Thriving Together with Tamaraw

The Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) is a critically endangered wild buffalo found only on Mindoro Island, Philippines. Its survival, along with the traditional lifeways of the Taobuid and Alangan Indigenous Peoples who share its habitat, is threatened by land degradation and unsustainable practices.

Thriving Together with Tamaraw is funded by the UK Government through the Darwin Initiative, which helps to protect the tamaraw across its entire range. By strengthening Indigenous governance, co-managing habitats with authorities, and applying science-based conservation, the project creates lasting benefits for both people and nature.

This initiative builds on more than a decade of joint work by the D’ABOVILLE Foundation and Demo Farm Inc. (DAF), the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI), Re:wild, and long-standing partners such as the Zoological Society of London.

These organizations have helped shape tamaraw conservation strategies, including the Tamaraw Conservation and Management Action Plan (TCMAP 2024–2033) and the Mount Iglit-Baco Natural Park Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP).

Running from September 2024 to March 2029, Thriving Together with Tamaraw expands efforts to safeguard biodiversity, strengthen partnerships, and empower Indigenous Peoples as stewards of their ancestral lands. Together, we are shaping a future where conservation and community wellbeing thrive together.

This initiative builds on more than a decade of joint work by the D’ABOVILLE Foundation and Demo Farm Inc. (DAF), the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI), Re:wild, and long-standing partners such as the Zoological Society of London. These organizations have helped shape tamaraw conservation strategies, including the Tamaraw Conservation and Management Action Plan (TCMAP 2024–2033) and the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP).

Running from September 2024 to April 2029, Thriving Together with Tamaraw expands efforts to safeguard biodiversity, strengthen partnerships, and empower Indigenous Peoples as stewards of their ancestral lands. Together, we are shaping a future where conservation and community well-being thrive together.

Project Outputs, Outcome, Impact

Impact

Indigenous peoples, government institutions and other stakeholders collaborate effectively and equitably to manage the tamaraw landscapes of Mindoro with their biodiversity in an environmentally and socio economically sustainable way.

Outcome

Indigenous communities, authorities and civil society are collaborating and learning, and have lasting capacity to manage sustainable landscapes with their biodiversity across all tamaraw range sites on Mindoro.

Outputs

The outcome is driven by five thematic outputs – each one contributing to the overall progress that brings the project’s intended impact closer to reality.

OUTPUT 1

Supportive Governance Framework

OUTPUT 2

Reliable and Up-to-Date Information

OUTPUT 5

Sustainable Landscape Management

OUTPUT 3

Lasting Capacity

OUTPUT 4

Monitoring and Protection

OUTPUT 1

Supportive Governance Framework

OUTPUT 2

Reliable and Up-to-Date Information

OUTPUT 3

Lasting Capacity

OUTPUT 4

Monitoring and Protection

OUTPUT 5

Sustainable Landscape Management

Meet the Team

The Core Management Team (CMT)

Tobias

Tobias Garstecki, Ph.D.

Project Director, Thriving Together with Tamaraw and Director of Protected Area Planning and Management, Re:wild

Dr. Tobias Garstecki is Director for Protected Area Planning and Management at Re:wild. He supports Re:wild’s partners worldwide to manage and govern protected and conserved areas effectively …

Manu

Emmanuel Schütz

Project Co-Director, Thriving Together with Tamaraw and Program Director, DAF

Manu has a university background in wildlife ecology and over 20 years of experience in projects that connect biodiversity conservation with applied, on-site research.

Kyle

Kathy Lene S. Cielo

Project Co-Director, Thriving Together with Tamaraw and Executive Director, MBCFI

Kyle is a wildlife biologist with over 15 years of experience in conservation and environmental management. She brings strong expertise in community-based stewardship and is …

Ronet

Rodolfo B. Santos, Jr.

Senior Program Operations Manager, Thriving Together with Tamaraw, DAF

Ronet brings forty years of experience in implementing and managing environment and development projects. As Senior Program Operations Manager, he leads and oversees the day-to-day …

The Project Management and Administration Team

Maïa

Maïa d'Aboville

Senior Advisor pro bono and Executive Director, DAF

A cultural entrepreneur and executive leader with over 10 years of experience directing international cultural and educational projects, Maïa brings strong leadership in project …

Mapet

Maria Perpetua Bulawan

Deputy Program Operations Manager

A sociologist from Mindoro, Mapet currently serves as Deputy Program Operations Manager, providing strategic and operational support to the project. In her role, she supports the Co-Directors …

