UNFF MF Philippines website

From field-level experience to national strategy: 

From field-level experience to national strategy Model Forests in Asia Romeo Acosta Director, Forest Management Bureau, Philippines May 2005 UNFF-5 Model Forest Side Event

Ulot Watershed Model Forest: 

Ulot Watershed Model Forest Established in 2000 as one of the initial sites in the Regional Model Forest Network for Asia 86 500 hectares and more than 30 local community organizations, government agencies and other groups involved Extend CBFM Strategy and other People-oriented approaches from project site level to watershed level Activities focused on developing the partnership and assisting local communities, through POs, in exploring alternative economic development opportunities

Model Forests in Asia: 

Model Forests in Asia Ulot Watershed Model Forest is part of a Regional Model Forest Network for Asia 5 model forests currently established in China (1), Indonesia (2), Thailand (1) and the Philippines (1) Both India and Japan developing model forests Regional model forest workshops held on topics such as partnership development, C&I, impact monitoring and evaluation

Model Forest Impacts:Sustainable Livelihoods: 

Model Forest Impacts: Sustainable Livelihoods A commercial logging ban in Samar Island contributed to a loss of local revenues and increased tensions between local stakeholders and the government Ulot Watershed Model Forest helped communities explore alternative livelihoods, such as Pili (Canarium luzonicum and Canarium ovatum) nut tree plantations Coco fibre and coco peat processing Rattan furniture and nito vine handicraft making Agroforestry and vegetable farms

Sustainable livelihoods /sustainable economic development: 

Sustainable livelihoods / sustainable economic development Ulot Coconut husks that used to be waste product of the copra industry have become useful materials for the production of coco peat and coco coir. Coco fiber or coco coir is primarily used in the manufacture of mattresses or upholstery padding, and as insulation materials. It has been exported as plant liners and rubberized coir. When made into coir yarn, it can also be made into mats, rugs and many other handicraft products. Coco dust or peat is used as soil farm mulch, compost soil mixes, pelletized fuel, soil compactor, air filter, pipes filters, and replacement for peat moss.

Sustainable livelihoods /sustainable economic development: 

Sustainable livelihoods / sustainable economic development Ulot Pili as source of oleoresin used in the manufacture of plastic, printing inks for lithographic works, perfumes and plasters and gives toughness and elasticity to lacquer, and varnish. Locally, this is used to caulk boats and as illuminant for native torch. Pili nuts as ingredient in the making of native delicacies that would provide additional income for the community.

Sustainable livelihoods /sustainable economic development: 

Sustainable livelihoods / sustainable economic development Ulot Conducted continuing skills training on rattan furniture and nito handicraft making. New designs and quality craftsmanship were taught in order for the PO to compete with other rattan furniture makers in the region. The Foundation for Philippine Environment also provided a machine for rattan processing. Provided technical assistance and material support in the establishment of agroforestry and vegetable farms. POs are getting planting materials and adopting technology from their partner POs.

Model Forest Impacts:Criteria and Indicators: 

Model Forest Impacts: Criteria and Indicators Regional model forest workshops held to transfer experiences from the Canadian Model Forest Network Workshops facilitated the development of Model Forest Criteria and Indicators C&I framework developed for the Ulot Watershed Model Forest and implemented by local communities Experiences in Model Forest contributed to the development of the Philippines C&I system The Environmental Performance Monitoring System developed for community-based forest management was adopted, and further enhanced, in the Ulot Model Forest.

Model Forest Impacts:Watershed Management Planning: 

Model Forest Impacts: Watershed Management Planning Model Forest is assisting local stakeholders in developing an integrated watershed and biodiversity management plan for the Ulot River watershed Plan will build upon the strengths of existing programs and resources, particularly the SAMAR ISLAND BIODIVERSITY PROJECT Bringing people together to examine issues related to the sustainability of the watershed’s resources and values Plan addresses concerns in an integrated, cost-effective manner that spans existing political boundaries A pilot for watershed planning for more than 15 watersheds Feeding into the ongoing policy discussions on operationalizing the watershed ecosystem management framework

Model Forest Impacts:: 

Model Forest Impacts: Experiences with the model forest approach is being explored for adoption by the Community-Based Forest Management Program Broad stakeholder involvement Examination of sustainability issues at the landscape level Model forest approach being assessed as a mechanism to operationalize the new Watershed and Ecosystem Management directives Impact monitoring and evaluation framework promoted by model forests adopted for long-term planning in the Forestry Sector Components of Executive Order No. 318 “Promoting Sustainable Management in the Philippines” issued in June 2004 are reflective of model forest principles

The way forward: 

The way forward The model forest approach is gaining adherents among implementers of the community-based forest management strategy in the Philippines The model forest approach is gaining acceptance as a template for: Reconfiguring the framework for some existing community-based forest management projects Shaping the watershed ecosystem management framework which is now being developed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Strengthening the collaboration between national governments, local governments, and stakeholders in watershed management, particularly the management of forest resources and forestlands.