Nueva Vizcaya Reforestation Project

Nueva Vizcaya Reforestation Project

The first stage of the reforestation project of OISCA in Kirang.
A portion of the 500 hectare reforestation project of OISCA.
The local villagers who participated in planting of local species of seedlings.
Bamboo houses where the volunteers of the project often stay.

Year Started	1993
Name of Coordinators	Mr.Mario Lopez
Activities	In line with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and OISCA Philippines Technical Trainees Alumni Association (OTTAA), tree planting activities in collaboration with the local and Japanese volunteers are conducted to reforest and rehabilitate the 500 hectares degraded mountains in Nueva Vizcaya because of forest fires. Cattle owners` burn grasses in summer to grow new grasses in the rainy season to be fed to their animals. Fire lines are maintained on the border of the forested areas to protect the established vegetation from wild fires. In addition, big drums filled with water are put 350 meters apart along the fire lines to refill the jet shooters often used in case of fires. Prior to the actual reforestation activities, seminars and workshops are organized to raise awareness among the residents of the importance of environmental conservation. It also encourages and promotes the involvement of the community people to the project. Establishment of nursery to raise various types of tree species for planting and replanting. The seedlings are used for local and foreign groups who come for tree planting activities. Seedling mortality rate is high at the peak of dry season. With this, seedlings are raised to prepare for the next planting activity. Fencing an area of 15 hectares to protect planted tree seedlings from stray animals such as cows.
Project Impact	The fast growing species planted at the initial stages of the project such as gmelina, mahogany and eucalyptus is now serving as nurse trees to the planted indigenous species of trees like Pterocarpus indicus, and Dracontomelon dao. Two decades of reforestation efforts help in the gradual recovery of the forest biodiversity. This is manifested on the presence of fire flies, wild birds and other species of animals and plants. Other than the increase in the number of area`s vegetation cover, the local farmers can grow rice twice a year because of the abundant supply of water. Kirang which means “dry land” in local dialect connotes “anything planted is doomed to fail”. However, with the cooperation of various stakeholders, the project is proven to be a success. Increase number of community participation in seminars, including Barangay Youth Group and transport/tricycle operators. The local community is now co-partners in the protection of the forest from fire and illegal cutters. The reforestation project is now known and hosts various environmental awareness and other nature activities such as camps, bird watching, and nightime fireflies.
Number of Hectares	600 hectares
Project Location	Barangay Kirang, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya