the phases of stewardship in cebu's terrestrial kba's

7/28/2019 The Phases of Stewardship in Cebu's Terrestrial KBA's

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IN CEBUs TERRESTRIAL KBAs


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ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO

Tabunan forest wardens are considered to be the guardians of the Central Cebus remaining reservoir

of critically endangered and vulnerable fauna and flora. From wardens, they have moved on to be

called stewards, having remained active in their roles in forest protection despite limited financial

assistance. With this, they have proved their commitment to environment protection, with or without

external incentives (CBCF File Photo).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors wish to thank the following people: the Board of Trustees of CBCFI, namely, Rene de Rueda,

May Elizabeth Ybaez, Aldrin Mall ari, Charito Chiu, Sr. Sandra Clemente, and Alex Binghay; the CBCFI

staff and specialists, namely, Alix Yao, R.S. Ybaez, Paeng Olodin, Kulot Redoblado, Estela Rodriguez,

Eileen Tenchavez, Rita Villarasa, George Chu, Vitaliano Lingo, and Justin Briones, for providing valuable

input, materials, and information integral to this study; the local governments of Alcoy and Dalaguete

led by Mayor Nicomedes Nic de los Santos and Mayor Ronald Cesante, respectively, as well as

their staff; the Tabunan Forest Stewards, led by Oking Son; the Nug-as Forest Wardens comprising of

members of KMYLB (led by Tiponing Encontro), BASKET (led by Benjamin de los Santos), and BALAK

(led by Alejandro Anore); and the community-based partners of Dalaguete, whose exemplary and

dedicated service is the foremost bastion in the conservation of Cebus terrestrial KBAs.


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APRIL 2013

Prepared by the Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (CBCFI) for the Foundation for the Philipp ine

Environment (FPE) under the Up-Scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas project.

DISCLAIMER

This publication is made possible through the generous support of the American People through the

United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this publication are the

sole responsibility of the case study writer and CBCFI, and do not necessarily reflect the views of

USAID, the United States government, or FPE.

THE PHASES OF STEWARDSHIPIN CEBUs TERRESTRIAL KBAsTHE CASES OF TABUNAN, ALCOY, AND DALAGUETE


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In this emerging era of climate change, environment and natural resources (ENR)

around the globe are threatened with destruction to an extent rarely

seen in earths history. The mitigation of the pernicious effects of climate

change compels government, particularly us in the DENR, to adapt an integrated

approach to ENR planning and decision making.

Constructive engagement, international partnerships, and collaboration with the

different sectors of society are forged not only to b race up our limited resources,

but more so to create an enabling policy environment that would enhanceinstitutional and regulatory capacities.

It is in this complicated and complex task of building partnerships with key

stakeholders that we appreciate the role played by the Foundation for the

Philippine Environment (FPE). A catalyst for cooperation, the FPE blazes trails

in efforts to promote and encourage international and local cooperation among

NGOs, business groups, and communities towards developing good policies

and effective programs on biodiversity and sustainable management.

The case studies presented in this publication bear testament to FPEsleading role in facilitating collaborations for sustainable development. Without

the foundations assistance and effort to involve key stakeholders cooperation,

appropriate assessments regarding the current conditions and trends of eight

key biodiversity areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao would not have been

made. Our success, hence, in establishing reliable bases for developing goals

and strategies for future biodiversity and sustainable management interventions

in these areas can only be ensured with support from the Foundation for the

Philippine Environment.

MESSAGE FROM

DENR

RAMON J. P. PAJE

DENR Secretary


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MESSAGE FROM

USAID

The realization of our shared vision of broad-based and inclusive growth is greatly

aided by enhancing environmental resilience and ensuring that the countrys

bountiful natural resources and life-giving ecosystems services are sustainably

managed while reducing the risk of disasters. The U.S. Government holds firm

to its commitment to help the Government of the Philippines to achieve this goal.

Expanding the network of environmental stakeholders and providing continued

support to local governments and communities on proper natural resource

management are crucial strategies to achieve this goal. With these in mind, ourpartnership with the Government of the Philippines has yielded a large network of

partners that engages local communities and groups in biodiversity conservation

and natural resource management. We have helped empower our partners to be

more involved in decision-making leading to better management and protection

of natural resources that they depend on.

This publication captures the key strategies applied through the years that Up-

scaling Forest Restoration Project attempted to scale up in the last two years

in eight key forest areas of the country. Eight case studies feature committed

forest guard volunteers, lessons from science-based forest restoration efforts withindigenous peoples, and partnership building among government, communities,

and the private sector to restore forest habitats and watersheds. This collection of

stories is a testament to the hard work of our partners, led by the Foundation for

the Philippine Environment, which collaboratively worked with local stakeholders

to ensure that the approaches employed, milestones achieved, and lessons

learned from our forest restoration efforts are carefully documented.

It is our hope that knowledge sharing through publications like this will become

a staple element in how we sustain our efforts in forest management. There is

wisdom from the grassroots, as we have valuably learned through our initiatives,which have significant impact at the national level. I invite you to read these

stories and share them with your network and other organizations working

towards biodiversity conservation and environmental resilience.

GLORIA D. STEELE

Mission Director, USAID/Philippines


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MESSAGE FROM

FPEFPEs twenty-one years of working with partners to save forests and sustain lifehave borne fruit. Eight (8) case studies documenting the progress and challenges inexpanding forest governance in key biodiversity areas (KBAs) are now available tothe public.

The cases relate, among others, how our partner in Negros Occidental transformeda silent subsistence community to active forest protectors; how planting native treespecies revived dying forests and earned income for farmers in Leyte; how synergisticpartnerships among various agencies accelerated watershed rehabilitation in DavaoCity; and how the concept of social fencing in the provinces of Quezon and Lagunadeepened the communities collective resolve and shared responsibility in guarding

their forests for life.

These are testaments of progress in FPEs conservation support. But the missionof the foundation is none more relevant than today, as scarcity of natural resourcesworsens hunger, climate change brings collateral damage to conservation invest-ments, and unbridled population growth threatens the carrying capacity of our remain-ing forests. In almost all USAID-FPE Up-Scaling Project sites, our partners continue toface the challenges of poverty, unsustainable economic development, and fragmentedor uncoordinated conservation initiatives.

Notably, this is the first time in many years that our long-time partners in conservationtook the initiative of assessing and documenting what strategies worked and what

could still work to sustainably protect our forests in KBAs. This is a conscious attemptto create tools and platforms for knowledge access and sharing.

Al l these int eresting case studies consti tute the second set of Kal ikasan (KaalamangLikas Yaman) Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development series, one ofFPEs regular publications. The first set describes the results of resource and socio-economic assessments in selected KBAs. This second set combines best practicesand lessons learned in forest restoration efforts under the USAID-FPE Up-Scaling Project.

Al l Kal ikasan BCSD ser ies are packed with knowledge from pro jects and fie ldexperiences. FPE does not stop at merely making beautiful publications, butendeavors to translate knowledge into action towards improving our work andcontribution to BCSD.

Allow me to congratulate our project partners, local government units in projectsites, and USAID for making the case studies of the Up-Scaling Project possible. Wehope our readers distill the lessons to guide future actions for more effective forestrestoration and hunger alleviation.

NESTOR R. CARBONERA

Chair AND CEO


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MESSAGE FROM

CBCF

Development agents, immersed in communities to catalyze purpose-driven changes, come torealize that the local communities such as forest occupants (in the case of terrestrial bio-geographicregions) are the de facto resource managers or the stewards of resources. Their decisions andactions determine the destiny of species, populations, ecosystems and living conditions.

For this reason, the Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc., since its inception in 1997,adopted a multi-pronged strategy that puts a premium on engaging local communities to conserveand protect the sites that harbor species requiring conservation. The endeavor took on a missionmode because the areas of concern are key biodiversity areas (KBAs) which have viable populationsor signicant numbers of one or more globally threatened species and are irreplaceable with the

presence of geographically concentrated species.

This case study will characterize forest communities particularly the Tabunan Forest Stewards, theKMYLB-BASKET-BALAK of Nug-as and Dalaguete Community Partners whose varied values andvalue systems are molded by their environs, history, culture, geopolitical landscape, interpersonalrelations/dynamics and intra-institutional life experience. We laud the various individuals who have

pooled resources to increasing our understanding of these forest communities.

We praise the partners of CBCF the DENR VII, Local Government Units of Alcoy and Dalaguete,who have accommodated our initiatives and made these their own. Lastly, we recognize thisopportunity, provided by the USAID-funded Upscaling Forest Restoration in KBAs Project throughthe Foundation for the Philippine Environment, in deepening our knowledge base.

