The Gender Dimension in Mitigating Climate Change in Mt. Malindang Rainforestation Project (Phase III), Southern Philippines

The socioeconomic monitoring for Phase III of the Rainforestation Project was carried out on April 20-24, 2012 employing survey, key informant interviews, observation, and secondary data among the indigenous peoples (IPs) of the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park in Oroquieta, Southern Philippines.  This phase followed up on the employment and income effects and looked into improvements in the living condition, access to social services, attitudinal changes pertaining to the environment, and the role of IP women in the rainforestation project. It also investigated the social articulation effects to the beneficiary communities in two core and three buffer zones. 

The establishment of village forests, vermiculture, goat raising, and the planting of indigenous species of trees on steep slopes and around old-growth forests to protect biodiversity are climate change adaptation projects that have taken the pressure off the forest. Poverty reduction through food security and   livelihood security of the people living in the communities increases climate change adaptation and makes people more resilient to disasters.

Findings of the study also show strong women involvement in the nursery and in the rainforestation site. Working in the village forests is more compatible with the performance of the Subanen women’s role in child rearing and doing household chores.  Of the five team leaders in the project, two are women team leaders indicating the project management’s thrust in women’s capability to nurture the environment.