Jess

Jessica Ipock

Conservation Strategies Administration Coordinator, Re:wild

Jess supports project implementation through grant and financial administration, focusing on budget oversight, expense monitoring, and donor compliance. In her role, she coordinates …

Kams

Kamille N. Poblete

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer

Kams is a graduate of BS Environmental Biology and MSc Biology, with a research background in long-term limnological monitoring of lake and stream ecosystems and the assessment …

Angie

Angelica Patrice V. Abes

Senior Finance and Administrative Officer

A BS in Accounting Technology graduate, Certified Bookkeeper, and Registered Cost Accountant, Angie supports organizational operations through sound financial management. Her work includes bookkeeping, record …

Laurianne

Laurianne Cruzol

Administration & Finance Manager

Lau is a senior public finance professional with over 20 years of experience in the French public sector, including leadership roles at Inserm and …

Lhenn

Lynie C. Ramos

Senior Finance and Administrative Officer

Lhenn is an experienced finance and administration professional who oversees financial documentation and archiving, financial management, administration and compliance, human resources, and the implementation …

Ericka

Ericka Mae L. Baldemor

Finance and Admin Assistant

A Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate, Ericka provides reliable support in records management, financial processes, and the smooth execution of daily operations. Her …

Jane

Rosaline Jane Erin Ordonia

Admin and Finance Assistant

Jane holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management, with additional units in Bachelor of Science in Education major in Social …

Pat

Patrick Cardenas

Bookkeeper

Pat holds a degree in Accountancy and supports the project through finance and administrative work. As a bookkeeper, he manages financial records and assists …

The Output 1 Team (Supportive Framework)

Karla

Karla S. Mangundayao

Policy Coordinator

Karla is a forester with over a decade of experience in the review and analysis of protected area, forest, and wildlife policies. As Policy Coordinator …

Clinth

Clinth G. dela Cruz

Events and Communications Manager

Clinth is a Biology graduate and has worked on projects involving forestry, protected areas, and biodiversity corridors, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and communications. As Events …

CJ

Christine Joy P. Bantiling

Conservation Awareness and Education (CARE) Program Manager

CJ is a Biology graduate with a background in wildlife studies, now focusing on science communication and environmental awareness in support of conservation education. As CARE Program Manager, she leads efforts …

Natnat

Christan D. Naluz

Project Assistant

A Bachelor of Science in Biology graduate from Batangas State University, NatNat specializes in Marine Biology and contributes scientific knowledge to community-based conservation initiatives. …

James

James Burton

Chair, IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group and TCMAP Review and Feasibility Study Lead (Consultant)

Dr. James brings extensive species conservation experience across Southeast Asia, with a focus on large mammals, species action planning, and collaborative conservation work across government and zoo sectors …

The Output 2 Team (Information)

Pau

Pauline Angela S. Maglipon

Interim Research Coordinator

An aspiring ecologist, Pau is a product of a strong NGO–academe collaboration. Mentorship from her current organization supported the completion of her master’s research, which explored the emerging field …

Onad

Ronald L. Amada

Research Field Technical Coordinator

Onad brings hands-on experience in community engagement, field coordination, and technical support for research activities. As Research Field Technical Coordinator, he facilitates local community meetings, implements surveys …

Jack

Jackie M. Belmonte, Jr.

Field Technical Coordinator

Jack is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in History who brings a strong people-centered perspective to conservation work. As Field Technical Assistant, he works closely with TCP rangers …

Fernando

Fernando Garcia-Gil

Senior Program Research Advisor

Fernando is a field ecologist with extensive experience in designing, coordinating, and implementing biodiversity assessments and habitat monitoring programs. He specializes in ecological research, spatial analysis …

Andrew

Andrew Tilker, Dr. rer. nat.

Species Conservation Manager, Re:wild

Andrew oversees Re:wild’s species recovery work, with a focus on threatened and often overlooked mammals. He holds a doctorate from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo …

Juls

Julia Tichit Navarro

Community Conservation Specialist (Consultant)

Doc Julia applies social science inputs and participatory methodologies to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and integrate community involvement in conservation project design and implementation. She supports conservation planning through the design …

The Output 3 Team (Lasting Capacity)

Sio

Sio-Ann S. Tapil

Capacity Development Coordinator

Sio has a diverse background in community development, with a focus on capacity-building training design, facilitation, and project cycle management. As Capacity Development Coordinator, she designs …

JN

Jose C. Nening

Project Assistant

JN is a community advocate and project practitioner driven by youth-centered initiatives that promote meaningful social change. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Tourism …

Letty

Leticia M. Espiritu-Afuang

Training and Curriculum Design Specialist (Consultant)

