Improving forest and biodiversity protection - Global Innovation ...
Improving forest and biodiversity protection
Rojessa Saceda/B+WISER Program
USAID supports Philippines in developing a system for forest and biodiversity protection
A member of the Kitanglad Guard Volunteers using an android tablet during a LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection system patrol. Some 15 million indigenous peoples (IPs) in the Philippines depend on forests for their livelihood. User-friendly technologies such as the one utilized by the LAWIN system allow and enable IP communities to actively engage in the conservation and protection of the natural forests. Healthier forests mean stronger climate resilience at the local and national levels.
“LAWIN will help the national level obtain information directly from the field, those in the front lines; so we can make informed decisions.” Forester Ricardo Calderon FMB Director
Deforestation and forest degradation continue to pose major threats to endangered wildlife and fragile forest habitats in the Philippines. Reducing these threats is critical to ensure protection of habitats and biodiversity. It also fosters climate resilient communities by mitigating the risk of flooding and improving water security for cities and communities located in the lowlands. Acting as a natural sink of greenhouse gases, healthier forests also contribute to the country’s climate change mitigation efforts. To establish an improved forest and biodiversity protection system for the Philippines, the USAID-DENR Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program, working in close collaboration with DENR, local government units, and local communities, has developed the LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection System that is currently being piloted. Science-based approach to identify conservation areas LAWIN uses information on indicator species, forest cover change and threats for the design of participatory management plans for 35 conservation areas identified within B+WISER sites. Technology-based observation recording and analysis. LAWIN applies freely available open-source software including CyberTracker for the data collection interface and the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) for data analysis, mapping and report generation. Data can be transferred to Google maps and other tools for creation of actionable reports which facilitate decision-making. Community engagement and capacitation In 2015 B+WISER trained more than 200 community monitors on how to use the LAWIN system. To a large extent, these community monitors are Indigenous Peoples. Active engagement of local communities in monitoring improves the effectiveness of the response mechanisms and ensures the sustainability of the conservation efforts over the long-term. Integration of a response mechanism The LAWIN system helps identify appropriate responses to reduce threats and improve forest and habitat condition, including alternative livelihoods for forest communities and effective environmental law enforcement to address violations.
Rojessa Saceda/B+WISER Program
USAID supports Philippines in developing a system for forest and biodiversity protection
A member of the Kitanglad Guard Volunteers using an android tablet during a LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection system patrol. Some 15 million indigenous peoples (IPs) in the Philippines depend on forests for their livelihood. User-friendly technologies such as the one utilized by the LAWIN system allow and enable IP communities to actively engage in the conservation and protection of the natural forests. Healthier forests mean stronger climate resilience at the local and national levels.
“LAWIN will help the national level obtain information directly from the field, those in the front lines; so we can make informed decisions.” Forester Ricardo Calderon FMB Director
Deforestation and forest degradation continue to pose major threats to endangered wildlife and fragile forest habitats in the Philippines. Reducing these threats is critical to ensure protection of habitats and biodiversity. It also fosters climate resilient communities by mitigating the risk of flooding and improving water security for cities and communities located in the lowlands. Acting as a natural sink of greenhouse gases, healthier forests also contribute to the country’s climate change mitigation efforts. To establish an improved forest and biodiversity protection system for the Philippines, the USAID-DENR Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program, working in close collaboration with DENR, local government units, and local communities, has developed the LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection System that is currently being piloted. Science-based approach to identify conservation areas LAWIN uses information on indicator species, forest cover change and threats for the design of participatory management plans for 35 conservation areas identified within B+WISER sites. Technology-based observation recording and analysis. LAWIN applies freely available open-source software including CyberTracker for the data collection interface and the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) for data analysis, mapping and report generation. Data can be transferred to Google maps and other tools for creation of actionable reports which facilitate decision-making. Community engagement and capacitation In 2015 B+WISER trained more than 200 community monitors on how to use the LAWIN system. To a large extent, these community monitors are Indigenous Peoples. Active engagement of local communities in monitoring improves the effectiveness of the response mechanisms and ensures the sustainability of the conservation efforts over the long-term. Integration of a response mechanism The LAWIN system helps identify appropriate responses to reduce threats and improve forest and habitat condition, including alternative livelihoods for forest communities and effective environmental law enforcement to address violations.
