Partnerships
Samar State University
Samar State University, located in Catbalogan City, Samar, has been an instrumental partner in advancing the goals of the CONserve KAIGANGAN Program. Through the leadership of Assistant Professor Diana Shane Balindo, Project 4 successfully established the Kaigangan Nursery—a vital initiative that supports conservation and sustainable livelihood efforts. The nursery, now actively managed by BOSIS, continues to serve as a hub for ecological restoration and community engagement.
Complementing this, Dr. Edelyn Echapare spearheads capacity-building activities focused on developing technologies rooted in the sustainable utilization of the rich natural resources within the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). Her work plays a crucial role in bridging scientific research and practical application for long-term environmental stewardship.
Eastern Samar State University
Eastern Samar State University, located in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, has made a significant contribution to the CONserve KAIGANGAN Program through the expertise of Project Staff member Dr. Noba Hilvano. Dr. Hilvano has authored insightful articles highlighting the program’s key findings, including a comprehensive gender analysis of local community participation in biodiversity conservation efforts within the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). Her work also explores community perceptions and the impact of various extension activities, providing valuable data that informs sustainable conservation practices and community engagement strategies.
Samar Island Natural Park (SINP)
Headed by the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu), Leona Tumamak, the staff of the SINP Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) and the CONserve-KAIGANGAN project team have worked hand-in-hand in the research and conservation initiatives. The research and studies through the publication of scientific articles helped the SINP’s nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Park.
Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape (GMRPLS)
Lead by the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Vivian Cuadra, GMRPLS Protected Area Management Officers and CONserve-KAIGANGAN researches and project staff, GMRPLS was studied to host in diverse flora and fauna only existent in the Samar Island.
Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro (BOSIS)
This PO is a bearer of a Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA), which provides tenurial security to its members and incentives to develop, utilize, and manage specific portions of the forest. BOSIS has partnered with CONserve-KAIGANGAN since the initial phase of the project and has contributed to reaching its goals. Together with the President of BOSIS, Mr. Danilo Miralles, the program has empowered the PO and its members in capacitating the locals in the conservation and protection of the SINP’s diverse flora and fauna.
Tour Guides & Boat Operators for River Protection & Environmental Development Organization (TORPEDO)
TORPEDO was recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in 2018 for its exemplary contributions to community-based eco-tourism. Since 2019, TORPEDO, led by Mr. Eugene Igdalino, has been an active partner in the CONserve KAIGANGAN Project, engaging in biodiversity conservation efforts and participating in research forums. They also offer the Torpedo Extreme Boat Adventure, a thrilling river ride navigating the Rapids of the Ulot River. This adventure not only provides tourists with an adrenaline-pumping experience but also educates them on the importance of river conservation.