A retired professor in wildlife biology, conservation, environmental sustainability, and education, Dr. Letty brings extensive experience in project development and review at local, national, and international levels. Her work focuses …

The Output 4 Team (Threat Monitoring and Management)

Carlo

John Carlo R. Santos

Protection and Law Enforcement Coordinator

Carlo is a conservationist trained in Philippine wildlife research, spatial monitoring tools, and wildlife crime prevention, with a background in Environmental Science and Management and Wildlife Studies …

Diego

Diego Agman

Field Technical Officer

Diego is a former ranger at Mts. Iglit Baco Natural Park, where he regularly joined patrols and facility maintenance activities, following in the footsteps of his father …

James

James Slade

Wildlife Crime Prevention Specialist, Re:wild

James is a seasoned conservationist specializing in wildlife law enforcement, with formal training in animal behavior and nature conservation. He has spent nearly a decade …

Grant

Grant Miller

Counter Trafficking Advisor

Grant is a law enforcement advisor specializing in global wildlife crime, with a strong focus on counter-trafficking and ethical enforcement. In his role, he supports capacity building …

Lawrence

Lawrence Yves

(Consultant)

Calum

Calum Ryan

SMART Capacity Support (Consultant)

Calum serves as SMART Capacity Support Consultant under the SMART Partnership at Re:wild, where he focuses on strengthening organizational capacity through standardized training approaches, national …

Kate

Kate Mackenzie-Harvey

(Consultant)

The Output 5 Team ( Collaborative Landscape Management)

Nina

Juanita Mallillin Saet

Interim Bio-Cultural Landscape Coordinator

Nina supports initiatives related to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), working closely with other project outputs to ensure that community perspectives and priorities are reflected across activities. In her role …

Ruel

Ruelson Caiga

Grant Scheme Manager

Ruel supports project implementation through community organizing, proposal development, and the monitoring of community-based livelihood programs. As Grant Scheme Manager, he focuses on designing, administering, and tracking …

Cleo

Cleo Angeline R. Hechanova

Permaculture Field Coordinator

Cleo works at the intersection of ecosystem restoration and community support, using permaculture-based approaches to guide sustainable land use. As Permaculture Field Coordinator, she helps plan and co-manage permaculture sites, combining design principles …

Frans

Fransly G. Ignacio

Permaculture Field Senior Officer

Frans works closely with Indigenous Peoples communities while implementing permaculture-based designs that support both ecological restoration and community well-being. As Permaculture Field Senior Officer, she leads site design …

Jun

Juanito C. Lumawig, Jr.

Assistant Technical Specialist

Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) and immersing himself in the diverse cultures of Indigenous groups across the Philippines. As an Assistant Technical Specialist, his work focuses on IP community engagement, including facilitating meetings …

Jhanny

Jhanny Jhan Delos Santos

Field Technical Officer

Jhanny is a BS Agriculture graduate majoring in Agroforestry, with skills in upland and organic farming and Good Agricultural Practices. As Field Technical Officer, he provides technical assistance …

Arnold

Arnold C. Dangupon

Field Technical Officer

Arnold is a former Bantay Tamaraw under the Tamaraw Conservation Program Office (TCPO) and has long served as a key link between the MENRO and Indigenous communities …

Andres

Andresio Manalo

Field Technical Officer

Andres holds a BS in Criminology from OMSC Sablayan and is a licensed board passer. He has experience as a ranger at MIBNP–PAMO and …

Bert

Bert Peeters

Permaculture Specialist (Consultant) and Executive Board Member, Philippine Permaculture Association (PPA)

Bert supports the project through permaculture design thinking and its application in ecosystem restoration, education, and awareness building. With expertise in permanent culture, natural design solutions, and training, he works …

Meet the Team

The Core Management Team (CMT)

Tobias

Tobias Garstecki, Ph.D.

Project Director, Thriving Together with Tamaraw and Director of Protected Area Planning and Management, Re:wild

Dr. Tobias Garstecki is Director for Protected Area Planning and Management at Re:wild. He supports Re:wild’s partners worldwide to manage and govern protected and conserved areas effectively …

Manu

Emmanuel Schütz

Project Co-Director, Thriving Together with Tamaraw and Program Director, DAF

Manu has a university background in wildlife ecology and over 20 years of experience in projects that connect biodiversity conservation with applied, on-site research.

Kyle

Kathy Lene S. Cielo

Project Co-Director, Thriving Together with Tamaraw and Executive Director, MBCFI

Kyle is a wildlife biologist with over 15 years of experience in conservation and environmental management. She brings strong expertise in community-based stewardship and is …

Ronet

Rodolfo B. Santos, Jr.

