| Abstract |
The establishment of a model geothermal project at the northwestern flank of Mt. Apo National Park in the early 1990s was perhaps one of the most challenging undertaking of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC). Issues on the area’s status as a natural park, loss of biodiversity, as well as the plight of indigenous peoples were raised against the project at the start of its development. In an effort to address these issues, the company employed the most tangible environmental program, which is reforestation. After identifying more than a hundred hectare of open grassland found several meters from the peak of Mt. Apo, the company organized the tribal communities around its project area, forming these into peoples organizations. These were then tapped in the different phases of the reforestation project such as seedling production, establishment, maintenance and protection, which provided them alternative livelihood opportunities. EDC staff, together with the indigenous peoples, joined hands in restoring the southwestern side of the mountain, braving extreme hot weather during dry season and even frost during the colder months. The company has now reforested 700 hectares of open grassland now fully planted with more than 1,000,000 seedlings of indigenous forest species commonly known as tinikaran (Leptospermun flavescens). After more than a decade, some of the trees are now 7-foot tall and are starting to have a close canopy. Wildlife like birds and wild boars were observed to be returning to the once barren area. Through this project, upland communities were lured away from doing destructive forest activities such as slash-and-burn farming, timber poaching and forest products gathering, and eventually became partners of the company in protecting Mt. Apo’s forests. Lately, the company has tied up with the local government units (LGU) in restoring other portions of the mountain. Definitely, the company’s program to reforest denuded portions of the country’s highest mountain is now recognized by local agencies, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and the LGUs as an effective environmental measure, after its flagship reforestation project proved that indeed geothermal development could harmoniously co-exist with the environment. |