Part II Community-Based Forest Management Program - ppmrn

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• POs in all seven projects covered were not able to uplift their socio
economic condition and manage forest resources as illustrated below:
‣ Except in the case of PMRSP, majority of livelihood projects identified
and implemented during Community Organizing (CO) stage were either
suspended or terminated due to the absence of market for the products,
unavailability or high cost of needed inputs and unsuitable climate. The
failure of livelihood projects can be attributed to inadequate trainings and
feasibility studies.
‣ About 47% of household population within PWRS area were non PO
members and yet, the entire area was awarded to the PO. This hinders the
development of the area particularly those occupied by non-PO members.
‣ Protection activities were not effectively carried out despite requirements
under the CBFMA. Thus, survival rates attained during CSD
implementation were not sustained and forest fires were not prevented or
contained destroying at least 50 and 423 hectares of the established
plantations within the PWRS and DWSP coverage, respectively.
• Policies, procedures and regulations were not effectively implemented
in the following instances:
‣ Project appraisals of DWSP, STAGBAK MRSP and PWRSP were not
thoroughly undertaken. In the case of DWSP, project area contained
mineral deposit which resulted in abnormal/stunted growth of planted
trees within reforestation area and subsequent destruction of affected
portion due to mining activities. On the other hand, at STAGBAK MRSP
and PWRSP, project areas included areas unsuitable for reforestation and
with existing land claims. This adversely affected the smooth
implementation of CSD activities and the survival rates of the established
plantation which were found to be as low as 35.75% and 61.88%,
respectively, as of November 2005 despite massive replanting activities.
‣ The land use plan defined in the Feasibility Study of PWRS was not
strictly observed resulting in increased estimated soil erosion from
303,455 to 390,898.39 tons/year. A portion of the area intended for
Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) with estimated minimal soil erosion
was converted into agro-silvipastural plantation with estimated higher
average erosion. Moreover, inappropriate upland cultivation which
promotes soil erosion is widely practiced within the CBFMA area.
‣ The PO in DWSP was still awarded maintenance and protection contracts
during CBFMA period. Under the CBFMA, POs are obliged to maintain
the CBFMA area at their own expense.
• Inadequate coordination with other government agencies resulted in the
granting of mining permit within the DWSP areas to another PO and
improper maintenance of infrastructure projects turned-over to LGUs;
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