PROJECT SUMMARY

The primary objective of the project “Multi-sectoral Watershed Planning in Lake Danao Natural Park Through Participatory Aprroaches” was to strengthen/capacitate the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and other stakeholders of Lake Danao Natural Park through Participatory Action Research (PAR) so that they can effectively manage its natural resources. Specifically, it aimed to identify information needed and involve different partners in gathering relevant data (biophysical, social, etc) that can be used as input for long term planning; build the capacity of different stakeholders on planning and sustainable watershed management through conduct of trainings, cross-site visits, etc.  and develop a long-term multi-sectoral plan for sustainable natural resource utilization and management of the park.

            Various activities were conducted in the LDNP with the participation of different stakeholders like students, NGOs, POs, and other government agencies. Result of the technical/bio-physical assessment shows that there are potential risks that may occur in LDNP if some scenarios will happen. For instance, the identified wetlands in Sitio Quinto Limbo acts as buffer of whatever pollutants coming from the upstream agricultural areas, approximately 114 hectares, that is mostly planted to vegetables and where chemicals and pesticides are commonly applied. Other potential risk include soil erosion and potential slope failures in some steep areas if vegetative cover will be removed due to the inherent characteristics of the soil in the area.

Biodiversity conservation is another issue. The major threat of avifaunal species in Lake Danao Natural Park is hunting. Key informants revealed that hunters are not only the local residents but many of them also come from other places. Birds that are mostly hunted are hornbills, doves, and pigeons because of their good meat.

Alteration of habitat is one of the major threats to both flora and fauna in Lake Danao Natural Park. The slash-and-burn of forest for agricultural cultivation and illegal logging has great impact to wildlife species. Abaca plantation is the major production system in the area, including high value crops that are commercially traded in the market.

Establishment of human settlements within the park is also a serious threat. The result of the faunal assessment clearly shows the growing number of cosmopolitan species which may soon replace the native resident species of wildlife in the area. People, undoubtedly are the major vectors of the movement of these animals from thickly populated centers to this once pristine area.

For the residents they believed that as a legacy for future generations the lake should be  protected. Fifty percent of them however, claimed “it would be better if Lake Danao is not a protected area. They claimed that the move adversely affected their means of livelihood. They also averred that they should be allowed to gather ‘resources’ from the lake.  For them, life was easier before the lake became a protected area. This appears to be the underlying ‘bone of contention’ between the local residents and the DENR.

Many of the residents described the LDNP personnel as ‘indifferent’ to community activities. In the informal dialogue used as follow-up instrument, the interviewer noted that majority claimed non-cooperation with DENR simply  because “ they do not get a share “ from proceeds of resources that now belong to DENR.

There seems to be a confusion as to the role of PAMB in the management of LDNP. As of now, the implementation of the law is being passed to the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu). The position of the PASu therefore is very critical because if the PASu lacks the social skills in dealing with the residents, they may be alienated thus exacubating instead of solving the existing conflicts.