Haribon Foundation

Haribon Foundation
Name	Haribon Foundation
Founded	0 1972
Location	Quezon City, Philippines
Focus	Biodiversity conservation, Sustainable development
Method	Community-based conservation, Scientific research, Advocacy
Website	https://www.haribon.org.ph

Haribon Foundation. It is one of the oldest and most prominent environmental organizations in the Philippines, dedicated to the conservation of the country's rich biodiversity. Founded in 1972, it has played a pivotal role in shaping national conservation policy and on-the-ground action. The foundation's name, derived from the Filipino word for the Philippine eagle, symbolizes its commitment to protecting this critically endangered national bird and its habitat.

History

The organization was established in 1972 by a group of Filipino mountaineers and birdwatchers, including Robert S. Kennedy, initially operating as a chapter of the international World Wildlife Fund. It became an independent, fully Filipino-run entity in 1983, marking a significant shift towards local leadership in conservation. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the foundation was instrumental in campaigns that led to landmark legislation, such as the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992. Its early work included pioneering field studies on the Philippine eagle and other endemic species, laying the groundwork for future conservation strategies across the Sierra Madre and other key biogeographic regions.

Mission and objectives

The foundation's core mission is to promote the conservation of Philippine biodiversity through the practice of sustainable development. Its primary objectives include restoring rainforests and marine ecosystems using native tree species and science-based methods. A key aim is to empower local communities as primary stewards of their natural resources through education and capacity-building programs. Furthermore, it seeks to influence national and local policy by providing scientific data and advocating for stronger environmental laws and their enforcement.

Conservation programs

Its flagship initiative is the **Rainforestation Organizations and Advocates (ROAD) to 2020** program, which promotes the restoration of degraded lands using native tree species. The foundation implements extensive **Community-Based Forest Management** agreements, working directly with indigenous peoples and local communities in areas like the Mounts Iglit-Baco National Park. Marine conservation efforts focus on establishing and managing **Marine Protected Areas** and promoting sustainable fisheries in critical seascapes such as the Verde Island Passage. Advocacy and education are carried out through campaigns like **Biodiversity on Wheels** and direct engagement with institutions like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Species and habitat focus

The foundation's iconic flagship species is the critically endangered Philippine eagle, with long-term research and protection programs centered in Mindanao and Luzon. It also focuses on other threatened endemic birds like the Visayan wrinkled hornbill and the Negros bleeding-heart. Key terrestrial habitats targeted for conservation include the remaining lowland evergreen rainforest fragments in the Sierra Madre and the forests of Panay and Negros. Marine programs prioritize the conservation of coral reef ecosystems in the Coral Triangle, particularly around Verde Island Passage and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Organizational structure and membership

Governed by a Board of directors composed of environmental experts, scientists, and business leaders, the foundation's operations are led by an executive director. It maintains a core staff of scientists, foresters, and community organizers based in its Quezon City headquarters and regional field offices. Membership is open to the public through the **Haribon Society**, which engages citizens in conservation activities and provides crucial fundraising support. The foundation frequently collaborates with international partners like BirdLife International, the United Nations Development Programme, and various academic institutions.

Awards and recognition

The foundation's significant contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious **UN Environment Programme Global 500 Roll of Honour** in 1995. It has received accolades from the Philippine government, such as awards from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for outstanding environmental achievement. International recognition includes the **Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants** and continuous accreditation as a key partner by global alliances like BirdLife International. Its scientific work and advocacy are regularly cited in international assessments, including those by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Category:Environmental organizations based in the Philippines Category:Conservation organizations Category:Organizations established in 1972