyan lowlander

community • CS

• WPU • PCSD • DENR

Problems encountered We were forced to overcome a number of challenges which affected our initial timescale: PHILIPPINE BUREAUCRACY The protracted process of permitting affected all project activities, as summarised in the table below:

Permit Purpose Status Effects on project Certificate of Pre-Condition (NCIP)

To execute entire project with IPs.

Ongoing. 3 out of 4 communities did not receive activities in their communities.

Official letter of consent (Department of Education)

To execute environmental education program.

Complete. Issued 6 months after official request.

CS was unable to reach 1 out of 11

schools before project deadline.

Certificate of Pre-Condition (NCIP) As previously reported, the primary obstacle in effective execution of the Saving the Almaciga Tree project has been obtaining a so-called Certificate of Pre-Condition (CPC) from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)—this certificate legally grants access to external proponents to implement clearly-specified projects and activities on ancestral domains. We need the CPC to execute the Almaciga project, as well as our larger initiative to establish the CNFR as a Critical Habitat—note, a CPC is required per IP community in the project, that is, 3 CPCs. Since we first approached the NCIP in early 2014 to commence the CPC process, until now we continue to have difficulties in securing their cooperation to bring the process to completion—we are at Step 3 of 4. The CPC is issued under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act which prescribes the following process as we duly followed: 1. Application to the NCIP-Regional Office for the CPC – Submitted January 2015 To then issue a CPC, the NCIP-Provincial Office (PO) must conduct a separate field validation for each of the 3 IP communities involved (also known as the Free Prior Informed Consent process). The FPIC process is as follows in each community: 2a. Initial meeting – Presentation of proposed CNFR project, including the sub-project Saving the Almaciga Tree – Completed all communities June 11, 2015 2b. Decision-making meeting – Completed all communities April 13, 2016 2c. MOA signing meeting – Resolution of Consent & Memorandum of Agreement – Completed all communities May 19, 2016 The final output of these meetings is the aforementioned Resolution of Consent and Memorandum of Agreement between each respective IP community, CS, and the NCIP-PO signifying full awareness and informed consent of these indigenous stakeholders, and their willingness to participate in the Almaciga project, and the wider declaration of their ancestral domain as a Critical Habitat. See these attached. The FPIC process was strictly adhered to, and duly documented, by CS and the NCIP. Throughout the FPIC process, the project and its effects were repeatedly disseminated, consensus was reached after continual formal and informal open forums, and the MOA was negotiated taking into consideration the various concerns of all community members. Care was taken to ensure that the communities’ decision-makers were always present in meetings, and that all documentation was signed in a public arena, and in the presence of the whole community.

This process was completed as per the dates provided below:

1. Initial meeting 2. Decision-making meeting

3. MOA signing meeting

So. Kalakwasan - Bgy. Tanabag

Jun 11, 2015 July 23, 2015 &

October 14, 2015

Nov 26, 2015 Resolution of Consent

No. 01-2015 So. Tagnaya - Bgy. Concepcion

Jun 10, 2015 Apr 13, 2016 Apr 13, 2016 Resolution of Consent

No. 01-2016 So. Managgapin – Bgy. Langogan

June 9, 2015 Apr 13, 2016 May 19, 2016 Resolution of Consent

No. 01-2016 3. NCIP-PO draws up a Field Validation report for each community – Completed July 2016, we are still regularly following up to confirm that all three reports have been forwarded to NCIP-RO. 4. NCIP-RO evaluates each Report and issues a separate CPC based on its positive evaluation of each report. Please note, that early this year we made the difficult decision to formally exclude from our projects the fourth IP community in Sitio Kayasan, Barangay Tagabinet after having encountered continuous challenges with and opposition from the community. After much deliberation, we decided that due to very real constraints on budget and human resources that it is best to discontinue our efforts there. As they already have a Certification of Ancestral Domain Claim (CADC) with NCIP, our project is also rendered somewhat superfluous. This decision was formalised through a resolution from the wider Barangay Council of Tagabinet which explicity excludes their CADC area from our projects. This protracted consultation process had the following negative impacts on the project:

• Project was executed in entirety in only 1 of the 4 IP communities originally proposed. Notwithstanding, representatives from the other communities were always invited to attend activities.

