What is CONserve-KAIGANGAN?

CONserve-KAIGANGAN (Assessment and Conservation of Forest Over Limestone Ecosystem Biodiversity in Selected Municipalities of Samar Island, Philippines) is a biodiversity program with the mission to assess and conserve the biodiversity in kaigangan (Samar local dialect for forests over limestone) towards sustainable management in Samar Island, Philippines. The municipalities of Paranas, Taft, and Guiuan were selected as study areas of this program due to their intact vegetation, noteworthy biodiversity, geological differences, active peoples’ organization, and are relatively safe from insurgencies.

Why Samar?

Samar Island has one of the most extensive forests over limestone in the country, and yet, there is little information on the biodiversity therein. Comprehensive assessment of biodiversity and community structure in its forests over limestone will contribute to the sustainable management of kaigangan in its municipalities. It will also provide guidance on the management of economically and culturally important species.

There is insufficient information regarding floral and faunal communities and their interaction in forest over limestone of Paranas, Taft, and Guiuan of Samar Island. Findings from this study will be used in crafting appropriate and strategic sustainable management initiative activities towards the proper use of the unique resource as a watershed, ecotourism destination, and as a source of livelihood for the many dependent villagers.

This program will benefit local communities, the local government unit, and the Samar Island in general. It can also uncover socio-economically and culturally important native plant species and unique endemics relevant to various community-based initiatives.

CONserve-KAIGANGAN and the SDGs

The UN Sustainable Development Goals is composed of 17 interconnected global goals that aims to meet the unrelenting environmental, political, and economic challenges facing our world. It is a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. SDGs cover issues that affect us all and it requires the partnership of governments, private sector, civil society and citizens alike to make sure we leave a better planet for future generations.

As a biodiversity program, CONserve-KAIGANGAN supports the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research covers interconnected goals of the SDGs such as no poverty (Goal 1), zero hunger (Goal 2), quality education (Goal 4), decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11), responsible consumption and production (Goal 12), climate action (Goal 13), life below water (Goal 14), life on land (15), and partnership for the goals (17). Fulfilling SDGs conserves and enhances Philippine megabiodiversity.