Indigenous Forest Guards Trained on Environmental Laws and Processes in Davao Oriental
Eighteen Tonggo nang Kagul'langan (Forest guards) from the Mati and Tarragona ancestral domains in Davao Oriental gathered at Don Enrique Lopez, Mati City, on February 12-13, 2024, for a comprehensive training program focused on environmental laws related to environmental legal processes. Organized by Kennemer in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Davao Region and Indigenous Peoples Structures of Manay and Caraga municipalities, the training aimed to enhance the forest guards' understanding of key legal framework vital to their roles in safeguarding the environment.
The training sessions covered various topics, including environmental legislation, enforcement procedures, evidence gathering,and case management strategies. This initiative plays a pivotal role in equipping the forest guards with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively protect their ancestral lands and contribute to environmental conservation efforts in the region.
Gualberto Cagunan, the Municipal Tribal Chieftain of Mati City, expressed his appreciation for the significant contribution of Tonggo nang Kagul’langan in strengthening forest conservation endeavors. He emphasized the importance of community-based approaches in promoting sustainable practices and maintaining ecological balance in Davao Oriental's ancestral lands.
This training marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to empower indigenous communities in Davao Oriental. In November 2023, a similar training program was conducted for forest guards from Manay and Caraga municipalities, resulting in the capacitation of 38 indigenous forest guards. These initiatives underscore the commitment of all stakeholders to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of local forest protection efforts. *
These efforts are part of the TRANSFORM Activity, a partnership of USAID and Kennemer Foods International, focusing on sustainable development, forest protection, land restoration, and livelihood promotion in focus areas in Mindanao.*
