About Us
GMAI started in the late 1980s as volunteer organization whose members undertook forest and mountain exploration and documentation, direct anti-logging campaigns, endangered species monitoring, community organizing and livelihood assistance projects. Since then it moved toward proactively promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development through implementation of community-based resource management projects in upland and in coastal communities. It is active in rights promotion of Indigenous People communities, in conservation of endangered species, and protection of KBAs and restoration of Mangroves. Water projects and Climate Risk Response and Mitigation are further activities.
ASAP Species That We Work On
What We Do
GMAI’s project on Dinagat Island established 7,000 hectares of protected areas which are habitats for the Philippine Cockatoo, the Mindanao Bleeding Heart as well as Rufous-headed Hornbill and likely other Hornbill species. They are home to the Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat which was until recently believed extinct.
Green Mindanao is represented in the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mt Kitanglad (Bukidnon). That makes GMAI an active participant in the formulation of policies and supervision of implementing plans for biodiversity conservation in Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park. These activities include the protection of the Philippine Eagle. This PAMB has been recognized as one of the most active in the Philippines and still conducts regular and well-participated meetings after more than 20 years of existence.
The establishment of a system of (mostly tribal) forest guards was instrumental in the control or at least reduction of encroachment of settlers and agribusinesses into protected areas and halting of wildlife and plant poaching. The Local Governments are in charge to provide funds for the enumeration of these forest guards. That system works rather well because of the peer pressure in this forum.
In the area of Mt Balatukan near Gingoog City which also is home to Philippine Eagle population, Green Mindanao's continuous contact and monitoring of active tribal associations and mainly the contact to key leaders is contributing to the preservation of the protected area. These mountains are not only habitat for threatened species but vital watersheds and regulators of floods for urban centers like Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog City.
GMAI presently focuses on Lake Mainit which is the only home of Caridina Mindanao and are looking for partners to establish a protected area and 2,000 hectares lake sanctuary.
Where We Work
Northern Mindanao particular Region 10 and CARAGA
Photo Credits
Albert Serrano_GMAI