The Taobuid and the Alangan

The Taobuid and Alangan Indigenous communities have shared living space with Mindoro’s rich biodiversity, including the tamaraw. For generations, these Indigenous communities have maintained a traditional belief system that terrestrial and aquatic life forms were created by supernatural beings and should, along with their habitats and the abodes of other spirits, be treated as sacred or with reverence. This traditional worldview obliges them to seek permission from the spirits first before taking anything from nature as these belong to these spirits. Areas considered as abodes of spirits become de facto ecological reserves.

By recognizing and integrating these Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices into mainstream biodiversity strategies, we strengthen efforts to protect the tamaraw in a way that is locally grounded and culturally respectful. Helping the Taobuid and Alangan obtain legal recognition of their ancestral lands, including them in decision-making, building their capacity, and respecting and enhancing their traditional practices uplifts their communities and acknowledges their important role in biodiversity conservation. This approach ensures that tamaraw conservation is not only about saving a species but about recognizing Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, sustaining cultural identity, and promoting a future where people and wildlife thrive together.