• Research was conducted in only 4 of the 7 Barangays and/or only 1 of the 4 IP communities, while Almaciga is central to the culture, tradition, and livelihood of all IPs in the project area.

• Environmental Education Program suffered extreme delays as our Project Manager, Jessa Garibay, who leads EEPs in our organisation was forced to focus her efforts on the CPC.

• Trainings were formally conducted in only 1 of the 4 IP communities. Notwithstanding, representatives from the other communities were always invited to attend activities.

Official consent (DepEd) As already discussed, added delays were caused by the Department of Education who took over 6 months to issue an official written consent to our request for this Program to be rolled out in the Barangay elementary schools. Among other factors, it meant that we were not able to reach the 11th and last school of our project area. In addition, we originally proposed to implement a 2-day EEP where participants would spend Day 1 in the classroom, and Day 2 on an organised field visit in the forests of Cleopatra’s Needle. We had already executed programs like this in the past where we took school children to the sea as part of marine environment education, and to resounding success. The forests of Cleopatra’s Needle actually stand very close to the main coastal highway, where all elementary schools are located in the project area—notwithstanding, the School Principals deemed such a visit unsafe, and so unfortunately we were forced to forego this activity. STAFF SHORTAGES The team at CS is very small. Originally 3 staff on the proposed CNFR project, this good initiative allowed for the addition of 2 more staff to the team. Due to the intense consultation & consent process with the IPs to allow for the other activities of this project to proceed, our Project Manager Jessa Garibay, who handles EEPs at our organisation, was forced to focus her efforts on this bureaucratic process in the greater interest of the wider Almaciga project. This meant, however, that we were not able to complete the EEP as efficiently as initially projected. In addition, we depended greatly on volunteer artists, writers, and graphic designers to draw up the Educational Booklet which served as the basis for this EEP. In addition, considering that this nursery is the first of its kind in the Philippines, it was extremely challenging to find capable staff game enough to lead this initiative. There was considerable staff turnover during the first 9 months of this project, and a number of experts who ultimately could not or would not participate.

Recommendations & lessons learnt To strengthen on the work initiated under this project, we recommend the following:

• Continue management planning activities: Almaciga is now firmly on the agenda for IPs and government agencies alike. It is important to keep this momentum going and continue discussion and action until a strong management plan is in place.

• Initiate enforcement training: Once a management plan is established, effective enforcement will ensure that protection of this key species is more closely adhered to.

• Continue propagation activities: Now that there is a clearly-established and successful protocol for Almaciga propagation, it is a truly opportune time to continue rehabilitation of this vulnerable species.

• Execute annual EEP: Regular environmental education campaigns should be carried out in elementary and high schools to inspire youth to become environmental stewards for the future.

• Continue research program: Continuing research on this species should be continued to

ensure that protecting this species and its wider habitat remains firmly on the conservation agenda to ensure the livelihood and future of the IPs.

We list below some the important highlights of our lessons learnt: Get organised! The importance of local involvement in sustainable conservation initiatives cannot be overemphasised. Further, discovering real, practical solutions together with these communities is the most rewarding aspect of this kind of work. As such, it is imperative to have a Community Organiser to lead projects like ours in the community. They ensure sound agreements and fair counterparting based on thorough consultation, reinforce positive messages and clarify misunderstandings, and strengthen the work and trainings conducted by technical staff—in sum, they ensure that when the proponent has gone, the project has not. In our experience, establishing counterpart roles proved challenging—Indigenous communities in our project area were shy, and initially agreed to carry out various roles that ultimately they were not able to fulfil (particularly cone-wildling collection, nursery monitoring & maintenance). As we built up trust, they became more open to admit that as impoverished peoples, it was not fair to expect that they dedicate their time and energy as pure counterpart on a conservation project when it means that they will lose out on other immediate income opportunities. As such, in conservation projects which are labour-intensive, some budget needs to be allocated toward providing some material benefit for those dedicating substantial amounts of time and/or labor in project activities. Community Organisers should be clear in establishing the terms of counterparting, and that any material benefits provided do not constitute a salary (but rather counterpart allowance) or means of long-term livelihood, so as not to confuse the nature of the conservation project. Lastly, it should be remembered that training and upskilling of local communities is the most important part of ensuring project longevity—Community Organisers and other technical staff need to be patient and respect local knowledge, and learn to incorporate this creatively into project activities to ensure that the learning process is effectively absorbed. Rock & a hard place: Get comfortable! Proponents need to be ready to tackle the very real bureaucratic challenges which they will face in executing projects of this nature in the Philippines, in particular which involve IPs. See below a journal entry written by CS Staff regarding her experiences in managing the Almaciga project:

