MBCFI VISION: Sustained conservation of Mindoro's natural treasures for future generations. MBCFI MISSION: To lead scientific research and catalyze collaborative and participative conservation efforts in key biodiversity areas of Mindoro resulting in empowerment of Mindorenos through inceased awareness and care. To establish an integrated and properly structured biodiversity conservation program,
with a view to the long-term conservation of the region’s native and endemic fauna and flora.
2. To promote greater awareness and concern for the environment through improved information generation and dissemination, including continuing scientific research, education and advocacy.
3. To compile and produce/publish relevant information, including a scientific database on existing natural resources and other education materials and teaching briefs, that may assist or serve as a basis for developing public interest and stakeholder participation in the formulation and implementation of responsive policies and plans for effective resource management and biodiversity conservation.
4. To strengthen local expertise and capacity with a view to the improved protection, restoration and management of the islands' few remaining natural habitats and the sustainable utilization of the remaining natural resources.
5. To recognize and integrate indigenous knowledge, systems and sustainable practices towards more effective resource management and/or facilitate the development of alternative systems and resources with a view to reducing pressures in biologically sensitive areas whilst producing improved benefits for these communities. PLANS AND PROGRAMS: The Foundation shall be involved primarily in initiating new programs and in assuming the lead role in implementing programs and projects, focusing on:
1. Applied Research (including Resource Inventory and Assessment) Program: i.e. complete detailed faunal/floral surveys of mainland Mindoro and its satellite islets; establish and maintain a biodiversity database (fauna and flora); and conduct GIS mapping of the island’s remaining natural resources and existing or proposed protected areas.
2. Protection of the most critical and representative habitats/sites: Mt Malasimbo, Mt. Calavite, Naujan lake, Bulalacao, Siburan, Ilin island, Puerto Galera, Abra de Ilog, among others.
3. Habitat Restoration Program. Formulate agreements for development of ‘assisted natural regeneration’ and ‘mixed native species’ reforestation projects, both within and outside the existing protected areas network (including privately owned land). The development of native species’ tree nurseries, threatened plant and animal species’ recovery programs (both leading to ‘reintroduction’ programs) and personnel training programs are also part of this process.
4. Conservation Education Program. Organise teachers’ training courses; publish key references, teaching briefs and other education materials on biodiversity conservation; conduct biodiversity conservation workshops for decision-makers and other key stakeholders, media, etc., and develop other relevant facilities, including mobile education unit for local community awareness and other outreach activities.
5. Community/Institution Capacity Building Program. The proposed suite of activities will offer opportunities for training protected area managers, foresters, wildlife biologists, community workers, educators (etc.) in any and all of the above program areas/topics; thereby also providing additional skills and livelihood opportunities in rural communities, especially those in biologically sensitive areas.
6. Community Development Program. Promote positive community relations, particularly amongst the indigenous groups and other rural constituents in biologically sensitive areas. Introduce alternative livelihood opportunities and small enterprise developments in buffer zones or other less critical sites, wherever possible using existing sustainable indigenous knowledge, systems and practices. This program will also be implemented in close collaboration with other relevant agencies/institutions, both local and international.
7. Advocacy Program- Awareness building programs on environmental conservation and protection shall be promoted in partnership with various NGOs, POs, CBOs and GOs. Lobbying groups shall be organized to pursue specific objectives with concerned stakeholders. FINANCIAL MECHANISM: The Foundation operates as a non-stock, non-profit organization. As such it shall benefit from grants and multilateral aids from both local and international donor communities. PARTNERSHIP/ALLIANCE BUILDING: In line with the effort to promote mass-based participation, a network of partners will be set-up to facilitate the implementation of the various integrated programs.