Senior Program Operations Manager, Thriving Together with Tamaraw, DAF

Ronet brings forty years of experience in implementing and managing environment and development projects. As Senior Program Operations Manager, he leads and oversees the day-to-day …

The Project Management and Administration Team

Maïa

Maïa d'Aboville

Senior Advisor pro bono and Executive Director, DAF

A cultural entrepreneur and executive leader with over 10 years of experience directing international cultural and educational projects, Maïa brings strong leadership in project …

Mapet

Maria Perpetua Bulawan

Deputy Program Operations Manager

A sociologist from Mindoro, Mapet currently serves as Deputy Program Operations Manager, providing strategic and operational support to the project. In her role, she supports the Co-Directors …

Jess

Jessica Ipock

Conservation Strategies Administration Coordinator, Re:wild

Jess supports project implementation through grant and financial administration, focusing on budget oversight, expense monitoring, and donor compliance. In her role, she coordinates …

Kams

Kamille N. Poblete

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer

Kams is a graduate of BS Environmental Biology and MSc Biology, with a research background in long-term limnological monitoring of lake and stream ecosystems and the assessment …

Angie

Angelica Patrice V. Abes

Senior Finance and Administrative Officer

A BS in Accounting Technology graduate, Certified Bookkeeper, and Registered Cost Accountant, Angie supports organizational operations through sound financial management. Her work includes bookkeeping, record …

Laurianne

Laurianne Cruzol

Administration & Finance Manager

Lau is a senior public finance professional with over 20 years of experience in the French public sector, including leadership roles at Inserm and …

Lhenn

Lynie C. Ramos

Senior Finance and Administrative Officer

Lhenn is an experienced finance and administration professional who oversees financial documentation and archiving, financial management, administration and compliance, human resources, and the implementation …

Ericka

Ericka Mae L. Baldemor

Finance and Admin Assistant

A Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate, Ericka provides reliable support in records management, financial processes, and the smooth execution of daily operations. Her …

Jane

Rosaline Jane Erin Ordonia

Admin and Finance Assistant

Jane holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management, with additional units in Bachelor of Science in Education major in Social …

Pat

Patrick Cardenas

Bookkeeper

Pat holds a degree in Accountancy and supports the project through finance and administrative work. As a bookkeeper, he manages financial records and assists …

The Output 1 Team (Supportive Framework)

Karla

Karla S. Mangundayao

Policy Coordinator

Karla is a forester with over a decade of experience in the review and analysis of protected area, forest, and wildlife policies. As Policy Coordinator …

Clinth

Clinth G. dela Cruz

Events and Communications Manager

Clinth is a Biology graduate and has worked on projects involving forestry, protected areas, and biodiversity corridors, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and communications. As Events …

CJ

Christine Joy P. Bantiling

Conservation Awareness and Education (CARE) Program Manager

CJ is a Biology graduate with a background in wildlife studies, now focusing on science communication and environmental awareness in support of conservation education. As CARE Program Manager, she leads efforts …

Natnat

Christan D. Naluz

Project Assistant

A Bachelor of Science in Biology graduate from Batangas State University, NatNat specializes in Marine Biology and contributes scientific knowledge to community-based conservation initiatives. …

James

James Burton

Chair, IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group and TCMAP Review and Feasibility Study Lead (Consultant)

Dr. James brings extensive species conservation experience across Southeast Asia, with a focus on large mammals, species action planning, and collaborative conservation work across government and zoo sectors …

The Output 2 Team (Information)

Pau

Pauline Angela S. Maglipon

Interim Research Coordinator

An aspiring ecologist, Pau is a product of a strong NGO–academe collaboration. Mentorship from her current organization supported the completion of her master’s research, which explored the emerging field …

Onad

Ronald L. Amada

Research Field Technical Coordinator

Onad brings hands-on experience in community engagement, field coordination, and technical support for research activities. As Research Field Technical Coordinator, he facilitates local community meetings, implements surveys …

Jack

Jackie M. Belmonte, Jr.

Field Technical Coordinator

Jack is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in History who brings a strong people-centered perspective to conservation work. As Field Technical Assistant, he works closely with TCP rangers …

Fernando

Fernando Garcia-Gil

Senior Program Research Advisor

Fernando is a field ecologist with extensive experience in designing, coordinating, and implementing biodiversity assessments and habitat monitoring programs. He specializes in ecological research, spatial analysis …

Andrew

Andrew Tilker, Dr. rer. nat.

