Members of the current Katala Foundation successfully
implemented the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program (PCCP)
since 1998 on Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan. The frame condition of
this endeavour was a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity
Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) and the Katala Foundation which is
renewed every five years. PCCP is implemented in four sites in
Palawan namely in the municipalities of Dumaran, Narra, Balabac, as
well as within Puerto Princesa. A separate MOA is forged with the
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development updated in 2012.
Katala Foundation Incorporated (KFI) is duly registered
under the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 19, 2002
under SEC No. CN200253626.
Its name Katala is derived from the local name of the
Philippine cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia. The Philippine
cockatoo, Katala as locally known, is endemic to the Philippines.
Cockatoo population crashed drastically in the late 1980s, and
between 640-1,120 individuals are left in the wild; thus classified
critically endangered by the World Conservation Union
or the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources (IUCN). Main threats of its survival are:
-
Poaching for pet trade
-
Habitat destruction
-
Direct persecution
Katala Foundation, Inc., a non-profit, non-stock,
non-governmental organization, has been active in protecting and
conserving threatened endemic wildlife, particularly the Philippine
Cockatoo,Palawan Forest Turtle,
Palawan Pangolin, Calamian Deer and Balabac Mouse-deer where the last
strongholds of the respective species can be found.
Katala Foundation’s niche developed over the years of
research, advocacy and development works in order to protect and
conserve the biological diversity along with people. Its vision is
to effect conservation of biological resources through active
community involvement - conserving with people. To attain this
vision, Katala Foundation employs participatory and ecosystemic
approaches to all its programs and activities.
VISION AND MISION
KFI’s vision is to effect conservation of biological
resources through active community involvement – conserving with
people!
STRATEGIES AND APPROACHES
In particular, strategies are aimed to:
Capacitate and empower local partners and communities as
effective conservation managers;
Increase level of knowledge on biodiversity conservation
through intensive conservation education activities and
thereby influencing positive attitudes and behaviours
towards the environment;
Implement effective projects and programs to halt
biodiversity decline;
Conduct scientific research along with local partners
applying international standards and methodologies to fill
up research gaps and recommend the most appropriate action
for decision makers to lead;
Develop proactive leadership among local partners; and
Strengthen the organization through staff development.
ON-GOING PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED
Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program (PCCP), since 1998:
Species conservation program aimed to conserve the critically
endangered Philippine cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia from
extinction through, e.g. nest protection, identification, protection
and management of key conservation sites, habitat restoration,
conservation education, community involvement, rescue of individual
birds, translocation, conservation breeding for later
re-introduction, etc. Its implementation is under the framework of
the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DENR-BMB and the KFI
and PCSD and the KFI.
Key sponsors and partners: Loro Parque
Fundacion (LPF), Chester Zoo, Zoologische Gesellschaft für
Arten- und Populationsschutz (ZGAP, incl. Fondsfuer
Bedrohte Papageien and Strunden-Papageien-Stiftung), ZooParc de
Beauval and Conservation Association
(Association Beauval Conservation et Recherche),
UNDP-SGP5, Whitley Fund for Nature, Municipalities of Narra,
Dumaran, and Balabac, Jewelmer Corporation, Iwahig Prison and
Penal Farm, Puerto Princesa, DENR and PCSDS.
Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Project (PFTCP),
since 2007:A MOA between KFI and BMB-DENR on the Philippine
Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program was signed in November 2006.
This joint undertaking aims to conserve Philippine freshwater turtle
populations and habitats, to conduct scientific research on biology
and management of these turtles and its habitats and to educate and
capacitate stakeholders for its conservation. Ex-situ conservation
and conservation breeding is addressed at KIEBC in Narra. The MOA
provides the legal basis to obtain confiscated turtles from
recognized rescue centers and/or to accommodate otherwise rescued
turtles to the center. Current activities give special attention to
the Palawan-endemic critically endangered Palawan Forest Turtle
Siebenrockiella leytensis (Pagong or Bakoko).
