In a joint effort to promote sustainable forest management and protect the ancestral domains of the Mandaya and Kagan tribes, the BaiAni Foundation and Kennemer Eco Solutions have recognized the critical role of strengthening Indigenous peoples' governance. With this understanding, BaiAni and KenEco are extending full support to the indigenous communities by supporting regular meetings, capacity-building initiatives, and other similar undertakings.

By acknowledging the importance of Indigenous Political Structures within the tribal communities, the Provincial Tribal Council of Davao Oriental holds monthly meetings to discuss progress, reports, and issues on the management of their areas. These gatherings serve as a platform for members of the Mandaya and Kagan tribes to collaboratively make decisions that impact their ancestral domains positively.

BaiAni Foundation and Kennemer Eco Solutions firmly believe that empowering Indigenous governance is essential for effective forest management. By involving local communities in decision-making processes, the preservation of natural resources and ecological balance can be ensured for future generations.

This support is an essential component of KenEco’s climate program called Mindanao Forest for People and Sustainable Livelihoods (MinFor) project that aims to engage indigenous communities through forest conservation and protection, sustainable livelihood, and socio-cultural/community well-being activities.

"Our collaboration with the Indigenous communities is founded on the principle that those who have lived in harmony with nature for generations are the best stewards of their ancestral lands," said Maje Egento from BaiAni Foundation. "We are committed to supporting their initiatives and providing resources for capacity building, which will strengthen their governance structures and foster sustainable practices."

“I am pleased to acknowledge the approach taken by BaiAni Foundation and Kennemer Eco Solutions, which has earned genuine appreciation from our Indigenous communities. We firmly believe that the collaborative efforts between these organizations and our tribal councils will pave the way for enhanced forest management strategies, responsible and sustainable resource utilization, and, above all, the vital protection of our cherished environment,” saide Eleuterio Manaytay, the Chairman of Provincial Tribal Council of Davao Oriental.

As environmental concerns grow and the importance of Indigenous knowledge becomes increasingly recognized on a global scale, initiatives like these set an encouraging example for the rest of the world. The collaborative efforts in Davao Oriental are a testament to the power of empowering local communities in the pursuit of environmental conservation.