Project Detail

Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration of the Ligawasan Marsh (MINDANAO)

Biodiversity conservation of one of the remaining Philippine marshlands where strategies focused on IEC, capability building, research and documentation, establishment of a biodiversity resource center to support programs on enhancing growth of indigenous species within their natural habitat, and establishment of sustainable livelihood.

As a backgrounder, the Liguasan Marsh is found in one of the richest river basins in the country - the Cotabato-Agusan River Basin. Three main rivers and their tributaries traversing the marsh drain into Illana Bay, which flows into the Moro Gulf. The marsh covers an area of about 288,000 hectares spread in the provinces of Maguindanao, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. There are 277,877 people living in the 19 municipalities and one city (or 190 barangays) surrounding the marsh. Of these, 60 percent live off the marsh's resources - fishing and/or farming. Aside from its rich soil, the marsh is home to about 30 fish species (24 of which are of commercial values). Daily fish catch reach approximately ten to thirty tons. Other aquatic creatures inhabit the marsh, most notable of which are the crocodiles, turtles, crabs, clams, wild duck, and shrimps. There are also several swamp and aquatic birds endemic to the country that can be found only in the marsh. To the people of Mindanao, the marsh has historical and cultural significance. During pre-Spanish times, it facilitated trade and commerce in the region. Its waters provided easy and fast navigation for missionaries led by Malaysian Sharif Kabunsuan in the 15th century. During the Spanish, American, and Japanese periods, the marsh was the bastion of resistance against colonization.

At present, widespread destructive activities threaten the rich biological diversity and ecological balance of the marsh. These include the continued cutting of trees in watershed areas surrounding the marsh; the construction of dams and diversion of river flows; the proliferation of fish cages and traps; siltation; land conversion; gas exploration; peace and order; poverty; and illiteracy.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

MInsupala Economic Development Foundation

Country:

Philippines

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

Phase 1

Grant Amount:

US$ 50,000.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 57,202.60

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 23,412.70

Project Number:

OP-13.98-M

Start Date:

9/1998

End Date:

12/2000

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

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Project Characteristics and Results

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

Community residents are Muslims (Maguindanaons), the indigenous people of Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces. Aside from conservation/protection, livelihood and community organizing, the community and the indigenous peoples undertake a biophysical resource assessment and socio-economic survey in the ten municipalities. It aimed to build an inventory of local development plans of local government units and NGO programs.

Notable Community Participation

Community residents identified and designed the project through the SGP-funded "Project Proposal Preparation for Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration of the Ligawasan Marsh" ()P-9.97-M). In the implementation of the project, community residents participated in the documentation of flora and fauna in the area, actual conservation activities, and the development of a comprehensive master plan for the conservation and protection of the marshland.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

Sustainable livelihood projects were introduced to lessen pressure on marshland resources. These included a cooperative store, wild duck raising, traditional fishing, and handicraft making. The Women's Movement for the Conservation of the Ligawasan Marsh plant high valued sedges, palm, and grass species for use in indigenous craft production. The Fishing Sustainable Livelihood Project aims to enrich/upgrade fishing methods of marsh inhabitants. Herein, several indigenous and environment-friendly fishing methods were adopted. These include the layong, bobo, buneg, sayadan, and barina. The Liguasan Marsh Fauna Habitat Rehabilitation Project seeks to establish a central nursery and propagate mangrove species using indigenous know-how. The area was selected after having identified the place as a bird-breeding site.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

The project promoted awareness on the global environment, particularly on the wetland/marshland ecosystem, through its weekly radio program entitled "Su Katiakap Tanu Kano Malanaplanap sa Ligawasan Marsh" or "Our Care to the Biodiversity of the Ligawasan Marsh." The project save the marsh from environmental destruction through community organizing, education, and sustainable livelihood activities. In the end of the project (May 2000), at least 80 percent of people living in the marsh have become aware of the need to conserve/restore the marsh. Moreover, three sustainable livelihood projects have been implemented (which would lessen pressure on the ecosystem). Moreover, the proponent has listed several endemic bird, fish and tree species as endangered. Using their local names, the endangered bird species include talik, balawang, talimanok, papago, kuwawang, and tanepol. Endangered and threatened fish species include balik, katipa, manabing, buted, and kabulan. Endangered tree species include limbunga, iles, and kalalano. Aside from these, the proponent discovered at least ten varieties of mangoes in the area. More importantly, the proponent has already identified the in situ conservation and rehabilitation area for the project. The area lies in the heart of SK Pendatun municipality, which is an ideal sanctuary/hatchery for endangered and threatened bird/fish species. The site is thickly covered with second growth and residuals of pioneer swamp tree species. Several species of mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds still breed in and confine themselves to the forested area of the marsh. The main canal of Lake Buluan passes through the marsh before reaching the Rio Grande de Mindanao. In addition, the proponent has constructed a local map of the marsh using indigenous knowledge systems and practices. Billboards, informing passers-by of the conservation and rehabilitation project/area, were constructed in designated strategic entry points.

Gender Focus

Through the project, a women's organization composed of 54 members was formed and strengthened. The group participated in conservation activities, handicraft making, and managing the cooperative store.

Capacity - Building Component

Trainings included biodiversity conservation and restoration, bio-waste disposal, leadership skills and project management.

Project Results

At least 85% of stakeholders were aware on biodiversity conservation.

Developed and adopted a Comprehensive Master Plan for the Marshland Biodiversity Conservation and Protection.

Conducted inventory/documentation of the Ligawasan Marsh flora and fauna including its threats.

Established a Biodiversity Rescue and Research Center.

Formed women's organization.

Formed the Ligawasan Marsh Coordinating Council.

Operated a sustainable livelihood opprtunity among the women's group.

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