Key sponsors and partners (alphabetical): Andrew Sabin
Family Foundation, Anonymous Donors, Turtle Conservancy (TC),
Chelonian Research Association, IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater
Turtle Specialist Group, North of England Zoological Society
Chester Zoo, Rainforest Trust, Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF),
Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Group, Zoologische Gesellschaftfür Arten- und Populationsschutz
(ZGAP), DENR andPCSDS, and the Municipalities/City of Balabac,
Bataraza, Brookes Point, Culion, Dumaran, El Nido, Narra, Puerto
Princesa City, Rizal, Roxas, San Vicente, and Taytay.
Katala Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation (KIEBC)
(since 2006): The overall goal of KIEBC is conserving Palawan’s
biodiversity through establishment of an education, conservation and
research institution in close vicinity to threatened target species
and ecosystems. Its specific objectives are: 1) To serve as a venue
for conservation education with local population, youth, national
and international visitors as main target groups. 2) To develop and
implement protocols for rescue, conservation breeding, habitat
restoration, and eventually reintroduction of selected highly
threatened wild species of Palawan, like Philippine Cockatoo or
Philippine freshwater turtles. 3) To create an institution for
research on applied ecology and biodiversity conservation, with
focus on threatened species management, priority area conservation,
and restoration. Another component within KIEBC aims to establish an
arboretum and forest restoration site in Katala Institute. This will
contribute to the ex-situ conservation of highly threatened plant
species in Palawan, and will at the same time create a gene pool for
rare species and a source of seeds for future forest restoration
projects on the island.
Key sponsors and partners: Loro Parque
Fundacion (LPF), Chester Zoo, Zoologische Gesellschaft für
Arten- und Populationsschutz (ZGAP, incl.
FondsFuerBedrohtePapageien and Strunden-Papageien-Stiftung), Zoo
Landau, Wroclaw Zoo, ZooParc de Beauval and
Conservation Association (Association Beauval Conservation et
Recherche), Municipality of Narra, Wildlife Reserves
Singapore, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)
Shellshock Campaign and the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF),
Herpetological Society of Germany (DGHT), anonymous donors, DENR,
PCSDS.
Katala Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity
Conservation (KIEBC) (since 2006): This program addresses the
conservation needs of the Palawan endemic Pangolin Manis culionensis.
An initial study on the trade of the species in Southern Palawan was
conducted in collaboration with TRAFFIC Southeast Asia in 2008.
Studies on the “Phylogeny and Taxonomic Status of the Palawan
Pangolin” and on "Conservation Status of the Palawan pangolin Manis
culionensis” followed. In 2017, KFI was issued a SEP Clearance for
the entire program aimed at conserving Palawan Pangolin populations
and their habitats; conducting scientific research on the biology,
ecology and management of the Palawan Pangolin and its habitats, and
socio economic frame conditions leading to threats and strategies
for conservation; and educating and capacitating stakeholders PPCP
on natural resource management and conservation,
rehabilitation/restoration of species habitats, and environmental
awareness.
Key sponsors and partners: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Conservation Fund, anonymous donors, IUCN SSC Pangolin
Specialist Group, Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Philippines, IUCN Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP),
TRAFFIC SEA, Municipalities of Aborlan, Narra, Roxas, Dumaran,
San Vicente, Dumaran, Taytay and the City of Puerto Princesa,
PCSDS and DENR.
Palawan Deer Research and
Conservation Program (PDRCP):This is joint project of the
PCSDS and the KFI to protect and conserve the two endemic ungulate
species to the Palawan Faunal Region: Calamian Deer Axis
calamianensis and the Balabac Mouse Deer Tragulus nigricans.
Calamian Deer inhabit mostly dry woodland and forest-grassland
mosaics of the Calamian island group. The deer could serve as
flagship species for these highly threatened lowland vegetation
formations including associated flora and fauna. The Balabac Mouse
Deer is likewise restricted to lowland forests of the Balabac group
of islands, where it is only recorded from Balabac, Ramos and Bugsuk.
Both species are currently listed as “Endangered” (IUCN, 2016), due
to ongoing direct persecution mainly for bushmeat, habitat
destruction and degradation, combined with their very small ranges.
