Participatory mapping and inventorying
Participatory mapping and inventorying of the indigenous communities’ traditional territories. Full documentation and mapping of the ICCA and the ancestral domain, identifying environmentally critical areas using slope, elevation, land cover and land use GIS data was carried out. Capacity building is made part of the process, as the indigenous youth and community leaders are active part of the process - they were trained on use of GPS, inventory and 3D mapping. Community conservation plans are developed with the participation of the entire community, based on the results of mapping, documentation of traditional knowledge and practices on conservation; as well as analyses of threats to both culture that sustains the resource and outside influences Once completed, the IP community engages with other stakeholders such as the local governments, other tribes in the locality, PA Managers, government agencies to present their community conservation plans, seek recognition and support.
The Philippines has a strong law which recognises the rights and domains of indigenous peoples (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act) which provide the enabling framework for engagement with indigenous peoples groups. The protected area law - the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), likewise respect the rights of indigenous peoples within protected areas.
1. It is important that the greater indigenous community groups in the Philippines understand the concept of ICCA before pilot implementation in selected sites. In this way, there is broad support from the sector on the approach, improve confidence building and trust in an environment where the establishment of nationally gazetted PAs have alienated some sections of the indigenous peoples. 2. The local community should have strong ownership of the processes, with guidance from a support organization that is fully trusted by the community. 3. Engagement with neighbouring IP groups and local governments is important, to ensure coherence in planning, and avoid misunderstanding. This way, a coalition of support is developed in the process. 4. Support to implementation and strengthening of Ip communities is important to sustain implementation of community conservation plans.