KissMyCountry has connected with the Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources for our Philippines t-shirt.  Enjoy reading about this group – and consider a KissMyCountry t-shirt to show your love for the Philippines!  A portion of each t-shirt sold will benefit the Haribon Foundation’s efforts to save Philippine ecosystems from development.

“The Philippines has less than 20% forest cover and we need 54% to regulate ecological processes and that includes the forest’s ability to provide us with a steady supply of water for irrigation, industry and domestic needs – drinking, cooking, washing, etc.”  – Annabelle Plantilla, Director, Organizational Sustainability Group, Haribon Foundation

Preserving the Ecosystem in the Philippines Since 1972
The Haribon Foundation, based in Quezon City, was formed in 1972 as a bird watching society to preserve the Philippine Eagle.  The group began by studying the little known ecology of the Philippine Eagle and looking for the most effective way to conserve this bird of prey.   The organization quickly grew to a full-fledged nature conservation foundation dedicated to preserving Philippine ecosystems.  Combining science and research with campaigns against industrial development, the Haribon Foundation is a leader among conservation groups in Asia.   They are the first organization to enter into a Debt-For-Nature Swap Program and have a 30-year history of creating programs and relationships with leading environmental organizations around the world.  We applaud their efforts and the role they have played to inspire other environmental groups in Asia.

ROAD to 2020
Rainforestation Organizations and Advocates (ROAD) to 2020 is the Haribon Foundation’s primary focus today.  “Our major advocacy now is ROAD to 2020 which aims to restore 1 million hectares of forest by using native tree species.  The Philippines has less than 20% forest cover and we need 54% to regulate ecological processes and that includes the forest’s ability to provide us with a steady supply of water for irrigation, industry and domestic needs – drinking, cooking, washing, etc.  As of now we have only planted roughly 300 hectares.”  says Anabelle Plantilla, Director, Organizational Sustainability Group, Haribon Foundation.   A map of ROAD to 2020 sites is on the Foundation’s web site.

Rainforestation, not Reforestation  to Restore and Support Ecosystems
The Haribon Foundation’s programs reflect their understanding of the Philippine’s ecosystems.  Their logo, the ‘tree symbol’ has nine leaves to signify the nine ecosystems of the Philippines – rainforest, savannah, desert, grassland, deciduous forest, mixed forest, mediterarnean, taiga, and arctic tundra.   The ROAD to 2020’s ‘Rainforestation, not Reforestation’ program is an excellent example of the Foundation’s careful work.  By using a variety of native tree species  for reforestation rather than exotic or ‘foreign’ tree species, rainforestation restores the ecological benefits of a healthy forest.  A healthy forest will provide rich populations of animals and plants, stable abundant water supply and a rainforest that provides protection against natural disasters such as typhoons and landslides.  This is the goal of the Haribon Foundation’s ROAD to 2020.  The Foundation has partnered with Leyte State University for this project, again emphasizing a commitment to programs based in academic study.

Give a Gift Tree to Plant Seedlings for Rainforestation
The Haribon Foundation has many ways for people to support ROAD to 2020.  The Give a Gift Tree, at a cost of PhP100 (about $2.50) is perfect for wedding favors, baby gifts, anniversaries, Earth Day celebrations and fundraisers.  Each Gift Tree comes with a commitment to plant one native tree seedling and provide the giver with a gift certificate in one of several Animalaya designs showing Philippine wildlife.  “Donations can be made online or can be paid directly to our bank account.  Each seedling costs PhP100 and benefits local communities that we work with.  Communities supply the seedlings and maintain them to ensure survival.  We also provide them with the necessary training to be effective stewards of the forest.” says Annabelle Plantilla.

Enter the Million Hectare Walk or Volunteer for Haribon
Supporters can also participate in the Million Hectare Walk which is held annually in November.  For the last three years the Walk has taken place at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center in Quezon City.  There are two routes, the 300-meter path and the 1.5-km path.  Not a walker but still want to support?  Non-walkers can participate by pledging at least seventy-five pesos (P75.00) per lap for a registered walker or by being a volunteer during the event.  The key is participation!  Volunteer Opportunities also exist if you are living or spending time in the Philippines.  Volunteers are an important part of Haribon’s ability to accomplish their goals, and volunteers are needed to do legwork for campaigns, to produce educational materials, and to do research.  Although most volunteer opportunities are in metro Manila, volunteers are sometimes needed at sites outside the city. 

We wish the Haribon Foundation all the best in their efforts, and know that they will continue to succeed and inspire others.  KissMyCounty is donating a portion of sales from each Philippines t-shirt to the Haribon Foundation, so you are planting a tree for Haribon when you buy a t-shirt!  If you would like to do more, please visit the Haribon Foundation’s website, email act@haribon.org.ph or call them at 434-4642/421-1213.