As part of the AFoCO-DENR FRESH Project’s initiative to deepen appreciation of cultural and regulating ecosystem services, the FRESH Project team conducted a Learning Visit to the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (MKRNP) in Region 10 from April 28-30, 2025. The visit aimed to observe community-led natural resource management practices and draw insights applicable to future Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) opportunities for NAPWC.
Immersion with Indigenous Communities and Park Stakeholders
Participants were welcomed by the MKRNP management and local Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities who shared their long-standing traditions of land stewardship. Through guided interactions, the team learned about:
- Customary resource protection practices rooted in culture and spiritual beliefs.
- Forest conservation protocols enforced through community decisions and shared responsibilities.
- Sustainable livelihood initiatives, including agroforestry and ecotourism activities aligned with conservation objectives.
A field walk through forested areas provided participants a firsthand look at how customary laws are harmonized with formal protected area management, highlighting a strong model for community-driven conservation.
Understanding PES Mechanisms and Local Applications
During technical exchanges, the Region 10 team and MKRNP staff presented their ongoing work on ecosystem valuation and PES formulation. Discussions focused on:
- Identifying ecosystem services with marketable potential
- Structuring benefit-sharing mechanisms with IP communities
- Managing expectations and addressing local capacity constraints
- Navigating governance requirements and documentation
This provided the FRESH Project team with grounded insights into the realities of developing a PES scheme in a protected area – particularly the importance of cultural sensitivity, community readiness, and clear institutional support.
Key Learnings for NAPWC and the FRESH Project
Several takeaways emerged from the visit:
- Community ownership is the backbone of long-term conservation.
Effective PES systems require trust, participatory planning, and shared decision-making – principles that can strengthen future community partnerships in NAPWC. - Documentation and clear criteria are essential.
The experience highlighted the need for early, well-defined criteria and processes – valuable inputs for ongoing development of NAPWC’s PFBO selection and other community engagements. - Cultural ecosystem services must be locally grounded.
The team observed how cultural identity shapes stewardship in Region 10 – an important lens in designing culturally responsive activities in NAPWC, including wellness and nature-immersive programs. - Institutional collaboration drives success.
The LEV emphasized the importance of coordination among PA management, LGUs, IP councils, DENR regional offices, and local partners. This multi-level support is vital in establishing functioning PES models.
Towards Enriching NAPWC’s Ecosystem Services Strategies
The Learning Visit provided valuable benchmarks that can guide NAPWC’s exploration of PES opportunities under the FRESH Project. By understanding how other protected areas operationalize community partnerships, valuation frameworks, and conservation-based livelihoods, the project strengthens its foundation for future policy directions, community engagement, and sustainable urban forest management.
By Ian James S. Acson, Project Officer (CEPA)