60-hectare forest restoration project set in Leyte

Inquirer files TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — Sixty hectares of land in Capoocan, Leyte, will be restored to forest beginning in December as farmers, government environmental officials and a renewable energy company join forces to revive a watershed and strengthen biodiversity protection in the area. The three-year reforestation project in Barangay Visares will involve planting 37,500 indigenous tree seedlings, transforming an area within the Palaypay watershed and Kahamtikan River system into a developing forest under the Forest for Life: 5 Million Trees by 2028 program. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Energy Development Corp., and the Visares and Sto. Niño Farmers Association (VisFA) are partnering on the project, which also aims to provide livelihood opportunities for members of the local community. Article continues after this advertisement READ: 8 rehabilitated native wildlife returned to Leyte protected park Tree planting is scheduled to begin in December, during the rainy season, when soil moisture and rainfall are expected to improve seedling survival and establishment. Among the species to be planted are yakal, nato, manaybanay and hindang, all indigenous trees suited to the area. The partners are targeting a seedling survival rate of at least 85 percent throughout the project. 3-year initiative Unlike one-time tree-planting activities, the initiative includes three years of maintenance, protection and monitoring to ensure that the seedlings develop into a viable forest. VisFA members will serve as the primary community partners, providing labor for planting and maintenance while conducting regular patrols and monitoring of the reforested areas. The project will provide income opportunities for about 45 farmers. /cb Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.