Get Involved
Rainforestation had its origins at Visayas State University, which continues to play a leading role in research and technical service provision for the program (see History of RF page). Nevertheless, the demand for and implementation of Rainforestation throughout the country has grown to such an extent that additional researchers and technical services providers are needed. As such, we invite members of the academic and research community to join us in our efforts, by getting involved in any of the following ways:
- Conducting and publishing research on RF and RF-related topics (see PDF for some recommended research topics)
- Providing technical support to RF trainers (i.e., mother tree identification, silvicultural or agro-forestry techniques, financial management or marketing strategies, etc.)
- Incorporating native species reforestation into the curriculum and visiting RF demo sites for field trips
- Developing a native species nursery and RF demonstration site on campus
- Promoting RF and RF-related studies as research opportunities for students
If you are affiliated with an academic or research institution and would like more information about the possibility of getting involved with Rainforestation in your region, please contact the RFRI Secretariat.
Local Government Units (LGUs) are one of the primary beneficiaries of Rainforestation (RF) efforts to restore watersheds and rehabilitate degraded lands. RFRI members and trainers are working cooperatively with LGUs throughout the Philippines (see, e.g., Negros Occidental and Pilar) to bring these environmental and economic benefits to the LGU's respective territories. LGU involvement in RF projects typically takes the following forms:
- Identification and provision of lands for reforestation and using RF as the reforestation approach in Land-Use and Management Plans
- Arranging for the RF training of field staff so they can serve as RF trainers, practitioners, and advocates
- Developing a municipal nursery to provide a supply of quality native seedlings and other planting materials
- Supporting other RF-related activities, such as the protection of mother trees, by authoring or lobbying for appropriate ordinances and bills
- Allocating funds for RF and RF-related activities
If you represent a LGU and would like more information about the possibility of implementing Rainforestation in your region, please contact the RFRI secretariat.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a major role in developing native species nurseries and Rainforestation (RF) sites throughout the Philippines. Because of their close work with communities, NGOs can assist through the following:
- Providing technical and financial support to RF trainers and/or cooperators in such areas as financial management, marketing strategies, paralegal assistance, proposal writing, alternative livelihood development, etc.
- Advocating RF in their Information, Education and Communications (IEC) campaigns
- Promoting and facilitating the implementation of RF in their project sites
- Providing support in organizing communities (RF Farmers’ Associations/Peoples’ Organizations) and applying for tenurial instruments which ensure that such groups gain the benefits of Rainforestation
- Lobbying for ordinances or bills in support of RF, such as those aimed at protecting mother trees
- Connecting RF trainers and/or cooperators with technical service providers, funding agencies, or buyers
If you are affiliated with a NGO and would like more information about the possibility of getting involved with Rainforestation in your region, please contact the RFRI secretariat.
With global warming, biodiversity loss, and other forms of environmental degradation growing in prominence, the private sector is taking an increasingly active role in environmental conservation. Rainforestation (RF) advocates have already developed links to a number of corporate sponsors and we would like to encourage others to get involved in the following ways:
- Adopting RF for company reforestation projects, including those developed through CSR initiatives or as required under Environmental Compliance Certificates
- Providing land and support for RF initiatives implemented by others
- Sponsoring or supporting other RF-related programs, including training and capacity-building, advocacy, and research
- Providing upfront financing and technical support for the development of large-scale rainforestation projects aimed at generating credits for the carbon market
- Contributing through Haribon’s Adopt-a-Seedling program (see a list of past contributors)
If you represent a private sector interest and would like more information about starting or getting involved with Rainforestation efforts in your region, please contact the RFRI Secretariat.