The Philippines’ rainforests are on the brink of extinction, with less than 3% of old-growth forest left, predominantly in Palawan.
Leading the charge to conserve these vital ecosystems is conservationist KM Reyes, spearheading efforts through the nonprofit Centre for Sustainability PH (CS).
The Ecological Significance of Palawan
Palawan, an archipelago in the Philippines, is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, encompassing underground rivers, turquoise coastlines, and lush mountain peaks. Recognised as the country’s ‘last ecological frontier’, it has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and hosts two world heritage sites.
Despite these recognitions, Palawan’s ecosystems face numerous threats, including mining, illegal wildlife trade, climate change, and deforestation. According to Global Forest Watch, Palawan experienced the most significant tree cover loss in the Philippines between 2001 and 2023.
KM Reyes and Grassroots Conservation
Karina May Reyes, known as KM, is dedicated to protecting Palawan’s rich biodiversity. She leads the Centre for Sustainability PH (CS), a nonprofit organisation, in efforts to conserve the archipelago through the establishment of national parks.
Reyes highlights that rainforests once covered around 90% of the Philippines. However, less than 3% of intact old-growth forest remains, mainly in Palawan. ‘Our mission is to conserve the Philippines’ last remaining 3% of pristine rainforest through the establishment of national parks,’ she states.
Conserving Cleopatra’s Needle
The CS team’s initial project in 2014 focused on Cleopatra’s Needle, a mystical mountain outside Puerto Princesa. This mountain, named for its obelisk-shaped peak, boasts one of the oldest and most diverse forests in the Philippines, providing a sanctuary for threatened species like the Palawan hornbill, bearcat, and pangolin.
Cleopatra’s Needle is also the ancestral domain of the indigenous Batak tribe, who rely on the forest’s resources for their livelihoods. Reyes emphasises, ‘Without the Batak’s stewardship, we would not have these forests. Their care has preserved these vital ecosystems.’
In collaboration with the Batak people, CS collected extensive data to justify protecting Cleopatra’s Needle, leading to its designation as a critical habitat in 2017. This status bans activities such as mineral extraction, logging, and wildlife trading.
Protecting Sultan Peak
Currently, the CS team is concentrating on Sultan Peak in southern Palawan, which remains unprotected. This area is rich in nickel, crucial for clean energy technologies, yet threatened by mining.
Reyes explains that the target area encompasses 8,000 hectares of pristine rainforest and a vital watershed system. The team is conducting extensive documentation of the region’s flora and fauna, mobilising citizen scientists to contribute to a biodiversity database on the platform iNaturalist.
Despite community support and scientific data, Reyes acknowledges the necessity of political backing. ‘Ultimately, if politicians and decision-makers are not on board, laws to protect these areas cannot be enacted,’ she notes.
The Role of Indigenous Communities
The involvement of local communities, particularly indigenous groups, is crucial in conservation efforts. Indigenous knowledge and stewardship play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of these ecosystems.
Reyes highlights the collaboration with the Batak tribe as a model for future projects. Their sustainable practices and deep connection to the land are invaluable in protecting these rainforests.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While significant progress has been made, challenges persist in securing the necessary legal protections for Palawan’s rainforests. Ongoing threats from industrial activities and climate change require continuous vigilance and advocacy.
Reyes remains optimistic about the future, emphasising the importance of biodiversity not only for environmental health but also for protecting vulnerable communities from climate change impacts.
The preservation of Palawan’s rainforests is critical for biodiversity and the well-being of local communities. Conservationist KM Reyes and her team at the Centre for Sustainability PH demonstrate that dedicated grassroots efforts can make a substantial impact.
While challenges remain, the concerted efforts of communities, scientists, and policymakers can ensure the protection of these irreplaceable ecosystems for future generations.
