DENR eyes Pantaron Mountain Range in Davao del Norte as protected area

The DENR 11 through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of New Corella town in Davao del Norte recently conducted a 4-day Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA) in the area after manifesting high ecological value and diffusing immense benefits to the community. 

PMR encompasses two adjacent provinces of Davao del Norte in Region 11 and Bukidnon in Region 10. In Davao del Norte, it covers almost 32,000 hectares and the municipality of Talaingod in said province covers the largest land area.

DENR report says PMR serves as the last remaining old growth and residual forest in Davao del Norte and is identified as the headwater source of Tagum-Libuganon River, Lasang River, and Davao River in Davao 

Included in the PASA were site observation of the biophysical features of the PMR in terms of its geological formation, hydrologic value, vegetative cover, types of ecosystems, and identification of flora and fauna which all form part as bases for the establishment of protected area.

The team who conducted the assessment found out several Dipterocarp species, Almaciga, Malabayabas, and species of Nepenthes, including sightings of moss, lichens, several bird species, bats, and insects.

The Agency vows to continue to put conscious efforts to preserve the PMR, its natural ecosystems including the wildlife species inhabiting it. 

“But with the persistent threats, securing our environment, natural resources and ecosystem services has always been a challenge,” DENR statement said.

Thus, the Department has called on the participation and commitment of their partner agencies, stakeholders, and lowland and upland communities to help carry through the endeavor. 

“After all, attaining sustainable natural resources and a functional ecosystem needs a full range of help from everyone,” DENR said.

Ethnic tribal communities such as the Manobos, Higaonons, and Bukidnons are the inhabitants of the area. Ancestral domain claims within the boundaries of the mountain range have also been identified by the government for these Lumad minorities.

The forests are threatened by mining and logging.