Sierra Madre a showcase of rich biodiversity

Noted for having the largest block of species – rich primary lowland evergreen forest cover and marine resources, the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP) lures environmentalists particularly those concerned with biodiversity, to take a visit to the area. Hence, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to have a 10-day biodiversity assessment training for Luzon participants in October this year, with NSMNP as possible venue.

The training was recommended by assistant director Lorenzo Agaloos of the Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau and CENRO of Palanan, Isabela and concurrent Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of NSMNP William Savella after coming from a training on practical wildlife conservation management techniques for ASEAN protected areas in Thailand this year.

The World Wildlife Fund will be tapped by DENR as partner in this activity with DENR – human resource development service staff headed by director Adeluisa Siapno as implementor.

NSMNP is one of 10 priority protected areas in the country. Situated in the eastern part of the province of Isabela and occupying the mid section segment of the Sierra Madre mountain range, it covers the municipalities of Palanan, Maconacon, and Divilacan and partially the towns of Ilagan, San Mariano, Tumauini, Cabagan, San Pablo and Dinapigue.

NSMNP boasts of a high species diversity index of flora and fauna, the presence of numerous endemic plants and animals, vast expanse of rainforests representing 25 percent of the remaining primary rainforest cover in the Philippines and the various types of habitats. It has extraordinary high bird diversity that led international scientists to rate it as one of the most important areas for the conservation of bird diversity.

The efforts of NSMNP are backed by a seven-year funding support from World Bank and synergistic efforts of DENR, NGOs for Integrated Protected Areas, Inc. (NIPA, Ins.), Plan Philippines, Nordic Agency for Development and Ecology, Conservation International, Phils. and with partnership with the local government units, People’s Organizations, Indigenous People, and local communities.