Renato de Rueda

President


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KALIKASANThe BCSD

Knowledge Series of FPE

Kaalamang Likas Yamanor simply, KALIKASAN, is the publication series of the

Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) on biodiversity conservation and

sustainable development (BCSD).

Kaalaman is the Filipino term for knowledge while Likas Yaman is the term for

nature or natural resources. Kaalamang Likas Yamanliterally means knowledge of

nature. As FPEs main thrust is BCSD in key biodiversity areas of the Philippines,

this series is essential in presenting and promoting valuable theories, case studies,

site assessments, best practices, and other learning materials.

As Atty. Danny N. Valenzuela, FPE Chair and CEO (2010-2012), explains,

That the work of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment on biodiversity

conservation and sustainable development has gone a long way in the past twenty

years cannot be overemphasized. In fact, it has become imperative for FPE to

embark into an appropriate, meaningful and innovative knowledge management

systems in order to preserve and properly utilize the significant learnings out of its

various collaborations with partners in key biodi versity areas all over the countr y.

As a major repository of the knowledge base o f FPE and its partners, KALIKASANwill serve as a series of dynamic and enriching resource materials that will educate

the readers, in particular those involved in the environmental protection of key

biodiversity areas, and equip them with both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Kaalamang Likas Yamanmay also refer to the richness (yaman)of natural or intuitive

knowledge (kaalamang likas). This is in recognition of the a priori knowledge of

the local communities in FPE areas of operation and concern, especially among

the grassroots communities and indigenous peoples, in environmental protection

and conservation.

KALIKASAN seeks to serve as a comprehensive BCSD reference and research

source while tapping and augmenting the existing knowledge base of i ts partners,

beneficiaries and communities. This is the legacy of the current FPE leadership

to the next generation of Filipino environmentalists who will continue and further

develop the current advocacies and endeavors of FPE and its partners.


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USAID-FPE PROJECTUp-Scaling Forest Restoration

Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas

For more than two decades, FPE has been at the forefront of biodiversity

conservation and sustainable development in the Philippines. FPE operates as a

catalyst for cooperation, fund facilitator, and grant maker in order to save species,

conserve sites, and sustain communities.

Capitalizing on previous and existing forest restoration initiatives of its local

site partners, FPE, in partnership with USAID, implemented the Up-Scaling

Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) project from 2011

to 2013. This project seeks to address the decline of the Philippine forestsby strengthening the protection of approximately 170,000 hectares of forest

habitats and reforesting a total of 480 hectares within 8 sites in the bioregions

of Cebu, Negros, Leyte (Eastern Visayas), Luzon and Mindanao. The project has

also instituted mechanisms to sustain conservation effo rts and continuously affect

a macro-level of consciousness among stakeholders.

FPE supports its partners on sites in drawing lessons from projects and sharing

results of research and experiences. FPE considers the knowledge gathered

and lessons learned by the forest resource managers peoples organizations

(POs), indigenous peoples organization (IPOs), forest guards and wardens,and the communities themselves as one of its strategic assets in improving

methodologies, practices and systems toward BCSD.

In Cebu, the Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (CBCF) spearheaded the

efforts to conserve Cebus remaining forests and protect its threatened species,

in partnership with forest guard associations. The USAID-FPE project brought

about more opportunities for greater involvement of these forest guards, being

recognized for their crucial roles in forest protection and reforestation efforts.

CBCF advocates for stewardship as a key element among forest guards for

sustainable development. This case study documents the different phases offorest wardens in their stewardship of the forests from conducting simple

patrolling activities to having a deeper level of commitment to BCSD, as shown in

their continued forest protection work, even without incentives.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACRONYMS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

METHODOLOGY

CONTEXT

The Concept of Stewardship

Phases of Stewardship: From Users to Forest Stewards

ANALYSIS

Stewarship of the Terrestrial KBAs in Cebu

A. Tabunan Forest, Cebu CityB. Nug-As Forest, Alcoy

C. Palinpinon Range, Dalaguete

CBCFs VISION AND MISSION

MAPPING OUT FUTURE DIRECTIONS

REFERENCES

ANNEX 1: Results of Focus Group Discussion with Cebus Forest Guards

1

2

4

4

5

7

8

1012

14

16

17

18

19


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ACRONYMS

BALAK Bag-ong Alayon Alang sa Kalamboan

BASKET Bag-ong Alayon sa Kakugi Ekonomiya sa Tawo

CBCFI Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc.

CBFM Community-based Forest Management

CBFMA Community-based Forest Management Agreement

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

EcoGov The Philippine Environmental Governance Project/USAID

FFI Flora and Fauna International

FPE Foundation for Philippine Environment Inc.Haribon Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Nature

IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature

LGU Local Government Unit

KBA Key Biodiversity Area(s)

KMYLB Kapunungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Yutang Lasangnon sa Bulalakao

NGO Non-government organization

PO Peoples Organization

RSEA Resource and Socio-Economic Assessment

SAMPC San Agustin Multipurpose Cooperative

UNDP United Nations Development Program/Global Environment Facility

USAID United States Agency for International Development

1


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYCommunities are in the best position to manage and protect forests. Their participation in decision-making on the managementand use of forest resources can spell the difference between sustainable development and the extinction of vulnerable species,communities, and habitats. Thus, the characterization of the forest wardens using the different phases of stewardship is done in thiscase study, for those communities living within the three terrestrial Key Biodiversity Areas in Cebu, namely, the Tabunan Forest, Nug-asForest, and the Palinpinon Range in Dalaguete.

In these areas, even subsistence forest occupants have become effective stewards. In this regard, the presence of wardenscommunicates active management of an environmentally-sensitive area. They transmit knowledge, vital information, and key decisionsabout the ecosystem. In the case of Tabunan and Nug-as forests, stewards there realize that there is a trade-off between personaland organizational needs. Stewards choose to work for organizational needs, since they are, by denition, intrinsically-motivated

by opportunities for growth, achievement, afliation, and self-actualization. This is in stark contrast to an agents behavior, which is

motivated by extrinsic, individualistic, tangible, and exchangeable commodities.

The forest wardening scheme was established and facilitated by CBCFI, an NGO that aims to promote and facilitate enhancedprotection and/or restoration of all remaining native wildlife and habitats in Cebu. It also aims to actively oppose activities that threatenconservation of these areas and species that inhabit the area, including illegal tree-cutting, hunting, or other forms of abuse, as wellas unregulated and illegal exploitation. The context in these cases is sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Having undergone various episodes of introspection, especially when nancial resources and assistance became limited, the Tabunan

Forest Stewards made the choice of continuing their roles as protectors of the forest. They did this, not because they were receivingexternal incentives, but because they have realized that the goals of environmental protection needed to be accomplished for theirown benet as well as for the present and future generations of the island of Cebu.

PAGE 2 | THE PHASES OF STEWARDSHIP IN CEBUS TERRESTRIAL KBAS: THE CASES OF TABUNAN, ALCOY, AND DALAGUETE


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Nug-as, the largest stand of forest cover in the entire province of Cebu, is dubbed as the last stronghold of biodiversity in Cebu,because it is the sanctuary of almost all threatened and endemic species of the province. It supports the largest surviving populationof the Black Shama (Copsychus cebuensis), more commonly known as the siloy, and the Cebu Cinnamon tree, one of the worldsmost endangered plant species. It is the setting where peoples organizations, such as Kapunungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa YutangLasangnon sa Bulalakaw (KMYLB), Bag-ong Alayon Alang sa Kalamboan (BALAK) and Bag-ong Alayon sa Kakugi Ekonomiya saTawo (BASKET), have been organized by the DENR, with assistance from various foreign-funded projects. They are the offspring ofvarious foreign-assisted projects and are at various levels of functionality, growth, and maturity. Nug-as forest wardens are deemedextrinsically motivated and have not yet reached a point of self-determination and internalization. When not receiving initiative andmotivation from external sources, the Nug-as forest wardens, at their present phase of stewardship, may nd it difcult to maintain

and continue the level of commitment and performance that they are currently providing.

The management of the Palinpinon Range is led by a steadfast and resolute LGU of Dalaguete, with its Local Chief Executivereecting on the LGU vision for the uplands and revitalizing the bantay lasang (forest guards). The bantay lasang of Dalaguete,

particularly the Palinpinon Range, are now called Community-Based Partners. It is the intention of the current Local Chief Executivethat the role of the LGU will slowly shift from control (i.e. employer) to that of mentorship. When and how this will happen poses achallenge to change agents.

Currently, the DENR, through one of its projects, is assisting the Local Government Units to protect the forests of Nug-as, Alcoy andthe Palimpinon Range by way of recognizing their efforts through the establishment of local conservation areas with the technicalsupport of Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc.


