Polillio Islands biodiversity conservation programme: annual report

Significant activities of PIBCFI include participation in the 2nd FFI partners meeting and PBCP workshop, WBCP Bird Festival, South Luzon Zonal Center for Aquatic R and D symposium, WCSP 14th Philippine Biodiversity symposium, IUCN Global Mammal Assessment, and 3rd Tayabas Province studies conference. Several in-house workshops facilitated strategic planning for PIBCP, prioritized projects and streamlined organizational set-up of PIBCFI. On-going collaborative research projects were also successfully conducted, particularly with Katala Foundation's Philippine Cockatoo project, Butaan Ecology study with Daniel Benneth, UPLB Museum of Natural History terrestrial fauna and flora survey, and with Center for Environmental Awareness and Education documentary on Philippine biodiversity. PESP helped implement the 2006 Polillo Tarictic Festival that widely embraced an environmental theme, which facilitated similar involvement in tour fiestas on Burdeos and Panukulan. Included were parades of Tarictic hornbill mascots, set-up of science exhibit, kite flying contest, documentary film showing and eco-cultural presentations. Ecology-stewards were invaluable in the execution of field researches and monitoring of key island wildlife on Polillo being instrumental in the discovery of new records and taxa. PESP provided support to studies on aquatic ecosystems - Chester Zoo's freshwater fish survey, and Coral Cay Conservation's survey of coral reefs. Significant records of freshwater and marine fishes include the rare Pygmy Goby. Funds for procurement of municipal boats aiding coastal patrol were also facilitated thru Congress with initiative of PESP. In its 2nd year, PCBCSPI had implemented key activities promoting greater local awareness and direct participation of community leaders/members from three municipalities, particularly through Basic Ecology and Environmental Laws Orientation, and Habitat Restoration Training. This year also marked completion of GIS [geographical information systems] mapping, socio-economic and biological surveys necessary for the justification of proposed Local Conservation Areas on Polillo, and development of management strategies to be adopted by local government. Other project outputs included conduct of IEC seminars, production of IEC materials like biodiversity handbook, and support of environmental activities done by LGU [local government unit] or academe. Results of faunal inventory of LCA's indicated significant records of rare endemic wildlife, like Hipposideros coronatus and Hologerrhum philippinum.