Abaca Fiber and Rattan from the Forests of Mindanao, Philippines

by Biodiversity Conservation Network Staff

Partners:

Environmental Research Division, Manila Observatory (ERD) Southeast Asia Sustainable Forest Management Network

Current Accomplishments

The major BCN-funded activities at Bendum and Malaybalay included: 1) planting (17 sites) and monitoring abaca (6 community trials plus ERD monitoring) for eventual production and weaving of high quality fiber, 2) skills training and production of prototype handicrafts, 3) developing market links in St. Peter (neighboring village) and identifying potential traders from the community, 4) selecting local forest guards and translating training materials, 5) biological monitoring (training of community members as team leaders, community mapping of rattan resources), and 6) socioeconomic monitoring including looking at resource ownership, land use, classifications, oral histories and kinship mapping which contributes to Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim (CADC) (non-BCN funding used), ongoing monitoring of family groups' status and community dynamics, and development of cultural economic indicators.

Expansion of activities continued into Tawantawan and Mahayag, neighboring localities: community mapping, cultural perceptions of rattan, the forest, and water, socioeconomic surveys and interviews. A decision was reached to work for a joint CADC with Bendum. ERD submitted technical maps and cultural data for CADC. Negotiations for the rattan license for Bendum were postponed but the community refused the licensed concessionaire, Tronovel International, access to the rattan resources. Forest, health, and water committees are active, attracting additional members including women and deep forest dwellers.

Successes and Challenges

"OK...So What?"

WHY BIODIVERSITY   FIELD STORIES   PARTICIPATE   RESULTS   MARKETSPACE ABOUT THE NETWORK   WHAT'S NEW   LEARNING MATERIALS   SEARCH   LINKS   SITE MAP   HOME