Scaling Up Together: Convention of Partners for Tamaraw Conservation

The Convention of Partners to Scale Up Collaborative Tamaraw Conservation Efforts was organized by the Thriving Together with Tamaraw Consortium to help shape a united conservation strategy for the next 4.5 years. Held in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro last November 18, 2024, the event gathered key stakeholders including DENR offices, Indigenous leaders, LGUs, academic institutions, and civil society groups. The gathering launched the UK Darwin Initiative-funded project, Thriving Together: Lasting Solutions for Collaborative Management of Tamaraw Landscapes (2024–2029).

Spearheaded by Re:wild, in partnership with D’ABOVILLE Foundation and Demo Farm, Inc. (DAF) and Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (MBCFI), the project seeks to address urgent threats to Tamaraw populations and their habitats through science-based strategies, Indigenous governance, and strengthened co-management systems. The convention focused on aligning efforts across sectors while respecting the biocultural heritage of Mindoro’s Indigenous communities.

Discussions emphasized that effective conservation requires collective action. Presentations, breakout sessions, and plenary discussions underscored the importance of building on existing frameworks such as the Tamaraw Conservation and Management Action Plan (TCMAP), promoting shared responsibility, and ensuring continuous Indigenous participation.

Among the core priorities and resolutions identified were:

• Translation of the Tamaraw Bill into Filipino for IP review before re-filing in the Congress
• Full participation of IPOs/IPs in conservation and law enforcement activities
• Exploration of Critical Habitat or Indigenous and Community Conserved Area (ICCA) designation options with MOAs among stakeholders
• Support to the updating of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plans (ADSDPPs) for Taobuid and Alangan
• Community education initiatives using IEC materials and SMART tools
• Hiring and deputation of IP rangers supported by training
• Integration of TCMAP into LGU ordinances and CLUPs, with technical assistance
• Purposive surveys in under-monitored areas like Mt. Halcon
• FPIC clarification and permit facilitation for conservation activities
• Use of Indigenous mechanisms, such as “Dongdong,” in planning and decision-making
• Recognition of infrastructure impacts, particularly the Trans-Mindoro Road, in conservation planning
• Institutionalization of ranger programs, with pathways to long-term employment
• Participatory research and documentation

The convention reaffirmed that Indigenous leadership is central to conservation success. Balancing traditional knowledge with modern tools creates more culturally responsive and effective approaches. Integrating local voices into policy-making fosters ownership and long-term sustainability.

Follow-up coordination with DENR-TCP, PAMO, and LGUs was identified as essential to synchronize activities, resolve implementation gaps, and maintain momentum. Conservation rangers were recognized as critical frontliners, with a shared call to professionalize their roles through sustained training and support.

Finally, the event showcased Mindoro’s collaborative conservation model as a scalable approach for other biodiversity-rich areas. By tailoring solutions to local contexts and aligning them with global conservation goals, these efforts are positioned to attract broader support and create lasting impact.

Thriving Together with Tamaraw remains committed to supporting these next-phase efforts ensuring that Tamaraw conservation moves forward through shared vision, local leadership, and ensuring partnerships.