The Empowered Community for the Forest 2.0 (ECF 2.0) Project is a collaborative forest restoration and conservation being managed by Miriam College – Environmental Studies Institute. Its Objective No. 3, Grow Partnerships, recognizes the important role of indigenous peoples in the conservation of forest ecosystems. Their traditional knowledge, innovations and practices and customary use of forest resources are key enablers in biodiversity conservation. SDG 15 aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable terrestrial ecosystems, and is intimately connected to Indigenous Peoples who manage 28% of the world’s land and over 40% of protected areas. Recognizing indigenous land rights and traditional knowledge is critical for achieving biodiversity conservation, curbing land degradation, and fulfilling the 2030 Agenda’s “leave no one behind” promise.
In achieving SDG 13, Climate Action, indigenous peoples are crucial partners serving as natural protectors of forests and ecosystems vital for biodiversity conservation, maintaining watershed for water resilience, carbon sequestration and more. Indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge and stewardship are essential for climate resilience and mitigation, yet they are often marginalized in decision-making and impacted disproportionately by environmental changes.
ECF2.0 initiated “Mga Kwentong Dumagat Remontado Bilang Tagapangalaga ng Sierra Madre sa Tanay, Rizal sa Gitna ng Pagbabago ng Klima”: A Learning Exchange on Traditional Knowledge in Forest Conservation, Coping with Climate Change Impacts and Disaster Resilience. The two-day learning exchange aimed to listen and understand the wisdom, success and challenges of the Dumagat Remontado tribe in Tanay, Rizal.
Miriam College and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources deeply appreciate their cooperation in the implementation of the ECF2.0 Project. The event was co-facilitated by Miriam College Professor Jess Dacillo and Sister Marvie L. Misolas, MM, ECF 2.0 Project Director. ESI is grateful for the presence and invaluable contributions of Dr. Emma Porio of Ateneo de Manila University and Mr. Rico E. Manalo, SVEMS, Protected Area Superintendent of the Kaliwa River Forest Reserve (KRFR).
