The DENR in MIMAROPA, Regions and CARAGA, with support from the DENR- UNDP/GEF Project on Integrated Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines (BD Corridor Project), recently conducted workshops aimed at improving the management effectiveness of a total of 14 protected areas (PAs)1 in Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor (EMBC), held in Davao City on September 16 to 19, 2025 and in the Mindoro Biodiversity Corridor (MBC) held in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on September 24 to 26, 2025.
The workshops were conducted in collaboration with the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), DENR- Regions XI and CARAGA in EMBC and DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices in Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, along with representatives from Protected Area Management Offices (PAMOs) and Protected Area Management Boards (PAMBs).
Both corridors function as interconnected networks of PAs and other effective area-based conservation areas (such as local conservation areas and indigenous community conserved areas) that sustain genetic diversity, population viability and ecological integrity. They also protect ecosystem services such as water regulation, soil stabilization, and carbon storage while enhancing landscape resilience to climate impacts and supporting livelihoods for surrounding communities. They safeguard critically endangered and endemic species, protect forests, watersheds and coastal mangroves.
The BD Corridor Project aims to raise METT (Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool) scores for these participating PAs by at least 20% by 2027. METT scores measure how effectively a protected area is managed to conserve its values and fulfill its conservation objectives.
Participating PAs reviewed progress on their management and financial plans, identifying barriers such as funding shortfalls and high staff turnover. They compared METT scores from baseline to current to assess trends and the need for benchmark recalibration and completed a SWOT analysis to pinpoint strategic management priorities.
Action plans were drafted with detailed activities with timelines, responsibilities, and resource requirements, highlighting where the BD Corridor Project can provide support and where future DENR interventions can be directed. Top conservation threats and their triggers were identified and paired with practical, prioritized actions to reduce those threats.
Priority corridor-level actions needing DENR and BD Corridor Project support during the remaining implementation period were identified such as capacity-building, harmonization of plans, and law enforcement. These interventions will strengthen management effectiveness across both corridors, help achieve the project’s 20% METT improvement target by 2027, and align and harmonize assistance for the 14 PAs.
In addition, a menu of priority interventions were selected to institutionalize these actions beyond the BD Corridor Project such as: support for policies and guidelines; targeted skills development and human resources; provision and maintenance of facilities, infrastructure, and physical assets; strengthened stakeholder engagement and partnerships; updating PA management and financial plans to incorporate prioritized actions; and an enhanced Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting system.
The workshops advanced understanding of PA and corridor-level management as foundations for more robust, equitable, and sustainable governance, expected to produce measurable gains in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem health, and community welfare. By adopting a clustered, landscape-level approach, support will be more coherent, complementary, and consistent with integrated ecosystem management principles.
- EMBC PAs: Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Alalum, Buayan, Carac-an, Panikian River and Sinangpang Falls and Watershed Forest Reserve, Aliwagwag Protected Landscape, Andanan Watershed Forest Reserve, Cabadbaran Watershed, Mainit Hotspring and Protected Landscape, Mati Protected Landscape, Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Surigao Watershed Forest Reserve, and Tinuy-an Falls Protected Landscape
MBC PAs: FB Harrison Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary, Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park, Mt. Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary, and Naujan Lake National Park ↩︎
This initiative is part of the DENR-UNDP/GEF Project on Integrated Approach in the Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines or BD Corridor Project, which seeks to operationalize integrated management of biodiversity corridors to generate multiple benefits, including effective conservation of globally threatened species and high conservation value forests, reduce deforestation and degradation, and enhance local biodiversity-friendly livelihoods.
The project is implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility.
