| Abstract |
The establishment of a model geothermal proiect at the northwesternf tank of Mt. Apo NationalP ark in the earty 1990s was perhaps one of the most challenging environmental undertaking of the PNOC Energy Devetopment Corporation( PNOC EDC). Issuess uch as the area being a natural park, loss of biodiversity and the ptight of indigenous peoples were raised againstt he project at the start of its development. ln an effort to address fhese issues, the company emptoyed the most tangible environmental project, which is reforestation. After identifying more than a hundred hectare of open grass/an d found seyer al metersf rom the peak of Mt. Apo, the company organized the tribal communities around rfs project area, forming these into peoples' organizations. Thesew ere then tapped in the different phases of the reforestation proiect such as see dling production, esfab/lsh ment, maintenance and protection, which provided them alternative livelihood opportunities. The company has now reforested 635 hectares of open grassland fully planted with more than 1,500,000i ndigenous forest species commonly known as tinikaran (Leptospermun flavescens). After more than a decade. Some of the trees are now 7-feet tall and are starting to have a close canopy. Birds and wild boars on the other hand are observed to be flocking again in the once barren area. Lately, the company has tied-up with the local government units (LGU) in restoring other portions of the mountain. For the past decade, the company's attempt to reforest denuded portions of the country's highest mountain is now stowty being recognized by local agencies, nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and LGUs after its flagship reforestation proiect proved that indeed geothermal development could co-exist in harmony with the environment. |