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🥳 2024 Request for Proposals for Mindanao 🥳

🌳 Mt. Kalatungan Range is one of the highest mountains in the Philippines. It is home to at least 429 species of plants and animals, including the endangered Philippine Eagle, and 11 Indigenous communities of the Talaandig and Manobo, who view the forest as a sacred site and source of food and medicine. However, these communities face the challenges of deforestation and poverty, leading to resource scarcity and increased vulnerability to calamities.

🤝🏽 From 2014 until 2022, we partnered with the Xavier Science Foundation, our grantee, to implement two phases of the “Enhancement of Community Capacity for Sustainable Ecological Protection and Economic Development (EcoSEED)” project. So far, we have:

🏛️ Capacitated 7 Indigenous Peoples' organizations to enhance their knowledge and skills in forest protection, rehabilitation and management, complementing their Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP). We also supported the construction of tribal halls (Turugan), which is not just a meeting space, but a symbol of their identity and culture.

🌳 Increased the forest cover of Mt. Kalatungan by at least 150 hectares with the support of Bantay sa Yutang Kabilin (IP forest guards). They planted native trees, abaca, coffee and fruit-bearing trees, contributing to both the conservation of biodiversity and the community's livelihoods.

🤩 Supported 6 community-based social enterprises - NAMAMAYUK, PTTA, BLLUPENTTRAS, CALUDA, TUMINDOK, and MANTALA - on coffee, handicraft, and food processing, not only boosting local livelihoods, but also promoting the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities.

🤝🏽 Facilitated the harmonization of various programs and plans in Mt. Kalatungan with the LGUs, DENR, PAMB MKaRNP, IP Organizations, and private institutions for integrated reforestation.

🌍 Increased environmental awareness among stakeholders by supporting research on Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), focusing on water quality and public health in Pangantucan. We also produced videos showcasing the IPs’ programs and initiatives, providing a platform to present their work to potential partners.

🌠 You could be our next grantee - turn that dream into reality!

🤝 View our Request for Proposals here: https://bit.ly/2024rfpformindanao

📅 Submit your proposals on or before October 13, 2024 here: https://grants.forestfoundation.ph.

🆘 If you have any questions or concerns, email us at [email protected] may also call us at (02) 8891 0595.

🌎 Let's set solid roots for a better future.

💚 #LetsGrowTogether
#RootingForTheFuture