Pagudpud, German group tie-up to enhance Patapat Natural Park

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte—The Pagudpud local government in partnership with the German Development Cooperation and various stakeholders from public and private organizations are eyeing the enhancement of the Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park (KPNP), recognized as one of the country’s few remaining rainforests.

With a proposed budget of P3.6 million, the KPNP which covers about 5,737 hectares is home to thousands of flora and fauna species and more than a hundred are considered threatened.

In support of the 60 key biodiversity areas in the Philippines, the KPNP lying in the northernmost part of Ilocos Norte serves as the lungs of Region I and ranks third as major conservation area of the Protected Area Management Enhancement under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

To empower the local community and institute measures to preserve the endangered species in this natural park, Jose Morata, Pagudpud municipal environment officer said local authorities here have initiated the three-year project (2014-2016) to boost eco-tourism and enhance the preservation of the natural park.  

Over the past seven years, the DENR has worked with partners from civil society and the scientific community to perform an intensive assessment of biological data in order to identify key areas for biodiversity conservation. These Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) encompass habitats that are critical to the survival of globally endangered species and to those that are only present in a restricted geographical area.

According to Mr. Morata, the KPNP, declared as a National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) in April 2007 by virtue of Proclamation No. 1275 is being threatened by illegal loggers hence the need to institute sufficient levels of protection by instilling public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and offering sustainable livelihood opportunities for the local community living near the area.

Specifically, the project involves enhancing the management skills and technical expertise of environment personnel at all levels, including a reorganization of competences according to needs.

Aside from monitoring fund implementation, the German Development Cooperation also assured local authorities here to provide technical assistance to manage the existing protected area.