In October last year, Flaviano said they started the revegetation or planting of various tree and plant species along the boundary areas of the biodiversity corridor.
He said the trees will also serve as boundary markers of the areas covered by the corridor to prevent possible poaching and other related activities.
“Our focus right now is the revegetation of the main corridor area with trees and plant species that are indigenous there,” he said.
The official said the local government has allocated an initial P300,000 this year for the expanded revegetation activity, which is initially targeted to start in June.
Aside from this, he said another P400,000 was set aside for the establishment of two wildlife restitution centers within the corridor area.
Flaviano said the restitution centers, which will be constructed in April, will serve as rescue facilities for wildlife species like heron and the famed tarsiers that are thriving in the area.
“A number of these species usually end up dying when they are found or rescued by some residents because of the lack of proper facilities,” he said.[]
The official said they are also planning to launch a livelihood program for the area’s residents to stop them from converting lands there for agricultural use and engage in the destructive kaingin or cutting and burning of trees.
He said among the initial livelihood ventures being planned for the area is the establishment of tree nurseries to complement with the reforestation or revegetation program.
“We’re studying right now the other existing (livelihood) practices there so we can come up with proper plans for them,” he added.
Local stakeholders earlier pushed for the establishment of the biodiversity corridor within the MMPL to strengthen efforts to preserve and protect the remaining watershed and wildlife in the area.[]