The Conservation Estate Since reforestation initiatives began in the 700-hectare Conservation Estate, close to 400,000 seedlings have been planted, including endemic and fruit-bearing trees. The area has become an important wildlife habitat in the Northern Luzon region, and the forests witness an increase in biodiversity as ACEN, with the help of the locals, create an ecologically diverse landscape through analogue forestry. And as the trees grow, the animals return – the forest is now home to 117 species of birds, 33 of which are endemic, and four are classified as vulnerable. Additionally, studies identified the presence of near-threatened monkey species, bats and other animals.

Capacity Building for the Locals With various training workshops to build their skills, local residents learn sustainable farming techniques such as contour hedgerow and watershed systems at ACEN’s model farm in Ilocos Norte. They are also taught how to produce mushrooms, ginger, ube, and other root crops, fruits and vegetables. Today, there are close to 2,000 fruit trees of cacao, coffee, calamansi and cashew flourishing in the farm.

Through its Learning Laboratory project, North Luzon Renewables (NLR) works with the academe in crafting relevant learning materials on environmental awareness for elementary and high school teachers of select schools in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Conceptualized in 2017, the program allows teachers to immerse in NLR’s 625-hectare wind farm to encourage them to integrate topics such as biodiversity, climate change, proper waste management and sustainability in the classrooms.