Species Conservation Manager, Re:wild

Andrew oversees Re:wild’s species recovery work, with a focus on threatened and often overlooked mammals. He holds a doctorate from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo …

Juls

Julia Tichit Navarro

Community Conservation Specialist (Consultant)

Doc Julia applies social science inputs and participatory methodologies to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and integrate community involvement in conservation project design and implementation. She supports conservation planning through the design …

The Output 3 Team (Lasting Capacity)

Sio

Sio-Ann S. Tapil

Capacity Development Coordinator

Sio has a diverse background in community development, with a focus on capacity-building training design, facilitation, and project cycle management. As Capacity Development Coordinator, she designs …

JN

Jose C. Nening

Project Assistant

JN is a community advocate and project practitioner driven by youth-centered initiatives that promote meaningful social change. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Tourism …

Letty

Leticia M. Espiritu-Afuang

Training and Curriculum Design Specialist (Consultant)

A retired professor in wildlife biology, conservation, environmental sustainability, and education, Dr. Letty brings extensive experience in project development and review at local, national, and international levels. Her work focuses …

The Output 4 Team (Threat Monitoring and Management)

Carlo

John Carlo R. Santos

Protection and Law Enforcement Coordinator

Carlo is a conservationist trained in Philippine wildlife research, spatial monitoring tools, and wildlife crime prevention, with a background in Environmental Science and Management and Wildlife Studies …

Diego

Diego Agman

Field Technical Officer

Diego is a former ranger at Mts. Iglit Baco Natural Park, where he regularly joined patrols and facility maintenance activities, following in the footsteps of his father …

James

James Slade

Wildlife Crime Prevention Specialist, Re:wild

James is a seasoned conservationist specializing in wildlife law enforcement, with formal training in animal behavior and nature conservation. He has spent nearly a decade …

Grant

Grant Miller

Counter Trafficking Advisor

Grant is a law enforcement advisor specializing in global wildlife crime, with a strong focus on counter-trafficking and ethical enforcement. In his role, he supports capacity building …

Lawrence

Lawrence Yves

(Consultant)

Calum

Calum Ryan

SMART Capacity Support (Consultant)

Calum serves as SMART Capacity Support Consultant under the SMART Partnership at Re:wild, where he focuses on strengthening organizational capacity through standardized training approaches, national …

Kate

Kate Mackenzie-Harvey

(Consultant)

The Output 5 Team ( Collaborative Landscape Management)

Nina

Juanita Mallillin Saet

Interim Bio-Cultural Landscape Coordinator

Nina supports initiatives related to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), working closely with other project outputs to ensure that community perspectives and priorities are reflected across activities. In her role …

Ruel

Ruelson Caiga

Grant Scheme Manager

Ruel supports project implementation through community organizing, proposal development, and the monitoring of community-based livelihood programs. As Grant Scheme Manager, he focuses on designing, administering, and tracking …

Cleo

Cleo Angeline R. Hechanova

Permaculture Field Coordinator

Cleo works at the intersection of ecosystem restoration and community support, using permaculture-based approaches to guide sustainable land use. As Permaculture Field Coordinator, she helps plan and co-manage permaculture sites, combining design principles …

Frans

Fransly G. Ignacio

Permaculture Field Senior Officer

Frans works closely with Indigenous Peoples communities while implementing permaculture-based designs that support both ecological restoration and community well-being. As Permaculture Field Senior Officer, she leads site design …

Jun

Juanito C. Lumawig, Jr.

Assistant Technical Specialist

Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) and immersing himself in the diverse cultures of Indigenous groups across the Philippines. As an Assistant Technical Specialist, his work focuses on IP community engagement, including facilitating meetings …

Jhanny

Jhanny Jhan Delos Santos

Field Technical Officer

Jhanny is a BS Agriculture graduate majoring in Agroforestry, with skills in upland and organic farming and Good Agricultural Practices. As Field Technical Officer, he provides technical assistance …

Arnold

Arnold C. Dangupon

Field Technical Officer

Arnold is a former Bantay Tamaraw under the Tamaraw Conservation Program Office (TCPO) and has long served as a key link between the MENRO and Indigenous communities …

Andres

Andresio Manalo

Field Technical Officer

Andres holds a BS in Criminology from OMSC Sablayan and is a licensed board passer. He has experience as a ranger at MIBNP–PAMO and …

Bert

Bert Peeters

Permaculture Specialist (Consultant) and Executive Board Member, Philippine Permaculture Association (PPA)

Bert supports the project through permaculture design thinking and its application in ecosystem restoration, education, and awareness building. With expertise in permanent culture, natural design solutions, and training, he works …