Conservation

The inevitable collateral damage of population growth and commercial development is the environment and people’s health. A major effort by Sulu Garden Foundation (SGF) is directed towards [1] preservation of virgin forests, rivers and estuaries; [2] identification and surveys of endangered plants and animals to develop conservation efforts in collaboration with local, national and international agencies. 

Forest

SGF worked in partnership with government agencies, external organizations, and experts such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the protection and conservation of wildlife within the islands of Panay. 

Re-Greening of Panay

Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines — The Philippines has been ravaged by deforestation. Our country has seen a massive decline in its forests, particularly during the last 124 years. Reforestation is a necessary activity to mitigate the effects of the continuing trend of Global Warming. But restoration of the country’s forest cannot be accomplished by planting trees one at a time.

Matong Gamay and Matong Daku

Matong Gamay (meaning small) and Matong Daku (big) are two mountainous forested areas located at Igbaras, Iloilo, Panay, Philippines. It is home to a lot of wild flora and fauna and away from modern civilization. The Sulu Garden Foundation (SGF) made a site visit to check the area and conducted aerial shots to have a glimpse of the whole mountain from above.

Wildlife

SGF has a vital role in wildlife initiatives such as conducting baseline research on bat population, and advocating to efforts that contribute significantly to the survival of wildlife through collaborations.

Bats of Miagao

SGF conducts annual bat counts for long-term monitoring to provide crucial baseline data for understanding bat populations and developing effective conservation strategies.

Creeks & Estuaries

Creeks and rivers are often used as dumping grounds for wastewater and solid wastes. The esteros (canals) of Metro-Manila) has been an excellent example of such massive environmental damage in the recent past. Mitigation efforts by local and national agencies had restored the esteros into their former pristine condition, with fish returning. Similar efforts in provincial cities are being duplicated, such as the recent successful rehabilitation of the Iloilo River. Such efforts should be nationwide. Small streams and seasonal creeks are often forgotten or ignored as targets for conservation.

 

Sapa Creek

To demonstrate the importance of small rivers, Sulu Garden Foundation (SGF) had begun a program to survey Sapa Creek which passes alongside SGF headquarters. Below is the recent survey of the creek that begins in the open field 1.66 km from the National Highway and terminates into Panay Gulf (Sulu Sea). During the rainy season from June to January, the creek is water-filled and seasonally floods. It is home to many bird species, and a hunting ground for monitor lizards, pythons and other terrestrial organisms. Underwater, the creek is home to native species, such as “haruan” (snakeheads), various species of shrimps, “bulan-bulan” (Megalops cyprinoides), “ubog” and others.

Butterflies at Sulu Garden

Sulu Garden is surrounded by nature. On the south side is a small creek and across from it are forested areas of University of the Philippines in the Visayas. On its western side is a strip of forested areas as well. With plenty of flowering plants, Sulu Garden hosts many species of butterflies that visit us at different times of the year. By continuously expanding our gardens with plants that attract butterflies, we hope that the Garden becomes both a haven for man and for butterflies as well.

Butterfly Sanctuary

The Sulu Butterfly Sanctuary is designed as a haven for indigenous butterflies and for visitors to experience a unique world we often take for granted. Come see us in Miagao and experience the unique beauty of nature.

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