Indigenous communities are leading Philippine mountain forest restoration projects to combat urban flooding through rainforest farming.
In a move to combat flooding, Indigenous communities have embarked on a Philippine mountain forest restoration project. Located on the slopes of Mount Kalatungan in Mindanao, Southern Philippines, a critical watershed area, the project not only aims to restore the land but also mitigate recurring floods in urban areas, such as Cagayan de Oro (CDO).
Mount Kalatungan, part of a 35,000-hectare protected area, has long been vulnerable to forest degradation caused by logging and agricultural activities. To restore the environment, local communities have turned to “rainforestation farming,” a form of agroforestry that blends native trees with crops like coffee. This method provides economic benefits to farmers while rejuvenating ecosystems crucial for controlling floods.
Rainforestation farming, developed in the 1990s by Visayas State University, focuses on planting native species alongside crops in an effort to restore ecosystems damaged by deforestation. Unlike traditional reforestation, which often uses fast-growing non-native trees, rainforestation promotes local, indigenous plants that help improve soil and water quality.
For farmers like Reynante Polenda, a 40-year-old Manobo tribesman, the project has proven life-changing. Polenda, who works on a small plot in Kalatungan, has been growing robusta coffee and hardwood trees. He says the income from these efforts helps support his family and has allowed him to improve farming practices. The initiative has helped restore the land while also boosting wildlife and crop yields, such as taro and sweet potatoes.
The local Indigenous group, NAMAMAYUK, has played a crucial role in this restoration effort. They are paid to plant and maintain trees, earning about 60,000 pesos ($1,029) per hectare annually. The project, which started in 2021 and will run through 2024, aims to plant over 40,000 trees, including coffee shrubs and hardwood species like lauan, which are critical to maintaining biodiversity.
The primary goal of the restoration is flood prevention. The headwaters of the Cagayan de Oro River originate on the slopes of Kalatungan, and the mountain’s forests help regulate water flow. However, years of deforestation have weakened this natural flood control, leading to devastating floods like the one caused by Tropical Storm Washi in 2011, which killed over 1,260 people in CDO.
By restoring the forest, the project hopes to improve the watershed’s ability to store and slowly release water, reducing the intensity of floods downstream. In recent years, floods in CDO have become more frequent, and authorities are prioritizing nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, alongside infrastructure like flood control systems.
One of the most significant features of the Philippine mountain forest restoration project is the involvement of local Indigenous communities. These communities have a deep understanding of the land, having lived in the region for centuries. Their knowledge is key to the success of the restoration efforts, as they help select the right plant species and ensure the forest is managed sustainably.
The involvement of Indigenous groups like NAMAMAYUK has led to impressive results. For instance, 80% of the 39,423 seedlings planted in their area survived as of 2021, far exceeding typical survival rates for similar projects. By integrating their traditional knowledge into modern environmental strategies, the project ensures that forest restoration is culturally, economically, and environmentally effective.
Philippine mountain forest restoration is crucial where forests are often cleared for agriculture or commercial purposes. In places like Mindanao, where tropical forests play a key role in regulating water systems, the destruction of these forests can have disastrous consequences. By using rainforestation farming, communities help restore the land while also benefiting economically from crops like coffee and hardwood trees. This sustainable approach not only restores ecological balance but also reduces soil erosion and improves water quality, both of which contribute to better flood control.
The government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have increasingly worked together to support reforestation. Public-private partnerships have been essential in funding and supporting these efforts, and local NGOs like Xavier Science Foundation (XSF) have been instrumental in connecting businesses with Indigenous communities to fund forest restoration and conservation. These collaborations ensure that the efforts are adequately supported, creating long-term solutions for flood control.
The effects of climate change are already visible in the region, with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns contributing to more intense storms and floods. In 2011, Tropical Storm Washi, locally known as Sendong, led to one of the deadliest flooding events in Cagayan de Oro’s history. The storm highlighted the critical need for environmental preservation in upstream areas, such as Mount Kalatungan, to prevent downstream flooding.
In response to these growing climate challenges, local governments have recognized the importance of nature-based solutions like rainforestation farming. These solutions help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and reduce the burden on cities like Cagayan de Oro, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding.
To ensure the success of the Philippine mountain forest restoration project beyond its initial phase, the Xavier Science Foundation (XSF), which leads the effort, is seeking funding for long-term sustainability. The foundation has partnered with the private sector to finance tree planting and maintenance efforts. However, Indigenous leaders, including Polenda, stress the importance of continuing these efforts, even after project funding ends.
Without continued protection, the restored forests could be at risk from illegal logging or commercial plantations. To address this, community-led patrols have been established to safeguard the forest. These patrols, made up of volunteers, regularly monitor the land to ensure it remains protected.
The Philippine mountain forest restoration project in Mount Kalatungan is more than just an environmental effort. It is a vital initiative to protect both the land and the people who depend on it. By restoring the forests, Indigenous communities not only improve their livelihoods but also safeguard the future of cities like Cagayan de Oro, helping to prevent devastating floods. As this project continues to grow, it offers hope for a sustainable and resilient future for both the environment and local communities.
