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There is more fun in traditional over digital mapping. It may not be as good as the conventional one but its’ contents and uses are the same.
All are indicated - that in a glance, one could see the areas resources and potentials, and they were doing it with fun. That’s the traditional mapping skills of Matutum B’laans. Over a piece of manila paper, boundaries, owners, plants, species, and structures are found.
Assisted by the Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO), B’laans had produced an alternative map with legends via the Community Based Resource Assessment and Mapping (CBRAM).
“CBRAM is very important in planning for the sustainable development of the proposed tarsier habitat” said Forester Jane Manlisis, Chief, PEMO – South Cotabato adding “for through community participation we would be able to identify all resources, land uses and the issues in the area.”
PEMO is presently facilitating the CBRAM in the Puroks of Bagong Silang, Bayanihan, Malipayon and Fortuna all of Linan and on the foot of Mt. Matutum in support to the tarsier research of Endangered Species International (ESI).
The said puroks are identified to be the habitat of the Matutum tarsier and are being eyed in reclaiming back the lost forest to pave way for the conservation of the threatened Matutum tarsier.
Tarsiers have been deprived of its habitat on Matutum as little have been known for its eco tourism values and ecological importance.
ESI, a San Francisco based non government organization and is committed to reduce the human induced wildlife extinction is currently undergoing tarsier research on Matutum.
The activity aims to provide eco tourism and economic opportunities to bolster B’laan pride while safeguarding the trees and resources within Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape.
The project is undertaken in partnership with the municipality of Tupi, the province of South Cotabato, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with other Matutum stakeholders.
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