Post by Keneco

A 25-Year Commitment to Protect South Cotabato's Forests and Improve Lives South Cotabato has taken a major step toward protecting its forests and strengthening the future of Indigenous Cultural Communities. The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, led by Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., together with Keneco and the Indigenous Cultural Communities of the Tboli-Blaan, Tboli-Ubo, and Manobo-Tasaday & Manobo-Blit ancestral domains, have entered into a 25-year partnership to conserve forests, restore degraded lands, and create sustainable opportunities for local communities. At the heart of this initiative is a simple idea: the people who have protected these forests for generations should be empowered to continue doing so while improving their quality of life. Why is this important? The forests of South Cotabato provide clean water, protect communities from floods and landslides, support agriculture, shelter wildlife, and help combat climate change. Yet forests across the Philippines continue to face threats from degradation and unsustainable land use. This partnership recognizes that protecting nature and improving lives must go hand in hand. What will this partnership achieve? Over the next 25 years, the CultureLand Project aims to: 🌳 Protect 65,304 hectares of forest 🌱 Restore 2,000 hectares of degraded land 🏡 Help 10,000 households increase their income 🎓 Improve educational opportunities for 10,000 children and youth 💧 Expand access to clean water and health services for 10,000 people 👩 Strengthen economic opportunities and leadership for 10,000 women These are commitments to healthier ecosystems, stronger communities, and a more resilient future. How will it be done? The project combines forest conservation, livelihood development, community well-being, and cultural preservation through: • Forest patrols and protection efforts • Reforestation and biodiversity monitoring • Opportunities for women-led businesses • Educational assistance for students • Potable water systems and health caravans • Support for Indigenous cultural traditions, crafts, and Schools of Living Tradition The initiative also recognizes Indigenous Peoples as stewards of their ancestral lands and values their knowledge and conservation practices as essential to long-term forest protection. Why should the world care? This partnership demonstrates that lasting solutions are possible when governments, Indigenous Cultural Communities, and the private sector work together. The forests of South Cotabato may be located in Mindanao, but their benefits extend far beyond provincial boundaries. Healthy forests store carbon, protect biodiversity, secure water resources, and contribute to a more stable climate. This agreement is more than a signing ceremony. It is a long-term investment in people, nature, and future generations. Together, the partners are working toward a future where thriving forests and thriving communities grow side by side. #Sustainability