We aim to address the acute pressures facing Palawans forests by galvanising conservation efforts around ambassador species that are known and are popular locally, and thus can act as flagships for this rapidly diminishing habitat. We work to build conservation capacity by carrying out a conservation projects in Palawan’s forests, concentrating on high profile endemic species and other species that are seriously threatened and for which there is a need for sound information to underpin management needs. The species concerned are the Endangered Palawan peacock-pheasant Polyplectron emphanum, the Vulnerable Palawan hornbill Anthracoceros marchei and the heavily traded Palawan Pangolin Manis culionensis. These species potentially have specialised conservation management needs and, therefore, can be used as models for understanding the impact that different human pressures have on wildlife populations at both local and corridor scales.
Our project explores new ways of delivering biodiversity conservation objectives by ensuring community ownership and participation in site management, rehabilitation/restoration of critically damaged ecosystems in and around the protected areas and address wildlife trade. We are committed to increase the area of land under effective conservation management through local conservation partnerships and by building the conservation capacity of local partners. We also provide backstopping support and capacity building training to local partners and management authorities in Palawan.