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Boosting green jobs strengthens wildlife conservation – PEF    

by Gwen Marie De Leon 

Posted on December 7, 2020 

Wildlife%20Cons%20-%20Credits%20SUNSTAR_

Photo from Sunstar

“We believe that if we support forest guarding and it gives better life for the people in the uplands, then that would motivate them to do more conservation than the destruction of natural habitats,” Ibañez said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON conducted a webinar about the Philippine Eagle conservation last June 10 in celebration of the 22nd Philippine Eagle Week. 

With the theme "Pangangalaga ng Buhay-Ilang at Kagubatan, Kalusugan ng Mamayan," DENR CALABARZON invited the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s (PEF) Director of Research and Conservation Jayson Ibañez to discuss the conservation efforts done by the foundation.

 

Ibañez stressed the importance of legitimizing green jobs in encouraging people to take part in safeguarding forests and wildlife.

“We believe that if we support forest guarding and it gives better life for the people in the uplands, then that would motivate them to do more conservation than the destruction of natural habitats,” Ibañez said.

“Conserving eagles is also about saving our future… Every Filipino has a moral obligation to make sure that the forests and eagles are conserved not only for this generation but for the future generations as well,” he added. 

    

It was earlier reported that PEF in Davao City started working on the Forest Guard Program in March 2018. Ibañez explained that the project aims to provide a Scout Ranger Training for the locals in Davao City. 

The course will also be able to prepare the trainees for employment in other areas and even in non-government organizations and local government units.

    

At present, they are still discussing with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the program’s implementation. 

PEF also conducted programs to train the indigenous peoples and local guards to radio track the Philippine eagles, protect them from hunters and preserve their habitat. 

As of June 2020, they already have over 500 forest guards all over the country.

 

Moreover, the PEF provided incentives to generate income for the people in the highlands. 

They started by coordinating with the women in the community and they train the women to make plush toys and help them market the products. 

Ibañez said that motivations such as this “demonstrate that by doing conservation, they can have a better life.” #

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