The main objective of the first phase of the proposed program was to
provide updated information on population and distribution of the
two target species to inform future conservation interventions. This
information was generated through conduct of hunter interviews and
by population surveys in selected representative sites. The second
phase of the program continues parts of the research component, but
involves implementation, most important of all the establishment of
a captive population for Calamian deer as assurance against imminent
danger of extinction in the wild, but also conservation education
campaigns and assessments for potential reintroduction sites.
Key sponsors and partners: North of England Zoological
Society/Zoological Gardens Chester (NEZS), Zoologische
Gesellschaftfür Arten- und Populationsschutz (ZGAP), Wroclaw Zoo
and Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Phoenix Zoo, Zoo
Landau in der Pfalz, Municipalities of Balabac, Busuanga, Coron,
and Culion, Provincial Government of Palawan, LGU Narra,
Jewelmer Corporation, anonymous donors, PCSDS and DENR.
Forest rehabilitation and protection (since 2007):
Activities focus on the protection and rehabilitation of former or
existing tropical forest areas with the aim of sequestering carbon
and of creating or preserving habitats of threatened wildlife
species in the Philippines and hence contribute to the conservation
of climate and biological diversity. KFI enters into long-term
agreements with local communities in order to facilitate
rehabilitation of degraded or long-term persistence of existing
forests in the Philippines in mutual agreement with the donor.
Project approaches include: a) Selection of suitable areas based on
the potential for carbon sequestration or the actual carbon stock
and the value for biodiversity conservation; b) Management of the
acquired areas; c) Acquisition of mature forests – in case the
forests are in danger of conversion or degradation in a short or
middle term (“avoided deforestation”); d) Monitoring of acquired
areas; e) Forest inventories after the intervention to assess
standing crop and therefore carbon in the living biomass; d)
Assessment of selected groups of plants and animals with focus on
occurrence of threatened species. Efforts also include the
establishment of a Critical Habitat in Dumaran Island in an area
that is of global conservation concern and an importation watershed
for Dumaran.
Key sponsors and partners: Zoo Landau in der Pfalz;
Stadtholding Landau, Germany, World Association of Zoos and
Aquariums, La Ola Leisure Bath, Philippine Tropical Forest
Conservation Foundation, anonymous donors.
KFI OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES:
Joel G. Jimenez
President
Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
Vice President
Glesselle Batin
Secretary
Fr. Roberto M. Ebisa, SVD
Treasurer
Adelito D. Posas, MD FPCP FPCCP
Press Relations
Indira Dayang L. Widmann
Chief Executive/Operations Officer
Deborah Villafuerte - van den Beukel
Trustee
FOUNDING MEMBERS:
Indira Dayang "Yanyan" Lacerna - Widmann
Finished Mass
Communication from the University of San Jose Recoletos, MS in
Environmental Studies at the University of the Philippines in
Los Baños, Philippines; Diploma in Conservation Education at
Kent University, UK; eight years of working experience in
bilateral GTZ (German-Philippine) development project; and since
1999 managing the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Programme,
founding member and serving as Chief Operations Officer of the
Katala Foundation since incorporation in 2002
Peter Widmann
Graduated in
Biology at the University Hohenheim, Germany. In the past
eighteen years, worked in projects
related to biodiversity conservation, mostly in tropical Asia
(Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, China). Co-founder and
vice-president of the Katala Foundation. Programme leader of the
Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Programme from 1998 to 2007.
Currently working as adviser for Wildlife Management and
Conservation Biology at the Tanjungpura University in West
Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri
Graduated Agri-Business Management at
the University of the Philippines in Los Baños; At age 39, is
the youngest to be elected as Senate Majority Leader since the
First Congress in 1946 and after World War II; served the 3rd
District of Bukidnon for nine years since the 11th
Congress in 1998.; father of the Biofuels Act of 2006; “father”
of the New Cooperative Code or RA 9520 or the Philippine
Cooperative Code of 2008; founded the Philippine Deer Foundation
and Katala Foundation; and served as a Governor of the
Philippine National Red Cross and active member of the Red Cross
Youth Committee and Concerned Divers of the Philippines.
