Save Cebu!

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu's natural heritage - the native plants and animals that inhabit the remnant forests of Cebu - is under great threat because of the continued cutting down of trees, the hunting of wildlife, and rapid urbanization, this according to the Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation.

The CBCF, Inc. is a group which aims to conserve the biodiversity of Cebu, particularly focusing on the unique and endemic species of the island. When we say biodiversity, this means "totality of genes, species, and ecosystems of a region."

The group works together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas Region and the local government units in tackling the immediate biodiversity conservation needs for a particular area.

CBCF is the so-called "species guardian" of the following critically endangered species, some endemic to Cebu:

* Cebu flowerpecker (Dicaeum quadricolor). This kind of bird is unique to Cebu Island. It is considered by some to be the second rarest bird in the world. This was considered extinct last 1992, but was later to be found in the forest of Nug-as in Alcoy (that's southeastern side of Cebu). Remaining population is estimated to be around or below 100 individuals.

* Cebu cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum cebuense). This is another critically endangered species that our own Cebu houses. This was first discovered in Sitio Cantipla on the mountain barangay of Cebu, in mid-1980s. Commercial harvesting of its aromatic bark used as spice and food taste enhancer (as in bread products) puts the tree in perennial danger.

* Tube-nosed fruit bat (Nyctimene rabori). This mammal is endemic to the Philippines, where it is restricted to the islands of Cebu, Negros and Sibuyan. It might also be seen in Panay. Hunting or infrequent collection through mesh-netting puts their population in danger.

Just from the small list above, Cebu Island is indeed an important biodiversity conservation zone to the world, CBCF pointed out.

One of the strategies of protection and conservation employed is through the works of trained forest stewards/forest wardens. These individuals do patrols 24/7 and are battling against illegal activities that are happening in the remaining forests of Cebu, which is only less than 0.01 percent of forest land that is left, CBCF added.

"Let us remember that without the health of the environment, the health of the economy will drop, and so will the health of humanity. Help us in conserving and protecting Cebu's unique biodiversity," it urged.

How you may be of help? Call 415-5743 because this coming March 25, 2012 you can encourage your parents and adult relatives to join the R4H (Run for Home) event wherein they can choose CBCF, Inc. as their beneficiary.

Encourage them to fire their run with an environmental stewardship advocacy that seeks to protect "our one true sweet home."