Uniting Stakeholders for Effective Forest Conservation in Davao Oriental, Philippines
Davao Oriental, Philippines - BaiAni Foundation and Kennemer Eco Solution emphasize the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the conservation of vast forest tracts in Davao Oriental province. These forests are not only critical for biodiversity conservation but also play a crucial role in watershed protection and carbon sequestration. Recognizing the significance of this cause, the organizations initiated the MinFor project, aiming to implement various initiatives such as awareness campaigns, reforestation, forest protection, and community-based forest management. However, the success of these endeavors depends on the participation and engagement of all stakeholders.
To facilitate collaboration and coordination, BaiAni and KenEco organized a series of meetings that brought together stakeholders from different CADT (Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title) areas in Davao Oriental. These stakeholders encompass various government agencies such as the CENRO/MENRO (City Environment and Natural Resources Office/Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office) and DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), PNP (Philippine National Police), MAO (Municipal Agriculture’s Office), Indigenous People Structures, and local communities. Each stakeholder group holds a unique role in forest conservation, making their involvement crucial for the success of any conservation initiative.
The stakeholder meetings provide an invaluable platform for participants to share experiences, exchange ideas, and coordinate efforts. In Davao Oriental, these meetings have played a pivotal role in bringing together diverse actors involved in forest conservation. By uniting government agencies, NGOs, indigenous peoples, and local communities, the meetings foster partnerships and facilitate dialogue among stakeholders.
At the conclusion of each stakeholder meeting, stakeholders are invited to express their commitment to supporting the MinFor project and its overarching objective of protecting the remaining forests in Davao Oriental. This commitment is symbolized by the signing of a commitment board, which serves as a tangible representation of the stakeholders' intention to actively contribute to the cause of forest conservation.
The act of signing the commitment board holds great significance, as it signifies a personal and collective dedication to the principles and goals set forth by the MinFor project. By affixing their signatures, stakeholders publicly declare their support for the project and their willingness to contribute their expertise, resources, and efforts towards the protection and preservation of the forests in Davao Oriental.
The commitment board serves as a visual reminder of the collective responsibility and accountability shared by all stakeholders. It reinforces the notion that successful forest conservation requires the participation and engagement of each individual and organization involved. Furthermore, the act of signing the commitment board fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the project, inspiring stakeholders to actively uphold their commitments and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conservation efforts.
BaiAni Foundation and Kennemer Eco Solution firmly believe that the success of forest conservation in Davao Oriental depends on the active engagement of all stakeholders. By organizing stakeholder meetings, the organizations have created an environment that fosters collaboration, identifies critical issues, and encourages joint action. Through the concerted efforts of government agencies, indigenous peoples, local communities, and other stakeholders, a sustainable future for the forests of Davao Oriental can be realized, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