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INTRODUCTIONThis case study is part of the USAID-FPE project entitled Up-scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas, whichseeks to improve biodiversity conservation through restoration and management in the eight key biodiversity areas (KBAs) includingthe bioregion of Cebu.

In connection with the USAID-FPE project components of knowledge management, partnership-building, natural resourcemanagement, and sustainability, this case study seeks to dene and identify the different Phases of Stewardship in the three terrestrial

Key Biodiversity Areas in Cebu, namely, the Tabunan Forest, Nug-as Forest, and the Palinpinon Range in Dalaguete.

METHODOLOGYThis case study uses qualitative data analysis through the triangulation of evidence and data in the context of multiple sitesand data sources, in order to define and identify the phases of stewardship within and among the three (3) terrestrial KBAsof Cebu.

On August 27, 2012, a whole-day Case Study Writeshop was conducted by USAID-FPEs Knowledge ManagementSpecialist, Ma. Rhodora Veloso, at the CUSW Conference Room in Cebu City, with the staff and specialists of CBCFI, alongwith May Elizabeth Ybaez, who represented CBCFIs Board of Trustees, the case study writer, June Banagodos (USAID- FPE Regional Coordinator), and Raffi S. Domingo (USAID-FPE National Coordinator). During the writeshop, guidelinesfor the conduct of the case study and pertinent information were provided, the topic and theme were identified, and theproposed outline of the case study was determined.

This case study uses qualitative data analysis through the triangulation of evidence and data in the context of multiple sitesand data sources, in order to define and identify the phases of stewardship within and among the three (3) terrestrial KBAsof Cebu.

On August 27, 2012, a whole-day Case Study Writeshop was conducted by USAID-FPEs Knowledge ManagementSpecialist, Ma. Rhodora Veloso, at the CUSW Conference Room in Cebu City, with the staff and specialists of CBCFI, alongwith May Elizabeth Ybaez, who represented CBCFIs Board of Trustees, the case study writer, June Banagodos (USAID- FPE Regional Coordinator), and Raffi S. Domingo (USAID-FPE National Coordinator). During the Writeshop, guidelinesfor the conduct of the case study and pertinent information were provided, the topic and theme were identified, and theproposed outline of the case study was determined.

The conceptual framework of the study regarding the Phases of Stewardship was then formulated. Data was gatheredthrough the compilation and review of research on the said topic, focusing on information gathered and presented in

the various CBCFI research studies as well as the RSEAs prepared by CBCFI on the three KBAs. This case study alsoutilizes information and data gathered from two pertinent 2012 studies conducted by CBCFI research specialists, namely:(1) Profiling, Characterization, and Needs Assessment of the Tabunan Forest Stewards, Nug-as Forest Wardens, and theDalaguete Bantay Lasang (now called Community-Based Partners), and (2) Values Assessment of the Forest Guards in thesame KBAs. Unstructured interviews and consultations with CBCFI staff and May Elizabeth Ybaez (CBCFI Board of Trustees/

Adviser) were also undertaken.


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CONTEXTThe Concept of Stewardship

Philippine forests have extremely high floral and faunal density. With continued deforestation and other environmentally-

destructive practices, certain species are now considered as endangered or even extinct. This has led to the Philippinesbeing dubbed as one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world1.

One way of ensuring that the network of protected areas adequately conserves biodiversity is through the conservation ofKey Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), sites holding populations of globally-threatened or geographically-restricted species2.

A key component in the conservation of biodiversity in the country is the community-based forest management (CBFM)strategy, in recognition of the fact that local communities are present in most, if not all, of the protected areas. Underlyingthis strategy is the belief that communities are in the best position to manage and protect forests if they participate indecision-making on the sustainable use of forest resources. For several decades, the development approach in thePhilippines has been to empower Peoples Organizations (POs) through the use of community organizers employed by

development-oriented NGOs3

entrusted with the responsibility for forest rehabilitation, protection and conservation.

One of the most prevalent forest management strategies is the organization of a local brigade of forest guards, mostly male,to help the state in protecting the forests, both from local illegal users, as well as from outsiders4.

1 McNeely, et al 19902 http://www.eoearth.org/article/Biological_diversity_in_the_Philippines3 Lasco and Pulhin 20064 Contreras, A. (2005) Creating Space for Local Forest Management: The Case of the Philippines. Paper presented in theNational Conference Proceedings on Integrating Forest Conservation with Local Governance. Haribon Foundation

and Birdlife International. Quezon City, Philippines.


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Lack of attention to community-organizing and social preparation has been identified as factors hindering forest protection.Also, historical reports in various sites show that when funding for the wages runs out, patrol work also stops (Guiang, etal 2001). It is therefore vital that the level of empowerment in the community must be that of stewardship, rather than amere laborer-for-hire, to achieve sustainability, even without outside intervention.

The Concept of Stewardship

According to the Stewardship Theory of Management, stewards, like everyone, have basic surviva l needs, such as means oflivelihood. The difference between a self-interested agent and a steward is in how these survival needs are met.

Stewards realize that there is a trade-off between personal and organizational needs, yetchoose to work for organizational needs.

By doing so, stewards assume their personal needs will be met and will place the organizations needs first before theirown needs (Davis et al., 1997).6 An agent is rooted in economic rationality, and is motivated by extrinsic, individualistic,tangible, exchangeable commodities, while a steward is intrinsically-motivated by opportunities for growth, achievement,affiliation and self-actualization. When one is intrinsically-motivated, there is a natural emergence of the desired behavior.

Engaging a task with conviction and accepting new values and regulations are achieved with ease and with no conflict(CBCFI/Tenchavez, 2012).

Forest stewardship is defined as the wise management and proper use of forest resources to ensure their health andproductivity for years to come (Sullivan and Brittingham, 2008). The same paper further emphasizes that for one to bebetter equipped in stewardship of the forest, one has to have enough information about the forest and its habitats for wildlifeand its population. A forest steward should also be aware of the importance of the forest, what it can provide (for bothwildlife species and man), what are the benefits and effects of ecological tasks that maintain healthy forests. One also hasto have enough skills, to better perform the task of maintaining forest wildlife, its eco-terrestrial flora and fauna, and otherresources that are existent in the forest.

Applying the above theory of stewardship to the present case, champions of the forest must be stewards, and not simplywardens or forest guards (agents). Therefore, they must be intrinsically motivated. An intrinsically-motivated forest stewardwould have the self-determination to preserve the forest, because he (or she) has fully understood the importance of hisor her work to preserving biodiversity and a healthy environment. A self-actualized forest steward has reached a certainpersonal growth and has had enough experience to truly know his or her capabilities. A forest steward is someone with theresponsibility to maintain, manage, and protect the forest as beyond himself or herself and has the desire to pass on theseexperiences and knowledge of the forest itself to the future generation (CBCFI/Tenchavez 2012).

The concept of stewardship is also characterized as leading oneself towards performance of naturally-motivating tasks aswell as managing to do work that must be done but is not naturally motivating.7

In the context of stewardship of the forest and other natural resources, this characterization of self-leadership is critical as itspurs a higher value of commitment than just mere agency. Peter Senge (1999) also describes leadership as the capacityof a community to sustain profound change.8

5 Davis, J., D. Schoorman and L. Donaldson (1997) Toward a Stewardship Theory of Management,Academy of Management Review Vol. 22, pages 20 47.

6 Davis, J., D. Schoorman and L. Donaldson (1997) Toward a Stewardship Theory of Management,Academy of Management Review Vol. 22, pages 20 47.

7 Davis, et al (1997)8

Senge, Peter (1999) The Dance of Change. Doubleday/Currency


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In stewardship, it is vital that structures that facilitate and empower the stewards are developed, rather than those that merelymonitor and control the stewards/wardens. Peter Block (1993, 1996) aptly states that choosing service over self-interestbecomes more powerful when the capacity of the next generation to govern themselves is built on a solid foundation.9

Stakeholders must be further empowered to plan, implement, enforce and monitor their own programs (Sodhi et al, 2008).As part of the lessons learned by Transmonte et al (2005), empowerment of loca l players gives them enthusiasm toparticipate in a certain undertaking. This comes with the knowledge that not only DENR, but also the local populace, has

the mandate. Capacity-building and awareness-raising of stakeholders are necessity for them to play a more active andmeaningful role in forest governance. Actual field experience in doing forest conservation brings more impetus to do moreactions than mere discussions and plan formulation.

