Philippines

Working with the indigenous peoples to secure their rights is part of CI’s broader conservation approach to community engagement. In many biodiversity areas in developing countries, community residents have limited or no property rights or control over use of lands. Over the past six years, CI staff in the Sierra Madre Biodiversity Corridor worked to build the capacity of the local stakeholders and law enforcement activities. 

Working in collaboration with three Community-based forest management people’s organizations, the indigenous Agta people and the local government, the Population, Health and Environment program at CI has helped the Agta’s gain title to their ancestral lands in Baggao, approved by the National Commission on Indigenous People.

CI and partners also facilitated the formation and implementation of integrated land use and conservation zoning plans. These plans included areas for tourism, agroforestry, and sustainable use.

Such integration helped guide the local government and communities in more effectively managing their resources, and planning for conservation and development over the long term.

IN DEPTH: Learn about more population, health and environment initiatives in the Philippines.