At least 120 forest rangers and technicians can now use a web-based mobile application to gather critical information in real time and address threats to the Cotabato region’s natural forest and biodiversity.
The forest field men recently underwent training on the application called Lawin (Landscape and Wildlife Indicators) Forest and Biodiversity Conservation System.
Director of the region’s environment office, Datu Tungko M. Saikol encouraged the forest rangers to learn and apply the system as they perform their duties.
“You should practice this technology as this would make your job easier and [more] efficient,” Saikol said, noting that the system provides features that would help the rangers identify threats to the natural forests and biodiversity.
Under the system, patrol rangers can quickly issue alerts on an impending destruction in the forest and wood areas, such as illegal logging activities.
“It can be used as evidence and it can be sent to the law enforcement officers for necessary action,” Saikol said.
Rodolfo Aragon, specialist of the environment department’s Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience Land Evaluation, reminded forest rangers and field workers of the importance of their role in environmental protection.
“Lawin will tell you that you have to go and patrol the forest. If the forest is under threat, we have to eliminate the threats. The LFBP system will only work for you if you go to the forest,” Aragon explained.
“It is your eyes on the ground. However, it is useless without enforcement,” he added.
Rodolfo Santos Jr., B+WISER monitoring and evaluation specialist, meanwhile, emphasized that the Lawin system is an innovation of the government that would help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, such as Life on Land and Climate Action.
The system also records data on wildlife indicator species for healthy forests to determine how the forest ecosystem is responding to management interventions.
Project Lawin was developed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the B+WISER of the United States Agency for International Development. It aims to improve the response mechanism to address observed threats and ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts inside the country’s protected areas over the long-term.
Saikol said public support is necessary for the success of this new system in monitoring and enforcing wildlife laws, particularly in areas considered hot spots for timber and wildlife poaching.