9 Block, Peter (1993, 1996) Stewardship: Choosing Service over Self-Interest. Bennet-Koehler Publishers, Inc. San Francisco, CA.10 Borlagdan, S., Guiang, E., Pulhin, J. (2001) Community-based Forest Management in the Philippines:

A Preliminary Assessment. Institute of Philippine Culture, Ateneo de Manila University. Quezon City, Philippines.11

Aro, S. (2012) LGUs Roles Crucial in Forest Management DENR www.pia.gov.ph

Phases of Stewardship: From Users to Forest Stewards

For the purposes of this study, the Phases of Stewardship are as follows:

1. Shift from pure utilization of forest resources to a phase of discovery and partnership-building toprotect the discovery: At this phase, forest occupants become aware that the forest environment is the territory of the variousunique species of ora and fauna. This realization is often initiated by outsiders, who point out the uniqueness, rarity and new facets

of the species relative to global and local inventories. Both parties become conscious of the need to partner with each other.

2. First Stage of Protection: Mobilization of forest guards. Some forest occupants feel compelled to guard or protectthe habitat and their dwindling resources from threats.

Even more important outcomes of training activities are, rather than the rote learning of ecological principles andtechnologies, the development of self-confidence in ones abilit y to understand, analyze, plan, and implement,and the concomitant high of self-esteem that serves as the foundation for genuine empowerment.10

The challenge in empowerment and capacity-building programs is in instilling the value that foreststewardship is a responsibility and a privilege, rather than a mere job, among individuals and

communities protecting the KBAs.

Past strategies all over the country had planners assuming a paternalistic assumption thatoutside implementers were needed to protect people from themselves and their ownlack of experience. This strategy led to heavy rural dependencies on governmentprojects and has stied local initiative.

At present, forest management in the Philippines has evolved from a regulatory toa development-oriented approach, where the role of local communities and institutionsis now recognized as an important factor. In the words of former DENR Secretary MichaelDefensor, local governance and community participation play key roles in improving the state

of our countrys forests. It also bears emphaszing that partnership and cooperation of the LGUsand other concerned sectors is (sic) very important in seeking and strengthening the participation oflocal communities for forest management including enforcement of forestry laws.11

Intrinsicallymotivated forest

stewards wouldhave the self-determination

to preserve theforest, having fully

understood theirwork in preserving

biodiversityand a healthy

environment.


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All iances and partnerships p lay key roles in meet ing current and future env ironmental challenges. CBCFI largely faci litatedall these stages in Tabunan, Nug-as and Dalaguete, for the USAID-FPE project, in the Third Stage of Protection by providingopportunities in NRM. Many of these challenges cannot be addressed by a single agency and require the concertedefforts of multi-stakeholders from government, academic and research institutions, the private sector, and civil societyorganizations, especially as natural landscapes may straddle more than one local administrative unit. Moreover, engagingcommunities would bridge the gap of commitment and concern when there are changes in (elected) leadership. 12

In the paper, Community-Based Forest Management in the Philippines: A Preliminary Assessment, it was stated thatproject interventions serve as the primary strategy for building local capacity for self-governance that will make goodthe potential benefits from the resource allocation and use rights devolved to the communities.13 The same paper furtheremphasized that LGUs, being the formal government structure closest to the community, have both the stake and theresources with which to support community management of natural resources.

12 Assessing Progress Towards the 2010 Biodiversity Target: the 4th National Report to the Convention onBiological Diversity. 2009

13 Guiang, Borlagdan and Pulhin, 200114 Mallari et al, 200115 CBCF Forest Wardens Terms of Reference 2002 as cited in Ybaez, S. (2012). A Study on the Characterization, Proling and

Needs Assessment of Forest Wardens in the Terrestrial Key Biodiversity Areas of Cebu, Philippines. CBCFI.16 Interview with May Ybaez ,January 25, 2004 as quoted in Ybaez, S. (2004) Communication Roles of Forest Wardens in

Tabunan, Cebu City Unpublished undergraduate thesis. University of the Philippines Los Baos

College of Development Communication.

ANALYSISStewardship of the Terrestrial KBAs in Cebu

The island of Cebu (Endemic Bird Area 153) is globally recognized by ornithologists and conservationists as an Important

Bird Area (IBA). It currently holds three forest IBAs on the main island, namely, the Tabunan forest located within the CentralCebu National Park, Nug-as and Mt. Lantoy, and Mt. Kangbulagsing.14

A forest wardening scheme was establ ished, facili tated by CBCFI with the object ive of promoting and fac ili tat ing theenhanced future protection and/or restoration of all remaining native wildlife and habitats and to actively oppose anyactivities prejudicial to the enhanced conservation of these areas and species; including illegal tree-cutting, hunting, orother forms of abuse and unregulated and illegal exploitation.15

The wardens provide education for all - local, domestic, and international community- of an environmentally-sensitive areaand what man can do to alleviate such struggles. They inspire the rest of the world that even subsi stence forest occupantscan become effective stewards. The presence of wardens communicates active management of an environmentally-sensitive area. They transmit knowledge, vital information, and key decisions about the ecosystem.16

3. Second Stage of Protection: Formation of forest wardens. Leaders in the community organize the protection efforts,receive recognition, and assistance from support groups and authorities, and;

4. Third Stage of Protection: Transition from wardens to stewards. The decision and subsequent actions gobeyond protection to other facets of management and conservation, including rehabilitation or restoration, recovery, and/or changingthe behaviour of the rest of the community to decrease threats.



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The best practices and lessons learned are as follows:

1. Engaging the forest communities the de facto resourcemanagers - is the foundation for sustainable forest protection

and biodiversity conservation. Their passion and commitmentcannot be curtailed once they become engaged. These are

exemplified by the Tabunan Forest Stewards, Nug-as Forestwardens in KMYLB and Dalaguete Bantay Lasang.

2. Engaging legitimate authorities, such as the Local

Government Units of Alcoy and Dalaguete with DENR VII, bringsin the necessary policy basis and administrative/financial support

to the forest communities. They also bring in the recognition andresources needed by the forest wardens to boost their efforts.

3. Facilitating partnerships with other champions non-

government organizations such as CBCFI has largelydetermined the birth of forest wardening in these areas and

supplied rich knowledge of the natural resource attributes anduniqueness in the area,

4. The forest patrolling/wardening/protection is a logical

entry point used to engage forest communities in biodiversityconservation. In itself, the processes and systems of protection

can be improved through facilitated self-evaluation and improvedaccountability measures within the group. This can be given a

higher level of importance by a reporting and feedback system

to the legitimate authorities and greater community, which is onthe drawing table of CBCFI, PAMB, DENR, and the LGUs.

5. Opportunities to upgrade the responsibilities of forestwardens to stewardship are to be availed of when programmes

and projects arrive, such as rehabilitating degraded habitats withthe rainforestation projects (USAID-FPE Project), conserving

species and their habitats with preventing extinctions andhabitat assessment projects (PEP and new CAPP Projects),

and sustaining conservation efforts with alternative livelihoodopportunities (seedling nurserying production, ecotourism and

bird watching and non-timber based enterprises, such as spiceproducts).

6. Shifting into stewardship can be the object of value formation,

skills upgrading and organization development interventions thatare needed, especially for the non-leaders in the organization.

7. Field experiences in patrolling, protection, nurserying,

rainforestation, reforestation, guiding, and participation inbiodiversity assessments and species/ecosystems studies are

ripe for capture, documentation and sharing. To some extent,these are being processed and documented in varied ways by

different groups.

9

Tabunan forest guards duringone of their monitoring activities(CBCF File Photo).


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A.Tabunan Forest, Cebu City

Tabunan Forest is not merely a viable old-growth forest. It is the lastremaining reservoir of genetic resources in Central Cebu and is thesanctuary of critically endangered and vulnerable fauna and flora, manyof which are found only in Cebu, such as the Cebu Flowerpecker,Black Shama, Cebu Endemic Small Worm Burrowing Skink, the CebuCinnamon tree, and Cebu Derris. Currently managed under the NationalIntegrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), its on-field protectionis provided by committed de facto resource managers, the TabunanForest Stewards/Wardens, with assistance from the Cebu BiodiversityConservation Foundation (CBCFI) along with its past and current partnerinstitutions. The Tabunan Forest has a protected area status as anImportant Bird Area (PH068), Key Biodiversity Area No. 822, andConservation Priority Area 102.

In February 1992, the forest patch of Tabunan became the site of therediscovery of the Cebu flowerpecker (Dicaeum quadricolor), which hadbeen considered extinct since 1906. This breakthrough precipitated awave of conservation interest in the site 17, owing also to the rediscoveryof twelve (12) other subspecies of birds endemic to Cebu from 1996to 2002 by CBCFI and its partners, in coordination with Flora and FaunaInternational (FFI) under the Darwin Initiative for Saving Our Species(SOS) Program.