One of the hardest things about funding-based projects is that its execution is based on the permission of the IPs. We cannot, however, speak to the IPs about these projects and raise their expectations without the funding being guaranteed. So then we write the project, get the funding, and then are left unable to execute because we are stuck under a lengthy bureaucratic procedure of permitting to work with the IPs.

August 25, 2015—Karina May Reyes-Antonio Project Coordinator, proposed CNFR project.

Ultimately, proponents will have to be ready to face the challenge—it often means that they will spend a lot of time trying to explain to their kind donors why there are so many delays in their project, but they will also have to network effectively, get creative, and hustle!

CLOSING REMARKS

As the Saving the Almaciga Tree project draws to a close under FFI UK it is with great satisfaction that we express what an important and wonderful learning curve these past 23 months have been for the project staff, for the organisation itself, and if I may speak for our local partners, for the communities of the proposed CNFR, particularly the Batak of KLK. The wealth of new knowledge that has come about and been documented as a direct result of your generous support and guidance cannot be underestimated. It is with great pleasure that we take this opportunity to highlight the very great impact which this project has had on the community and empowering them to speak about and share their knowledge about this key tree species of Cleopatra’s Needle. The cumulation of all of our activities together in this project from research to propagation to Indigenous Knowledge Documentation has put Almaciga on the agenda for the IPs of the proposed CNFR, and opened a dialogue in the communities, in a way they have not had the opportunity to experience before. This project has made the communities aware of the significance of Almaciga, not just for their own traditions, culture and livelihood, but indeed for all Filipinos, Indigenous or otherwise, across the Philippines, and beyond. They have witnessed the interest of many outsiders, local and international, who have chosen to support this project and subsequently visited them as a result, including research students and volunteers, educational institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and even other communities. This project has assisted in enriching their awareness and understanding such that they are able to more confidently articulate the challenges surrounding the survival of Almaciga, as witnessed during their candid discussions with government representatives during the Reforestation Training and AMPW. As a result of this project, a more informed dialogue has begun about the Almaciga population and its status in the proposed CNFR, Almaciga propagation and reforestation practices, as well as the troubled situation of the IPs whose tradition and livelihood revolve around this magnificent tree species, which can and will inform future discussions and activities surrounding Almaciga for many years to come. Most importantly, the success of this project has been that our indigenous partners have worked as active players throughout, and proven to themselves and other indigenous communities, that it is indeed possible to find real and concrete solutions to grave problems which threaten their survival and that of their children, and to get ideas and make action plans toward overcoming more of these challenges, as highlighted by the AMPW and the Brooke’s Point visit. There is still a very great deal of work to be done to ensure the long-term survival of the Almaciga tree but at this particular juncture, it is with great pleasure that we take a pause to highlight the great impact which this initiative has already made on the forests of Cleopatra’s Needle, now 5000+ seedlings richer in Almaciga, and on our Batak partners in better informing and empowering them toward indeed Saving the Almaciga Tree.

Attachments

1. MOA WPU-CS 2. Report Kellie Bocxe 3. Report Lars Vermeer 4. Manuscript Lars Vermeer 5. Research tarp v.1 6. PowerPoint Lita Sopsop 7. Research tarp v.2 8. Brochure research 9. Report Edgar Jose 10. Manuscript Edgar Jose 11. Brochure propagation 12. Report Bram Dicou 13. Proposal Bram Dicou 14. EEP Report IPs 15. EEP Report Barangays 16. IKD Kalakwasan 17. IKD Tagnaya & Manggapin 18. Reforestation Training program 19. Reforestation Training attendance 20. Brooke’s Point report 21. Brooke’s Point meeting minutes 22. Media ABS-CBN TV Patrol Palawan 23. Media Palawan News 24. Media PCSD News 25. Reforestation GPS 26. Reforestation attendance 27. MOA Kalakwasan 28. MOA Tagnaya 29. MOA Manggapin