THE ENHANCED National Greening Program (ENGP) initiated in 2011 has brought a wave of greenery to Western Visayas by planting trees across degraded areas. The ambitious goal to reforest 309,000 hectares by 2028 promises ecological renewal. Integral to this vision is the role of local communities, whose engagement through the Community-Based Forest Management Agreements (CBFMA) has proven important.
These community-based agreements are foundational strategies for ensuring the sustainability of reforestation efforts. By involving local communities in the management and protection of forests, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 has tapped into an invaluable resource: the indigenous knowledge and vested interest of those who live closest to these lands.
The success of these initiatives is evident in the numbers. Since the program’s inception, over 118,982.68 hectares have been reforested – proof to the effective collaboration between the government and the community. More importantly, the survival rate of the planted areas (averaging 87.205 percent) affirms the benefits of community stewardship in fostering young saplings into mature forests.
However, beyond just planting trees, reforestation involves nurturing the trees, protecting them from threats such as illegal logging and managing the impact of human activities. Here, community involvement is crucial. Local residents, empowered by the CBFMA, become the frontline defenders of these green assets. They are not only motivated by the stipends or benefits that come with the agreements but by the deeper recognition of their role as custodians of nature.
This model of community engagement also brings economic benefits. It provides jobs, supports local economies, and enhances social cohesion by rallying community efforts towards a common goal. It also instills a sense of ownership among the locals, making the success of reforestation a shared interest, thus increasing the likelihood of long-term sustainability.
Western Visayas’ approach to community involvement in reforestation is a blueprint for other regions. When communities are engaged and empowered, they can effectively contribute to and benefit from environmental conservation efforts.
As Region 6 continues to green its landscapes, the lessons learned here should inspire broader adoption of community-centric conservation practices. Sustainable reforestation must be rooted in community involvement that sustain these efforts. By nurturing these roots, we ensure that the forests we grow stand tall for generations to come.
