Safeguard a Unique Philippine Island from Expanding Mines
Support More Work Like ThisSupport More Work Like ThisExploitation of Dinagat Island’s rich mineral deposits threatens vulnerable birds, mammals, and water resources.
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Species at Risk
Philippine Cockatoo (CR), Short-haired Paphiopedilum (EN), Lono-lono (CR), Dinagat Gymnure (EN), Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat (EN)
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Carbon stored
9,164,517 mT*
*(metric tons of CO2 equivalents) -
Partner
Kaisahan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan
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50,000 Proposed Acres Conserved by
Local Community Conserved Areas
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Project Cost: $1,013,833
50,000
Exploitation of Dinagat Island’s rich mineral deposits threatens vulnerable birds, mammals, and water resources.
-
Species at Risk
Philippine Cockatoo (CR), Short-haired Paphiopedilum (EN), Lono-lono (CR), Dinagat Gymnure (EN), Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat (EN)
-
Carbon stored
9,164,517 mT*
*(metric tons of CO2 equivalents) -
Partner
Kaisahan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan
-
50,000 Proposed Acres Conserved by
Local Community Conserved Areas
-
Project Cost: £811,066
50,000
Project Updates
Progress towards achieving remaining protections
The partner continue to host community consultations and government stakeholder engagement meetings for the remaining areas targeted for protection ordinances. These discussions include watershed boundary mapping, livelihood needs, and legislative processes. They have conducted drone mapping and aerial surveys as well.
A small island in the Philippine archipelago hosts an abundance of 432 native plant species that compose six different forest habitats. The forests on Dinagat Island shelter a range of threatened bird species, as well as unique bats and several rare rats. The island is also exceptionally rich in mineral deposits and, in the 1930s, the government proclaimed it to be a mineral reservation area. Today, existing mining applications and agreements are circumscribed across the island.
Rainforest Trust is supporting our partner, Kaisahan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan in establishing 50,000 acres of species-rich rainforest as Local Community Conserved Areas, effectively blocking any new or expanded mining activities.
Header photo: Philippine Cockatoo, courtesy of Nishath Riswan
Explore the Forests of Dinagat Island
Mindanao Flying Lizard, courtesy of © Earl Maglangit
Almaciga, courtesy of © Rolly Caballero
Philippine Cockatoo, courtesy of Slowmotiongli
The Golden-capped Fruit Bat, with a wingspan of
is among the largest bat species.
Prevent Mining from Destroying Rainforests
Several active mining exploration and exploitation concessions overlap the proposed conserved area boundaries. A ban on open-pit mining was lifted in late 2021, making the urgency of protecting these rainforests even greater.
Nearly half of the proposed project area is a critical watershed for Dinagat Island’s limited water resources. The island is vulnerable to climate change, and in addition to their ecological function, these watershed areas serve as natural barriers against extreme weather events. A comprehensive watershed management plan will be incorporated into community-level plans.
This initiative builds on Rainforest Trust’s support in 2017 to help protect the adjacent Sambonotan Watershed Area and the Gibusong Wildlife Sanctuary for threatened endemic species.
Help Prevent the Extinction of Restricted-range and Endemic Species
This project safeguards the Critically Endangered Philippine Cockatoo. The largest bat in the world, the Golden-capped Fruit Bat (aka the Golden-crowned Flying Fox) and the Endangered Rickart’s Dyak Fruit Bat live within the project area, as do other rare mammals like the recently re-identified Critically Endangered Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat, and the Endangered Dinagat Hairy-tailed Rat and Dinagat Gymnure.
Support Communities in Sustainable-use Management of Rainforests
The value of biodiversity conservation and the potential for thriving ecotourism are gaining recognition on Dinagat Island. Sustainable-use activities currently practiced by communities within the proposed Local Community Conserved Areas will be permitted. An Advisory Council composed of representatives from local communities and government will be responsible for managing these areas and supporting a gradual shift of livelihoods to sustainable options.
We Value Transparency.
Conservation work is critical, challenging, and can be costly. We work hard to ensure we raise only the funds needed for each project. In the rare case we raise more money than needed or a project comes in under budget, excess monies will be transferred to the Conservation Action Fund. This fund supports our important conservation work throughout the tropics.
Learn more about the Conservation Action FundLearn more about the Conservation Action Fund
Partnering to Save Rainforest
Our partners’ ability to work with their governments and build strong connections with local communities ensures the successful implementation of our projects.
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