3 million trees for the Philippine Eagle
GCash users may join the GForest initiative where digital activities turn into Green Energy, which can then be used to plant native trees.
The campaign’s goal is to create a thriving ecosystem for the Philippine eagle and other wildlife, while also enhancing carbon sinks and providing benefits to local communities. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GLOBE
The Philippine Eagle Foundation is launching an initiative aimed at restoring forest habitats and supporting the conservation of the critically endangered Philippine eagle.
This ambitious campaign involves a massive reforestation effort encompassing 1,200 hectares that cover nine nesting sites in Mindanao. The campaign's goal is to plant three million fruit-bearing and endemic trees by 3 March 2024, to create a thriving ecosystem for the Philippine eagle and other wildlife, while also enhancing carbon sinks and providing benefits to local communities.
The PEF, in collaboration with nine Indigenous ethnolinguistic groups and netizens, will undertake this forest restoration campaign. The project aims to protect biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, address rural poverty and revitalize Indigenous culture through a comprehensive effort that includes forest restoration and agroforestry techniques.
"Nakita ko sa mga mata ng mga agila ang malinaw na mensahe na ninanais nito para sa kanilang lahi — na mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong humayo, magparami, at mabuhay ng malaya. Kaya G na G ako sa campaign na ito. Makiisa tayong lahat sa pagpapalaganap ng ating mga kagubatan na siyang tahanan ng ating pambansang ibon" (I saw in the eagle's eyes the clear message that they want to be given the chance to thrive and live freely. That's why I'm gung-ho for this campaign. Let's all join hands to enlarge our forests that serve as the home of our national bird), said Kim Atienza, TV host and Philippine Eagle Conservation champion.
Dennis Salvador, executive director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, added: "Ang mga agila, tulad natin, nangangailangan ng ligtas na tahanan upang mabuhay ng mapayapa kasama ang pamilya. Sa ligtas na kapaligiran rin tayo naghahanap ng makakain at iba pang mga pangangailangan sa araw-araw. Ngunit 'di tulad natin, ang mga agila ay walang kakayahan na magpalaganap ng sarili nilang kagubatan samantalang tayo, mayroon at pwede tayong magtulungan para sa kanila" (Eagles, like us, need safe home so they can live in peace with their families. We also look for food and other needs in safe spaces. But, unlike us, eagles don't have the power to protect and enlarge the forests they live in, while we have that power and can help do that for them).
The Globe Group, a staunch advocate of sustainability, is in full support of this initiative.