PEMO, partners conduct resource assessment, mapping in tarsier sanctuary

By Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.

Wednesday 14th of March 2012

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 14 (PIA) – South Cotabato’s Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) and other program partners recently conducted a Community-based Resource Assessment and Mapping (CBRAM) in four sub-villages in Barangay Linan, Tupi to map out the biophysical and cultural resources of an identified tarsier sanctuary in the province.

PEMO, together with the Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLDA) and the Tarsier Research and conservation core group, began the CBRAM in January, this year.

The conservation core group is composed of Tupi Tourism, Information and Environment (TIE) Office, the province’s Arts, Culture, Tourism, Sports & Museum (ACTS) Services, Linan Barangay Council and foreign NGO Endangered Species International (ESI).

The resource assessment and mapping was conducted in Purok Bagong Silang, Fortuna, Malipayon and Bayanihan, in which approximately 800 hectares of land area were included in the survey.

Based on the initial findings of the CBRAM, the team recommended the planting of indigenous species in the target tarsier sanctuary, particularly suitable tree species for the existence of the tarsiers.

Likewise, they recommended the conduct of capability-building training on homestead tourism and ecological tourism for the stakeholders in the community.

“We also suggested the crafting, if not the strengthening, of local ordinances pertaining to environmental management and protection, and eco-tourism,” Forester Mary Jane of PEMO added.

Putting up of signage in strategic points in the community was likewise suggested in their report.

But the team requested for a validation of the initial data gathered for the CBRAM process.

“The validation may help redefine the boundaries of locations and maps of the puroks, comparing it with the initially generated maps identified by ESI,” Manlisis further added.

The team also hoped that the validation will also define the areas of the claimants/owners and may encourage them to donate areas for the target tarsier sanctuary.

Aside from Manlisis, the CBRAM report was signed by Rogelio Calmita, PEMO Community Development Officer and Louie Pacardo, AVLDA Project Officer – South Cotabato. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/FCSumagaysay/SoCot-PIO)