The proposed project site is within the Palali Mountain Range, which forms part of the foothills of Sierra Madre. The project site is located below the established elevational transect of Conservation International Philippines (CIP). The site was once dominated by tall dipterocarp forests but now reduced to patches that form the leading edge of the montane forest at about 800 ? 1200 meters above sea level. The lower forestland cover (400-600 masl) has been converted into agricultural lands, grasslands and human settlements. The almost total conversion of the lowland forest cover inadvertent affects ecosystem services. Habitat for biodiversity is threatened with some flora and fauna under threat of extinction. Water quality and quantity has been drastically affected, with too much water during rainy season flooding agricultural lands in the lowland and drying up of streams and creeks during summer months. Decrease in water supply for household purposes has also been experienced. Should the trend of land conversion and expansion towards higher forest elevation remain unabated, habitat for wildlife will be totally gone and extinction will follow. Moreover the capacity of the Palali Mountain Range to provide good micro-climate in the municipality of Quezon and neighboring towns is also threatened. Land conversion and decline of forest cover if not totally abated could disrupt functioning of the whole ecological system, hence, this proposal. The project aims to provide a buffer zone for the threatened ?two-storied lower montane forest? and restore its integrity to provide a healthy ecosystem for enhance environmental services. It is expected that the transect established by CIP shall be monitored and current listing of various species of flora and fauna increased.

General Objectives:
To restore the integrity of the two-storied montane forest of Mt. Palali?s Mountain Range in Quezon as habitat for biodiversity with participation of various stakeholders through the establishment of buffer zone.

Specific Objectives:
? To increase forest cover in 10 hectares of natural forest as buffer zone of the two-storied montane forest through Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR);
? To conduct reforestation in at least 39 hectares of denuded grassland and brushlands using indigenous tree species;
? To enhance/augment rattan in the lower montane forest of Mt. Palali; and
? To conduct information, education and communication campaign for biodiversity conservation in Mt. Palali.

Expected Outcomes:
? At least 10 hectares of natural forests will have improved natural stand
? At least 10 hectares of patches of natural forests are augmented with endemic tree species
? At least 30 mother trees identified.
? 40,000 wildlings collected and reared in the nursery
? 39 hectares of degraded forest planted with endemic tree species.
? Forest protection strictly implemented
? Increase number of communities participating in forest protection, conservation and management

Planned Actions and Activities:
? Restoration, Protection, and Management of Denuded Lower Montane Forest.
? Reforestation of the open denuded grassland and brushland within the Lower Primary Forest.
? Planting of Various Rattan Species as Future Source of Livelihood.
? IEC and Advocacy.