From then on, community-based forest wardens known as the TabunanForest Stewards Association, under the leadership of Lucresio OkingSon, have protected and conserved the forest habitat where these

species unique to Cebu have taken sanctuary. (CBCFI, 2012)18

Until recently, the conservation efforts in Tabunan, Cebu were smallpackages implemented by locally-based POs (i.e. Tabunan ForestStewards Association) and conservation NGOs (i.e. CBCFI), with smallgrants from international organizations (i.e. FFI and Birdlife International)and zoological societies. In the early 1990s, there were six forestwardens in Tabunan compared to the 14 who now patrol the area.In the past, they served mainly as field guides for CBCFI studies, andbird watchers. From 1998 onwards, CBCFI provided substantial inputsessions about the environment, ecosystems, and faunal species. CBCFI

also helped them get organized, so that they would effectively patrolthe area, observe the habits of specific species and characterize theirhabitats, and manage the influx of visitors to the area. They continuedthese, even during a 5-year absence of direct support from CBCFI. Theyeventually learned to deal directly with DENR over the apprehension ofpoachers and conduct of biological monitoring system. These havebeen marked with a high degree of volunteerism and goodwill. Thelast decade saw a substantial increase in investments in the form ofprograms and projects by national and local government units, foreigndonors (UNDP, USAID, GIZ, CIDA) in partnership with CBCFI, andnational NGOs (FPE, Haribon Foundation, PBSP).



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17 Timmins 1992, Dutson 1339b, Dutson et al 1993, Magsalay 1993, Magsalay 1995,Evans et al 1993a as cited in Birdlife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the

Birdlife International Red Data Book. Cambridge, UK: Birdlife International.18 RSEA - CBCF Upscaling Forest Restoration Areas in the Philippines Project 201219 Lucresio Oking Son (taken from Valeros, Maria Eleanor. Stewards of Our Last Forest.

The Freeman. Updated March 28, 2012

The Tabunan forest stewards have been in the program for a long time,with a close-knit, personally selected group, with a good camaraderiewith each other. Not all of them may have enough knowledge and skillsto carry out their responsibilities, but they exhibit a strong desire to gainmore knowledge and skills and to pass on the said knowledge to theirchildren, family, friends and outsiders. Even in the absence of outside

support, at some point, they still continued to perform their duties,though not as diligently as they wanted, as they had to concentrate onproviding for their families (CBCFI/Tenchavez, 2012).

Tabunan Forest wardens are in the Third Stage of Protection: Transitionfrom wardens to stewards. Tabunan became self-starters andintrinsically-motivated, as they underwent various episodes of reflectionand self-evaluation/introspection, especially when financial resourcesand assistance became limited. Introspection by the Tabunan ForestStewards led them to make a choice of continuing their roles as protectorsof the forest, not because they were receiving external incentives but

rather realizing that the goals of environmental protection needed to beaccomplished for the whole community.

Furthermore, because Tabunan is within the area of influence ofmetropolitan Cebu, where livelihood opportunities are plentiful, thedecision to remain stewards is an informed choice and resolve amongvarious options. Since 2000, the Tabunan wardens had raised and soldindigenous seedlings in their backyards, supported by a grant from thePartners Collaborating for Environmental and Economic Management(PCEEM). The rainforestation initiatives of the Up-scaling ForestRestoration in KBAs of FPE, funded by USAID, have provided the wardensan opportunity to go beyond patrolling to rehabilitation of the habitat andupgrading their seedling production using rainforestation technology.They also look forward to the WEO trainings that would sharpen theirskills and knowledge of current laws and policies.

The internalization of the motivation for performing their roles as stewardsis encapsulated in the words of Lucresio Son, Konektado man gud ta aniniya. If maguba na dinha, kami ra man sad taga dinhi ang makaluluoy kay

mawad-an mig kabuhian, nagsalig man mi tanan ana dinha medicine,

carbon capture, food consumption.(We are all connected (to the forest.

If it is destroyed, we, the local community, would suffer as we would loseour source of livelihood. We all depend on the forest for medicine,carbon capture, food consumption).19

11


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In addition to patrolling the area against poachers, the Tabunan Forest Stewards started rainfo restation of patches of openlands within the vicinity in 2011, where they would convince claimants to join their rehabilitation activities. They did thesewith the Preventing Extinctions Programme of CBCFI-Haribon-Birdlife International in 2011 and with the USAID-FPE Up-Scaling Forest Restoration Project. They also sell seedlings of endemic trees raised in backyard nurseries to the publicincluding the PBSP and Mag-ugmad Foundation, to name a few. They continue to guide international and local trekkersand bird watchers who frequent the area promoting the unique species. Their leader, Oking Son, is often invited to guestin lectures, tv appearances and radio interviews about their initiatives in Tabunan such as those under the sponsorship of

Globe Telecommunications. He is currently considered as one of Cebu Citys prestigious citizen awardees for these efforts.They have recently launched a monthly clean-up drive of solid wastes together with the public school during which time,they also offer lectures about the environment in general and Tabunan forest resources in particular.

Its current challenge is to increase the power base from a few of its leaders to a stable core group of other forestwardens. Recent discussions about rainforestation with other members of the Association indicate the need to set upgovernance elements in decision making i.e., transparency and accountability so that all other members are up-to-datewith project processes, arrangements and agreements. Its systems and processes in planning, implementing, evaluatingand re-investing need to be fine-tuned to improve the functionality of its organization. As the organization increases itsscope beyond protection wardening, the knowledge and principles of biodiversity conservation in general and species/ecosystems management in particular must be honed across all members of the organization, especially those who have

joined only in the las t two years and have not been privy to past tra inings.

B. Nug-as Forest, Alcoy

Nug-as has the largest (2,355 hectares) standalone standing forest cover in the entire province of Cebu. It is dubbed asthe last stronghold of biodiversity in Cebu since it is the sanctuary of almost all threatened and endemic species of theprovince.20

Since 1999, CBCFI has provided the scientific database for biodiversity conservation initiatives. CBCFI research revealsthat the Nug-as forest supports the largest surviving population of the Black Shama (Copsychus cebuensis), more

commonly known as the siloy, whose population has dwindled over the past few decades. It is also home to the l argestsurviving populat ion of the Cebu Cinnamon tree, one of the worlds most endangered plant species, and until recently, hadonly less than 20 mature tree population.

The municipality of Alcoy is a diverse mix of players and institutions especially in the uplands. Recognized as an ImportantBird Area and KBA, most of Alcoys forestlands are either under a co-management agreement between the LGU and theDENR21 or under community-based forest management agreements of DENR with several POs who exist in the uplandbarangays. Among these POs formed in the 1990s are the Kapunungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Yutang Lasangnon saBulalakaw (KMYLB), Bag-ong Alayon Alang sa Kalamboan (BALAK), Bag-ong Alayon sa Kakugi Ekonomiya sa Tawo(BASKET), and San Agustin Multipurpose Cooperative (SAMPC).

These POs are at various levels of functionality, growth and maturity. The CBFMA of KMYLB is under review as it wassuspended by DENR pending submission of various requirements. Officials and members of SAMPC are undergoingretribution due to the cutting of naturally growing trees to give way to coffee plantations.

The forest wardens in Nug-as are specially-trained members of the various POs in Alcoy by the CBCFI, duly authorized bythe DENR and the Local Government of Alcoy at the turn of the millennium.

20 RSEA Nug-as 2012 CBCF

21 http://ecogovproject.denr.gov.ph/docs/Story_Alcoy_is_learning_stop.htm



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The case of the Nug-as forest wardens is quite different from that of the Tabunan forest stewards, in that the latter wasspawned by CBCFIs small projects of CBCFI while Nug-as POs are progenies largely of the big foreign-assisted projectsof DENR.

The main source of income of the community including the wardens is farming, including the production of vegetablesfor market and livestock raising. The forest wardens came from a community that in the past cut forest trees to open theland for farming activities. In Nug-as, there are limited opportunities for alternative sources of livelihood. External project-assisted programs provided alternati ve sources of livelihood such as in reforestation and seedling production. The Nug-asforest wardens except for its leaders l ike Sofronio, Pablo Adaw, Benjamin delos Santos, among others, are extrinsically

motivated, and have not yet reached a point of self-determination and internalization. Engagement in any activity comeswith a price.

No pay, No way among non-leaders bespeaks the underlying value of the forest ecosystem that other members linkto their lives.This being the case, when not receiving initiative and motivation from external sources, the Nug-as forestwardens, at their present phase of stewardship, may find it difficult to maintain and continue the level of commitment andperformance that they are currently providing on their own strength. It is thus important to implement an organizationaldevelopment program that would facilitate growth in KMYLB towards a more empowered group. This would necessarilybe value-laden and motivational as well. These are of higher importance than skills development which they have receivedfrom various WEO and biodiversity conservation trainings they had in the past.