Sabine Schoppe
Graduated in Biology in 1990 and PhD in Biology in 1993 at the
Justus Liebig University In Giessen. Working in wildlife
conservation since 1994: Ornithological surveys in Panay& Negros,
Philippines (1994), community-based coastal resource management
in Leyte, Philippines (1995-1999), guest professor in aquatic
and marine biology at the Western Philippines University,
Palawan, Philippines (1999-2005), freshwater turtle trade
consultant of Traffic Southeast Asia in Malaysia and Indonesia
(2006), and since February 2007 Co-manager of the Philippine
Cockatoo Conservation Program. Project director of the
Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program. Founding
member of KFI and since December 2008 serving as Secretary of
the Foundation.
Deborah "Debbie" Villafuerte - van den Beukel
Finished BS Environmental Science from
the Palawan State University and acquired units in MS Extension
Systems Management at the Western Philippines University; six
years of working experience as Administrative and Conservation
Education Officer in the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation
Programme (PCCP); scholar, Global Darwin Scholarship Programme
hosted by the Field Studies Council in UK; contributes in making
education and publicity materials, fund raising and research; continuously working
as the Netherlands-based KF website developer; acquired
certificates on Web Design and Publication courses; a member of
International Webmasters Association; KFI's Founding Member and served as Secretary from
2001 to 2008.
Siegfred "Fred" H. Diaz
Finished BS Agricultural Engineering and a graduate of
Advance ROTC from the Palawan National Agricultural College (WPU).
Acquired units in MS Extension Systems Management at Western
Philippines University. Worked in Government offices (DAR, NIA,
LGU-Narra) and 4 years as Environmental Officer in a mining firm
based in Narra, Palawan; 3 years working experience in Bilateral
GTZ (German-Philippines) Development Project in Palawan. Late of
1998 started working with the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation
Program, now as PCCP – Field Operations Officer & KFI's founding
member.
PCCP/ KIEBC/ PDRCP
TEAM:
Indira Dayang L. Widmann
Program Director
Peter Widmann
Co-Director/ Science Director
Sheen Hanjin Arib
Administrative Assistant
Rene Abdulhamed Antonio
Science Research Specialist
Mary Chris P. Nierves
Program Development Officer
Joshuael C. Nuñez
Science Research Assistant
Anna Rose L. Agullo
Education Coordinator
Angeles Guion-Satioquia
KIEBC Main Keeper
Michael Plazos
Field Officer Dumaran
Kevin Tinay
Community Organizer
PCCP Wildlife Wardens/SDENROs/Volunteers:
Narra: Edwin Batac, Bernito Basio, Danilo
Villaruz, Lucito Dangis, Mario Batac, Reynaldo Alvelar, Veronica
Marcelo, Wilfreda Tejero, Lorna Magturo and Elizabeth Nillos
Pandanan-Balabac: Ismael Dela Cruz, Jhony
Casam, Intol Tingkisan, Saipol Panggal, and Ernesto Ogbok
IPPF: Wiliam Deig, Henry Ongo, Garry Bohare,
and Eduardo Madriṅan
PTCP/ PANGOLIN TEAM:
Dr. Sabine Schoppe
Program Director
Diverlile Acosta
Program Officer
Shiella Mae Jungco
Administrative Assistant
Genelle Lagrada
Field Operations Officer
John Rey Lagrosa
Field Coordinator
Jonalyn B. Lavega
Field Coordinator
Dexter Alvarado
Research Assistant
Monica Galgallano
Community Organizer
Eudelyn Gabuco
KIEBC Assistant Keeper
Roseline Mesicampo
Education Officer
Ronelito Esuma
Research Assistant
PFTCP Wildlife Enforcement Officers:
Dumarao, Roxas: Darwin Factor, Gerry Cabildo,
David Factor, Winifredo Madeja, Joel Gambalan, Joel Cervantes,
Antonio Dalita, Richie G. Evina
Sandoval, Roxas: Alimar B. Bayot
Mendoza, Roxas: Ric L. Gabuco, Alfredo G.
Ferrariz, Modesto B. Torres, Anastacio P. Galache Jr., Loreto V.
Baronda Jr., Garry M. Jardin, Nelson B. Adon, Ramito D. Gabuco
