Three CSU Faculty researchers attend HCVA-NCA Toolkit training under SIBOL project

Dr. Sherryl Paz an Environmental Science Faculty, Mr. Laurence Calagui and Miss Shirla Calagui Biology Faculty attended a 4-day High Conservation Value Areas- Natural Capital Accounting (HCVA-NCA) Toolkit Writeshop in Seda Vertis North and Cyberpark Tower 1, Quezon City on November 22-25, 2022.

The activity is part of a 5-year  Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscape (SIBOL) Project in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), implemented by the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) together with its consortium partners: Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies, Inc. (REECS), Center for Conservation Innovations (CCI), Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP), and Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

SIBOL aims to improve natural resources governance, sustainably manage natural resources, and reduce environmental crimes by promoting positive environmental behavior in its five key biodiversity areas. The Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) in Surigao del Norte; the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (MMPL), the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) and the Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH) in Palawan; and the Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) in Zambales.

The Philippines High Conservation Value Areas (HCVA) – Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) Framework, or Sukat ng Kalikasan, is one of the key building blocks of SIBOL’s approach in identifying conservation targets and will be instrumental in determining the protection levels and management regimes of PAs. It is meant to provide science-driven, evidence-based, and standardized practical guidance for the national interpretation of HCVs in the country.

The framework is the key in determining the protection levels and management regimes of PAs by identifying and mapping out ecological values of ecosystems, as well as in measuring economic values of ecosystem services to determine trade-offs and aid in decision-making.

The objectives of the writeshop were to introduce the current HCVA-NCA framework of the Philippines to marine and terrestrial experts, and other government agencies; to further develop the toolkit for adoption and implementation; and to secure buy-in of and collaboration between government agencies. SLPaz & JDApdohan/CoFES/pico