13

Nug-as Forest, dubbed as the last stronghold ofbiodiversity in Cebu for being the sanctuary of

almost all threatened and endemic species of theprovince (June Banagodos/USAID-FPE).


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C. Palinpinon Range, Dalaguete

Known as the Vegetable Basket of Cebu, the municipality of Dalaguete has 22 upland barangays representing approximately47% of its total area and classified as forestland. Of the 22 barangays classified as forestland, around 58% are publicforest. The main source of livelihood of the said municipality is a considerable factor in the conversion of forestlands intoagricultural use.22

The Bulak-Babayongon-Dumalag forest fragment in Dalaguete is also referred to as the Palinpinon Range. Like Nug-as,Dalaguetes forest patches are also critically important for conservation because it is one of the remaining forests in Cebuthat holds record of the Cebu Flowerpecker and a couple of other endemic species and subspecies of birds.

The management of Palinpinon Range is led by a resolute LGU of Dalaguete with its Local Chief Executive revisiting its visionfor the uplands and revitalizing the Bantay Lasang(forest guards). It is also in the process of addressing core investmentsfor the areas using its forestland use plan as basis for addressing access to the forests.

Deputized forest officers called bantay lasang from 8 different barangays carry out active forest protection. This programwas initiated in 2004 when the 8 bird sanctuaries in Dalaguete were established. In early 2012, the program was revitalizedwhen the LGU, under the leadership of its local chief executive, enlisted key community-based members of POs who wereviolators (i.e. fuel-wood gatherers and loggers) and included them in forest protection teams which retained the mostcommitted of the original bantay lasang. The teams conduct patrolling and protection work and rehabilitation in designatedpatches of forest in their locality. Their first major rehabilitation effort is the rainforestation of 20 hectares Palinpinon rangeunder the Up-Scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) project.

At present, the bantay lasang of Dalaguete and particular ly the Palinpinon Range, are now called Community-BasedPartners. Through training and conducted by both the LGU and CBCFI, these Community-Based Partners have gainedknowledge of the impact of their former destructive practices to the KBA and the importance of putting an end to the saidpractices in order to preserve the unique biodiversity and forest cover of the Palinpinon Range. In a study conducted byCBCFI mid-2012, it was determined that these original bantay lasang of Dalaguete are in the third phase of stewardship

(forest wardening), while the new members are still in the second phase as forest guards.

The LGU Dalaguete has time and again shown its self-determination to make things work in environmental governance. Ithas been recognized and awarded so by the Provincial Government of Cebu and DENR VII in 2010. Today, the incumbentmayor believes that the LGU should mold a forest protection and conservation team from amongst those who used to be thesources of threat, eventually, with capacity-building inputs to increase their level of empowerment, these community-basedmembers will reach a phase of stewardship where they will become self-driven co-partners of the LGU indicated in theirnew nomenclature and the role of the latter will slowly shift from control (i.e. employer) to that of mentorship.

However, before even reaching such a stage, the LGU is sensitive to how external projects play a role in this paradigm tothe extent that it has refused foreign-assisted projects that do not support this paradigm.

22 RSEA Nug-as 2012 CBCF



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15

Palinpinon range in 3D, made by forest guards andcommunity members of Dalaguete, with the help ofCBCF, to aid them in forest restoration planning and

monitoring activities (Rafael Olodin/CBCF).


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The Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (CBCFI) is a non-government organization duly registered by theSecurities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit organization since 1997. CBCFI is one of Cebus leadingNGOs and specializes in generating scientific information about Cebus biodiversity, enhances responsible stewardship andmanagement by local stakeholders especially in key biodiversity areas, and initiates advocacy work for conservation, thus

stimulating champions and partners from within mandated agencies, local government units, local communities and othersectors of society.

The CBCFI envisions the sustained existence of native and endemic species in their natural habitats, particularly in keybiodiversity areas of Cebu by way of continued protection, restoration and expansion strategies implemented with the localcommunities and stakeholders. It also envisions peaceful co-existence in these dynamic ecosystems amongst flora, faunaand human populations.

The CBCFI mission is the conservation in perpetuity of Cebus unique, important and threatened and vulnerable species andtheir habitats. With over 10 years of leading experience in key biodiversity hotspots in the island of Cebu, Philippines, CBCFIis committed to create a culture of champions for biodiversity in Cebu and for Cebus rich natural heritage, particularly in the

forests of Tabunan, Nug-as, Mt. Lantoy and Palinpinon Range.

It will thus enrich and disseminate knowledge, instill desired behavior change and advocate more effective managementby both the de facto stewards and mandated agents including improved policy, administrative and technical support. Itshall promote investments and engage in activities aimed at the conservation, restoration and expansion of ecosystemsthat nurture these threatened and vulnerable species. It endeavors to manifest its core values and guiding principles in thedecisions, actions and investments, to wit:

CBCFI values people and is COMMUNITY-ORIENTED, recognizing the necessity of inculcating stewardship amongst thelocal communities. It seeks to empower and nurture individuals, families and communities towards better stewardshipof and support for the threatened species and their ecosystems. This is manifested in capacity building assistance toimprove competencies of forest wardens and the functionality of Peoples Organizations such as KMYLB, BASKET, BALAK,Duaw-Sangyaw, Tabunan Forest Stewards and Bantay Lasang. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT is sought by facilitating thegradual transition from forest wardens into forest stewards of key biodiversity conservation areas : Nug-as Forest (Alcoyand Boljoon), Tabunan Forest (Cebu City), Palinpinon Range (Dalaguete) and Mt. Lantoy (Argao), among others. It fosterscommunity-based initiatives, adheres to the principles of optimal and equitable distribution of benefits to stakeholders,enhances of their quality of life, and values their acceptance and meaningful participation.

CBCFI works on a platform of biodiversity conservation in Cebu. In 2010, it received the distinctive title Species Guardianfor the Cebu Flowerpecker (Dicaeum quadricolor) under the Preventing Extinctions Programme of BirdLife Internationaland its Philippine partner, Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources. It espouses balanced ecosystems

inclusive of humanity. Thus, it seeks to address improved living standards and livelihood, as well as improved interpersonalrelations/ communications from the ridge to reef to reduce the threats and remove barriers to desired behavior change.

CBCFI fosters PROACTIVE, PURPOSE-DRIVEN and INTEGRATIVE RELATIONSHIPS i.e., (1) with local partners andstakeholders while espousing PROFESSIONALISM of choices, decisions and actions based on empirical and solid informationthrough research standards; (2) as a cohort in improved environmental governance by municipal governments of Alcoy,

STATING CBCFIS VISION AND MISSION


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Dalaguete and Argao, the City and Provincial governments of Cebu and their public-private partnerships; (3) with thePhilippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources as Local Responsible Partner in Nug-as and Lantoy Forestsof the UNDP Expanding and Diversifying the National System of Terrestrial Protected Areas in the Philippines, as accreditedmember of the PAMBs of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape as well as the Olango Island Seascape; and (4) with otherNGOs such as the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of NaturalResources, Flora and Fauna International (FFI), Birdlife International and conscience groups in society.

CBCFI values mentorship and coaching alongside trainings and interactive learning modules. It encourages volunteerism andin the spirit of collaboration and meaningful coordination.

MAPPING OUT FUTURE DIRECTIONS:NEXT STEPSBrokers for sustainable development cannot underestimate the essence of local communities who manage their destinyby protecting and conserving the forest resources as habitats of globally significant and threatened species of fauna andflora. Hence, the characterization and analysis of their values and skills vis--vis the stages of stewardship is important toguide future investments that would ensure that they reach the apex of stewardship and maintain such responsibility overgenerations and even across sites within the key biodiversity area.

This case study will thus be used as a springboard for discussions at two important levels: (i) among the community offorest wardens themselves and (ii) among the decision makers of the legitimate institutions mandated with the managementof these areas, i.e., DENR and the LGUs. The objectives of such roundtable discussions are diverse but not limited tothe following: (1) feedback and validation, (2) advocating for stewardship as a key element in sustainable developmentof these conservation areas and thus a basis for monitoring and evaluation, and (3) strategic and participatory planning.The resulting work and investment plan would identify key activities and policies that would enhance their competencies

so they achieve the desire state, facilitate the maturation process within the stewards communities, and ensure the willfuland gradual diminishing of the control function of DENR and LGU so that relationship will shift into a partnership. Thisseries of activities can be aligned with the biodiversity conservation planning exercise taking place particularly as acritical ingredient in the institutional sustainability in KBAs. The resulting validated work and investment plan will be usedas a framework for pledging support commitments from the resource-rich support groups particularly DENR, LGUs,academe, NGOs and industry. In the case of the community, the resulting work plan will be the basis for improving theirown functionalities and governance elements. These next steps need to be facilitated well as their desired results will bean important ingredient for sustained community development and biodiversity conservation in the KBA.


