Mati, Davao Oriental – Effective conservation begins with informed communities, empowered stakeholders, and meaningful communication.
On June 24, 2026, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the DENR-UNDP/GEF Biodiversity Corridor Project (BD Corridor Project) – Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor (EMBC), successfully conducted the Consultation Workshop for the formulation of the Mati Protected Landscape Communication Plan. This activity is part of the project’s commitment in strengthening the management of protected areas (PAs) and eventually enhancing awareness, strengthening collaborative decision-making, and supporting Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) through strategic communication and stakeholder engagement.
The workshop gathered members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and representatives from the Provincial and City Governments of Davao Oriental, DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), DOST- Davao Oriental, barangay representatives, partner agencies, and the EMBC- Project Management Unit to collaboratively lay the foundation for a comprehensive Communication Plan for the Mati Protected Landscape.
A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey Results conducted by the BD Corridor Project in the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, which served as the baseline for developing communication strategies that are evidence-based and responsive to stakeholder needs.
Mr. Carl Van Lucero, Stakeholder Engagement Officer of the EMBC, presented the purpose and significance of the KAP Survey in understanding stakeholder knowledge, perceptions, behaviors, and information needs related to biodiversity conservation, Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM), and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). He also facilitated the session on “Strategy to Plan: Enhancing Strategic Messaging for Impact in Developing a Communication Plan,” emphasizing that strategic communication is essential in translating conservation goals into collective action.
Participants actively engaging in the workshop on Stakeholder Analysis
Meanwhile, Mr. Benjie Manlupig, Ecosystems Management Specialist II of PAMO-MPL, presented the initial KAP findings for Mati Protected Landscape, highlighting levels of biodiversity awareness, positive conservation attitudes, and growing participation in community-based environmental initiatives. These findings serve as the cornerstone for crafting communication strategies that are targeted, measurable, and behavior centric.
Participants engaged in collaborative workshops on stakeholder mapping using the Power-Interest Grid and the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM). These exercises enabled them to identify priority audiences, communication objectives, desired behavioral changes, key messages, communication channels, and performance indicators that will shape the Mati Protected Landscape Communication Plan.
The workshop concluded with a message from Mr. Dominic Jone Cabactulan, SEMS/ CDS Chief – DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Mati, who emphasized that this activity only marked the beginning of the planning process. He also underscored the importance of completing the remaining KAP assessments to strengthen the baseline data and ensure that the Communication Plan is grounded on sound evidence and responsive to the realities of the protected landscape and its stakeholders.
This initiative demonstrated how effective communication can become a powerful conservation tool—bringing together government agencies, local communities, academic institutions, and development partners toward a common vision of protecting biodiversity while empowering people.
Through stronger partnerships and strategic communication, the BD Corridor Project- EMBC continues to support PAs in improving management effectiveness and fostering a culture of shared responsibility for biodiversity conservation.
This story is published under the DENR-UNDP/GEF Project “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. 🏞️📝
