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Harnessing Indigenous Wisdom in Palawan for Sustainable Resource Management

© Conservation International

The Palaw'an people, indigenous to Palawan Island in the Philippines, possess valuable traditional knowledge and practices that play a crucial role in conservation efforts. Most Palaw'an communities are situated in the foothills and mountains of Mt. Mantalingahan.

 

Almaciga tree
© Conservation International
Central to their sustainable resource management is the almaciga tree (Agathis philippinensis), which holds immense ecological and cultural significance. Growing up to 65 meters tall, with a straight trunk reaching 3 meters in diameter, the almaciga tree provides a habitat for wildlife. It offers high-quality timber for construction, furniture making and boat building. It also produces a valuable resin used in varnish, linoleum, incense, traditional medicine and other products. 

The Palaw'an have a deep connection with the almaciga tree, using their ancestral knowledge to tap into its resources responsibly. Through generations, they have developed sustainable practices that ensure the long-term health of the trees and the surrounding forest. Their wisdom in understanding the habits of plants and animals and determining the optimal times for resource harvesting showcases their harmonious relationship with nature. 

However, the almaciga tree faces threats due to deforestation drivers in the Palaw'an ancestral domains within the broader Mantalingahan landscape. An area of exceptional biodiversity, it is home to over 1,000 species, including endemic and globally threatened species. Unfortunately, deforestation and climate change pose significant threats to the landscape, endangering both biodiversity and the livelihoods of the Palaw'an communities. 

Conservation International Philippines, together with local partners, is leading the implementation of the Mantalingahan Landscape Conservation Project, which encompasses 120,000 hectares, including protected areas and ancestral domains. This project aims to protect and restore Southern Palawan's terrestrial and mangrove forests and safeguard the almaciga tree and support the Palaw'an communities in the landscape.  

 The Palaw'an's commitment to sustainable resource management and their understanding of the almaciga tree exemplifies the critical role of indigenous wisdom in conservation efforts. Our team collaborates with various stakeholders to forge a sustainable future so people and nature can thrive in the Mantalingahan landscape.