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Annual Repor t: New Conservation Areas in the Phi lipp ines Projec t 2011

Aro, S. (2012) LGUs Ro les Cruc ial in Forest Management DENR www.pia.gov.ph

ASSESSING PROGRESS TOWARDS THE 2010 BIODIVERSITY TARGET: The 4th National Repor t to the Convent ion on B iologica l Di vers ity (2009)

Biological diversity in the Philippines (August 2008, updated on September 2011) Conservation International.

http://www.eoearth.org/article/Biological_diversity_in_the_Philippines

Block, Peter (1993, 1996) Stewardship: Choosing Service over Self-Inte rest. Bennet-Koehler Publishe rs, Inc. San Francisco, CA.

Borlagdan, S., Guiang, E., Pulhin, J. (2001) Community -based Forest Management in the Philippines : A Preliminar y Assessment.

Institu te of Philippine Culture, Ateneo de Manila University. Quezon City, Philippines.

Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. Biodiversity Studies in Cebu Island (Published and Unpublished Studies 1997-2012)

Cribb, Jo. (2006) Agents or Stewards? Contrac ting with Voluntary Organisations. Policy Quarterl y. Vol 2, Page 11-17.

http://igps.victoria.ac.nz/publications/files/25c0407be8c.pdf

Contreras, A. (2005) Creating Space for Local Forest Management: The Case of the Philippines. Paper presented in the National Conference Proceedings

on Integrat ing Forest Conservation with Local Governance. Haribon Foundation and Birdlife Internat ional. Quezon City, Philippines.

Davis, J., D. Schoorman and L. Donaldson (1997) Toward a stewardship theory of management, Academy of Management Review, 22, pp.20-47.

FIELD METHODS MANUAL Volume 1: Diagnostic Tools for Supporting Joint Forest Management Systems (1992)

Lasco, R. D., and J. M. Pulhin. Environmental Impacts of Community-based Forest Management in the Philippines. Int.

J. Environment and Sustainable Development 5, no. 1 (2006): 46-56.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS ON INTEGRATING FOREST CONSERVATION WITH LOCAL GOVERNANCE. (2005).

Haribon Foundation and BirdLife International. Quezon City, Philippines.

Resource and Socio-Economic Assessment: Nug-as Forest and Palinpinon Range. KEY BIODIVERSITY AREAS in the ISLAND OF CEBU. (2012)

Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. for the Foundation for the Philippine Environment under the USAID-funded

Upscaling Forest Restoration Areas in the Philippines Project.

Resource and Socio-Economic Assessment: Tabunan Forest. KEY BIODIVERSITY AREAS in the ISLAND OF CEBU. (2012)Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. for the Foundation for the Philippine Environment under the USAID-fundedUpscaling Forest Restoration Areas in the Philippines Project.

Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm: Participatory Governance on Forest Management (2005) Transmonte, Mario, Belvis, Eliseo and Alto, Minda

Senge, Peter (1999) The Dance of Change. Doubleday/Currency

Tenchavez, Eileen Marie. (2012) An Assessment Study of Values Existing in Forest Guards in Key Biodiversity Areas in Tabunan Forest,Nug-as Forest and Pamilmpinon Range. CBCFI Unpublished paper.

Timmins 1992, Dutson 1339b, Dutson et al 1993, Magsalay 1993, Magsalay 1995, Evans et al 1993a as cited in Birdlife International (2001)Threatened birds of Asia: the Birdlife International Red Data Book. Cambridge, UK: Birdlife International.

Valeros, Maria Eleanor. Stewards of Our Las t Forest. The Freeman. Updated March 28, 2012

Ybaez, Serena Mae. (2004) Communication Roles of Forest Wardens in Tabunan, Cebu City Unpublished undergraduate thesis.University of the Philippines Los Baos College of Development Communication.

Ybaez, Serena Mae. (2012) A Study on the Characterization, Profiling and Needs Assessment of Forest Wardens in the TerrestrialKey Biodiversity Areas of Cebu CBCFI Unpublished paper.

REFERENCES

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ANNEX 1 FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION RESULTS WITH CEBUS

FOREST GUARDS

BY ESTELA RODRIGUEZ, CBCFI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Profile of the Tabunan Forest Stewards and their Perceptions on Forest Protection and Conservation

A total of 14 al l-male fores t wardens are current ly protecting the forest of Tabunan. These wardens have average about 44years, all are married with an average of 5 children. Majority (78%) have had some elementary education while 14% havereached high school level. The wardens primary source of income is farming.

A focus group discussion with eight of the wardens (57%) revealed their motivations for joining the Forest StewardsAssociat ion, their perception of the level of personal growth as a result of their work as forest wardens, and thei r leve l ofknowledge about the forest and its importance to man and to future generations.

Forest protection and patrol work with CBCF support started in 1998. They were then given a monthly honorarium of750 pesos but this was later decreased to 400 pesos per month. From 2002 to 2010, financial support from CBCFdiscontinued, as CBCF started to expand to other sites. Despite this limitation, four to five wardens stayed on and continued

to do patrol work within the forest (albeit with diminished enthusiasm and coverage). Reasons given by the respondents forthis commitment to forest protection work include:

1. Awareness of the importance and function of the birds as pollinators;2. Knowledge and appreciation of the relationship between man and trees (forest) and its contribution to livelihoodopportunities;3. Recognition of the growing threats that beset the forest and their desire to prevent further threats from increasing;4. Slowly, they are beginning to see the fruits of their patrol work and do not wish to see added threats to the forest.In 2011, CBCF received assistance from Birdlife, through Haribon, and the wardens were again given their monthlyhonoraria.

Motivation for becoming a forest warden, an undertaking perceived as risky and underpaid, is an indicator of the level ofcommitment of a steward who is intrinsically motivated by opportunities for growth and self-actualization. Newly-recruitedwardens usually derive their motivation from the stories and knowledge shared by the older wardens about the forest andthe importance of conserving the remaining fragments in their area. Almost all of the eight respondents feel that they havebeen fully oriented and mentored by relatives or close friends who have joined the association. The small amount that theyget from forest protection and patrol work did not deter them from joining the association.

Seven out of the eight respondents (87%) acknowledged that their work as forest wardens has helped them in theirpersonal growth, i.e. they have gained a certain level of confidence in disseminating useful information about the forest andits protection as well as confidence in their authority to apprehend violators. The various trainings conducted by CBCFI, withassistance from various projects, have helped in the improvement of their personal traits and qualities. The WEO Training,conducted through the USAID-FPE Project has given them enough confidence to patrol and apprehend violators. Supportby the project (supplies and gears) has also made their patrol work safer and easier.

Sufficient knowledge about the forest is also one of the indicators of a good steward. Majority of the respondents (7out of 8) claimed that they need to learn more about the forest, its importance, and the benefits that can be derived fromprotecting it.


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In terms of percentage, they identified their level of learnings on the following:1. Identification of birds, trees, by its common, local , and scientific names :Current knowledge - 70%2. Importance of forest 80%3. Wildlife and its habitat 70%4.Benefits derived from the forest 50%5. Enough skills in forest protection 50%6. Enough experience to know their capabilities - 75%

Manage forest for future generation 50% (five out of the eight wardens) In terms of motivation, the Tabunan forestwardens appear to very committed to their forest protection work. However, caution must be exercised in generalizingthis for all Tabunan wardens. There might be a respondent bias since the wardens interviewed were the pioneers in theassociation and were exposed to various interviews with media and project funders. It can be safely concluded that a fewhave reached the transition from wardens to steward but others are still grappling with understanding new information andissues. In addition, the few who have absorbed the meaning of a true steward may not always stay at that level. Difficulties inlivelihood and problems associated with patrol and protection work may also influence current thinking and make him moveto a level with less commitment. Almost all of the respondents agree that there is more to learn about the forest that they

are protecting, including the trees and wildlife within it. This is evident in their responses regarding skills in forest protection,understanding of the benefits derived from the forest and the importance of preserving it for the future generation.

Profile of the Nug-as Forest Stewards and their Perceptions on Forest Protection and Conservation

There are three POs in the Nug-as Forest in Alcoy, namely: BALAK, BASKET, and KMYLB. There are two female wardensamong the 42 wardens in Alcoy. The average age among the forest wardens is 44 years, majority are married, with anaverage number of five children. All wardens main source of income is from farming. About 63 percent of the wardenshave had some elementary education.

