We have implemented an analogue forestry to enhance the forest quality inside the NLR wind farm and adopted an agroforestry system to ensure conservation of the area. We have also procured eight camera traps to monitor the movements of wildlife species inside the windfarm, especially for the cloud rat and the Philippine duck. We have also continuously conducted IEC campaigns in the localities to promote the conservation of wildlife species in the area and implemented a forest protection program against illegal activities that might affect the habitat of some key animal species. A wildlife enclosure will also be constructed in 2023 to support rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured fauna found in the wind farm.

Progress highlights:
Conservation Estate

Seedlings produced since 2014
~706,000
Trees planted in over 356 hectares of land since 2014
~500,000
Tree survival rate*
92%

*Average based on 5% sampling intensity from 2014 to 2021

In Ilocos Norte, the forests witness an increase in biodiversity as ACEN and its partners create an ecologically diverse landscape through analogue forestry.

Part of our Conservation Estate is also our Sea Turtle “Pawikan” Conservation Action Plan in the coastal communities of Ilocos Norte. In Bangui Bay, three out of five species found in the Philippines were recorded to have established a nesting and feeding habitats along the 9-km shoreline: the vulnerable olive ridley sea turtle, endangered green sea turtle and critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle.

In 2022, through our continuous efforts and partnership with the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP), we conducted a three-day Pawikan Training attended by over 50 individuals from the local government units of Pagudpud and Bangui, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other local volunteers. The training equipped participants with the principles and procedures on marine turtle conservation and research, including nesting beach and hatchery management, among other concerns.

Based on the training, we have begun to apply improvements in our approach, including retrofitting of Pawikan hatcheries to replace concrete and metal with indigenous materials so as not to affect the hatchlings’ navigation as they begin their journey to the ocean.

Based on the training, we have begun to apply improvements in our approach, including retrofitting of Pawikan hatcheries to replace concrete and metal with indigenous materials so as not to affect the hatchlings’ navigation as they begin their journey to the ocean.

Several stakeholder consultation dialogues were also held with the DENR, Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), provincial government of Ilocos Norte, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and the local governments of Pagudpud and Bangui to strengthen multi-stakeholder approach in conserving the species.

For 2023, we’re looking at increasing local and tourist awareness on sea turtle conservation through future activities at our Pawikan Information Center and an expanded IEC campaign in schools and with fisherfolk communities, tourism souvenir merchants and other local stakeholders. We also plan to provide training and support for our local Bantay Dagat (community-based coastal patrol) on sea turtle patrolling.

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