Project Description:
The remaining forest of the Polillo Group of Islands is reduced to about 19% of its total land area, primary due to extensive commercial logging between 1950s and 1980s. Threats to biodivesity that need to be addressed are identified as follows: continuous forest fragmentation; continuing extraction by communities of forest resources such as fuel wood; lack of effective measures in forest protection and rehabilitation.

This project attempts to address issues related to threatened species and habitat fragmentation in the Polillos by mobilizing communities for habitat protection and restoration through strengthening of Bantay Kalikasan brigades. This project will also enhance wildlife corridors in agricultural areas through the introduction of agroforestry technologies to abate forest fragmentation.

Biodiversity characteristics/ value:
The Polilio Group of Islands is an identified Key Biodiversity Area. It is home to seven bird endemic sub-species such as PolilloTarictic hornbill, White-browed shama, Polillo hawk, Blue-naped parrot, Blue-backed parrot, Polillo flame-back, Polillo Trogon; threatened species such as Philippine Cockatoo (critically endangered), Philippine Duck, Butaan Monitor Lizard; and other notable species such as Butiki Pandan, Polilio Forest Frog (endangered).

The wide range of species available in the Polillos is attributed to the variety of habitat types found in the area. These habitats include the entirely classified lowland evergreen forest, forest over limestone, caves, mangroves, as well as coastal and marine habitats. The species composition and habitat types in the Polillos make it as a sub-center of endemism within the Luzon Biogeographic Region of the Philippines.

Biodiversity characteristics/ value:
The Polilio Group of Islands is an identified Key Biodiversity Area. It is home to seven bird endemic sub-species such as PolilloTarictic hornbill, White-browed shama, Polillo hawk, Blue-naped parrot, Blue-backed parrot, Polillo flame-back, Polillo Trogon; threatened species such as Philippine Cockatoo (critically endangered), Philippine Duck, Butaan Monitor Lizard; and other notable species such as Butiki Pandan, Polilio Forest Frog (endangered).

The wide range of species available in the Polillos is attributed to the variety of habitat types found in the area. These habitats include the entirely classified lowland evergreen forest, forest over limestone, caves, mangroves, as well as coastal and marine habitats. The species composition and habitat types in the Polillos make it as a sub-center of endemism within the Luzon Biogeographic Region of the Philippines.

General Objective:
Island wide federation of Bantay Kalikasan formed and effectively operational in curtailing destructive forest activities and habitat restoration sites established and sustained

Specific Objctives:
1. To facilitate the formation and strenghtening of the different Bantay Kalikasan groups in the five municipalities of the Polillo Group of Islands
2. To establish terrestria habitat restoration sites that would showcase assisted natural regeneration and agroforestry as wildlife corridors
3. To enhance conservation awareness of communities through production and distribution of appropriate communication messages and mediums
4. To explore participation of Bantay Kalikasan in ecotourism development of local governments

Target Outputs - Indicators
1. Conducted orientation on biodiversity and community based forest protection scheme in Patnanungan and Jomalig with potential candidates and barangay and municipal LGUs
>Core group of Bantay Kalikasan duly endorsed by barangay and municipal LGUs
>Initial operation plan

2. At least 70 BK members participated in the paralegal and wildlife and habitat monitoring training
>List of candidates for deputation as DENROs
>BK monitoring plan

3.Requirements for deputation order of candidates for DENRO submitted to DENR
>Applications and requirements for deputation

4. BK group in each municipality operational
>BK monthly monitoring and patrolling

5. BK Organizational enhancement training conducted
>Operational system of BK established

6. 10 hectares Assisted Natural Regeneration and 10 hectares agroforestry sites identified
>Habitat restoration sites indicative map

7. Training on habitat restoration conducted
>Skills training conducted

8. Cross-visit
>Participants acquired additional skills and knowledge in habitat restoration

9. Established Assisted Natural Regeneration and agroforestry sites
>20 hectares restoration sites established
>Provided livelihood augmentation to habitat restoration participans

10. Sustainability plan and mechanisms in place
>At least 80% survival rate of established plantation

11. audio-visual materials produced in local dialect on biodiversity importance of the Polillo Group of Islands
>One audio-visual materials produced in local dialect
>Produced audio visual material showed/presented in 28 barangays covered by the project reaching at least 16,477 individuals (20% of the population of barangays)

12. Produced biodiversity handbook produced
>one handbook developed printed
>500 copies of handbook distributed in different shools of 28 barangays covered by the project

13. Produced biodiversity alphabet poster
>Produced 5,000 copies of Polillo biodiversity alphabet
>Posters distributed in the different schools in 28 barangays covered by the project

14. Potential ecotourism sites identified
>Ecotourism site profiles

15. Initial ecotourism plan prepared with pilot ecotourism product
>Initial ecotourism plan and product

16. Selected BK members identified and trained for pilot ecotourism product
>Trained BK recognized by LGUs for ecotourism development