BALAK

There were eight respondents from BALAK in Alcoy who participated in the focus group discussion and shared theirperceptions on their work as forest wardens.In 2003, they were known as Range Officers and were not given any allowance or honoraria. Although CBCFI gave supportto the Nug-as wardens in 2000, this came in the form of supplies (e.g. vest, raincoat, binoculars,and t-shirts) but nomonetary remuneration was involved. It was only later (after 2003) that they were given 300 pesos per month by the LGUto do patrol work.

MotivationAll of the respondents claim that they were not motivated by money in their decision to become a forest warden. Theirexposure to friends and relatives who have been doing forest protection work has helped them understand the need toconserve and protect the forest. Thus, when recruitment time came, it was not difficult to get their support and bring them

into the association.

In terms of percentage, they identified their level of learnings on the following:1. Knowledge about the Forest - 62 percent (5 out of 8 respondents ) claimed that their knowledge about the forest is onlyup to 40 to 60 percent of total knowledge needed. They need to be exposed and trained to completely know all they needto know about the forest.2. Enough experience as forest wardens to know their own capabilities - All claimed that only 50 percent has been achievedin this area and they need to expand their experience so that they can transform themselves into better persons, cognizantof their own capacities and capabilities as a result of their work as wardens.3. Manage the forest for future generations - 100 percent of the respondents know that they need to manage the forestfor future generation.


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So far, the Nug-as wardens have observed lesser forest fires (especially due to kaingin) and the absence of people shootingbirds and monkeys. They claimed that their commitment is there barring failing health. They also identified the need formore trainings on identification of trees and birds (common, local, and scientific names). To give them more information onthe trees, the site coordinators of the USAID-FPE project required the wardens to bring specimens of trees every monthlymeeting so that they can be identified and included in their list of trees. This will be posted in their area and will serve as asource of information for everyone.

BASKETThere were nine respondents from BALAK who participated in the focus group discussion. The wardens in this organizationwere recruited by DENR in 2004 and service was purely voluntary since no honoraria were given. In 2008, they were madeto attend a seminar on proper identification of birds and plants and were given binoculars for easy identification of the birds.In 2010, the LGU gave out a monthly allowance of 200 pesos.Motivation for doing forest protection work among the wardens in this organization was not based on the amount of thehonoraria. They were given an orientation on forest protection before actual patrol work and were promised only minimalallowance. They expressed their desire to join the organization, not because of the monetary support but because they havebegun to understand the need for forest protection (as derived from the orientation and shared by friends and relativesalready doing forest protection work).

Knowledge they expressed their need to know more about the kinds of birds and their scientific names in their area. Theyclaimed that they only know half of what they need to know about the forest, wildlife and its habitat. They still need to knowmore especially on proper identification of trees (local, common, and scientific names).

One of the USAID-FPE project strategies to help them with tree identification is to require them to bring tree specimensevery meeting for them to identify with the help of the project site coordinators. Slowly, they can expand their knowledge onthe names of these trees and can build an information pool within their association.

In terms of self-actualization as a direct result of their work as wardens, eight out of nine wardens claimed that they haveonly learned from 50 to 60 percent of the total knowledge needed for personal growth and development. Trainings givenby the USAID-FPE project helped the wardens significantly in both their personal development and growth as wardens.

At present, they have observed that there are less forest fires and shooting of birds compared to the past years. However,they expressed the need for gears, insurance, and deputation by DENR. All these are part of the support given to thewardens through the USAID-FPE project.

Profile of the Dalaguete Forest Stewards and their Perceptions on Forest Protection and Conservation

There are 32 Bantay Lasang forest wardens organized by the LGU in Dalaguete. The organization is male-dominated (thereis only one female member) with an average age of 42 years, mostly married (93%) with an average of five children. About78 percent have had some elementary education while the rest have reached high school level. The main source of incomefor 91 percent of the wardens is farming.

There were eight wardens from Dumalan, Babayongan and Bulak who participated in the focus group discussion.The LGU provided for the honorarium of the wardens initially amounting to 3,000 pesos per month but was later reducedto 1,375 pesos after two months. Recruitment was done through the office of the barangay captain. A strategy to reduceillegal cutters of trees was employed by the LGU: charcoal makers were recruited to join the Bantay Lasang to veer themaway from illegal cutting of trees and provide them new sources of livelihood.

It cannot be safely implied that monetary consideration was not a motivating factor in joining the Bantay Lasang. The initialoffer of the LGU was higher than what was offered by the other LGUs.


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In terms of Personal growth majority of the respondents claim that they have achieved only 50 % of what is needed toachieve personal growth as a direct result of the work as wardens. Their Forest knowledge can still be increased up to 30% more to gain full knowledge about the forest.Understanding the relationship between man and forest still needs 50% to be worked on by four of the warden respondents.The other half of the respondents (4 wardens) claim that they have understood 80 % what they need to know aboutMan-Forest relationship.

Wardens reported that lately, there has been a significant decrease in the apprehension of illegal cutters. Their lastapprehension for illegal cutting was in August 2012.

The wardens expressed their need for more trainings on tree identification (common, local and scientific names) andidentification of animals. All respondents revealed that they have understood the benefits derived from forests but there isstill room for improvement to be able to gain full knowledge of the concept.

CASE STUDY WRITER

SERENA MAE S. YBANEZ passed the 2009 Bar examinations and is currently an associate in Perez &Avanzado Law Off ices in Cebu. She graduated at the University of the Phi lippines Los Banos with a degree inDevelopment Communication, major in Science Communication.


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FPE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Godofredo T. Villapando, Jr.EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Liza M. VidaOIC-MANAGER, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT UNIT

Mary Ann B. LeonesMANAGER, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

Fernando M. RamirezMANAGER, LUZON REGIONAL UNIT

Myrissa L. TabaoMANAGER, VISAYAS REGIONAL UNIT

Armando C. PacudanMANAGER, MINDANAO REGIONAL UNIT

USAID-FPE PROJECT TEAM

Maria Felda S. DomingoNATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR

Rosalie G. PasibeLUZON REGIONAL COORDINATOR

June Arthur P. BanagodosVISAYAS REGIONAL COORDINATOR

Joseph Thaddeus R. RabangMINDANAO REGIONAL COORDINATOR/NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Cherylon A. HerzanoNATURAL RESOURCEMANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

(Sept 2011-June 2012)

Michelle D. AlejadoPARTNERSHIP BUILDING SPECIALIST

Ma. Rhodora C. VelosoKNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST(Feb-Sept 2012)

Florence C. BaulaKNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Constancia S. BacolodPROJECT ASSISTANT

Carina Dacillo/Charity Marces/

Anita T. TungalaBOOKKEEPER


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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the United States federal government agency

primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid. In the Philippines, assistance started since 1946 focusing

on economic growth, democracy and governance, health, education, environment, energy and climate change, and

humanitarian assistance.

For environmental governance, USAID works in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural

Resources, the Department of Agriculture, and a wide range of stakeholders including civil society organizations, to

improve governance of natural resources and conserve biodiversity.

Know more about USAID Philippines at http://philippines.usaid.gov/

FPE is the rst and largest grant-making organization for civil society environmental initiatives in the Philippines.

Its support went primarily to protecting local conservation sites and strengthening community and grassroots-led

environmental efforts in more than 65 critical sites through more than 1,300 projects grants. The establishment of

FPE on January 15, 1992 was meant to abate the destruction of the countrys own natural resources. As many

as 334 NGOs and grassroots organizations, along with 24 academic institutions, helped set its course through a

process of nationwide consultations. Subsequently, Philippine and United States government agencies and NGOs

raised the foundations initial $21.8-million endowment through an innovative debt-for-nature swap. Today, FPE

remains committed in fullling its roles as a catalyst for cooperation, grant maker, and fund facilitator for biodiversityconservation and sustainable development.

For more information about FPE, visit www.fpe.ph

CBCF was established as a result of the growing collaboration between various agencies, individuals and institutionswho recognize the importance of protecting Cebus forests which host a unique biodiversity and endemic wildlife. It

exists for the long-term conservation of the native and endemic species and habitats of Cebu through sustainable

and acceptable protection, restoration and expansion

strategies. CBCFs work started with research and data generation on Cebus biodiversity, results of which

became breakthrough for Cebus natural heritage. Later on, the organizations work expanded to implementation

of conservation and protection initiatives, including forest rehabilitation programs, working in collaboration and

partnership with legitimate government agencies (DENR, DOT), Local Government Units,

the phases of stewardship in cebu's terrestrial kba's

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