Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc.
Key Achievements
The conservation of Danjugan island has paved the way for many other environmental initiatives in partnership with local communities, non-government organisations and Philippine government agencies focused on the environment, education and tourism. Our work started on the island but now has spread beyond its shores.
- Danjugan island established as a Marine Protected Area in 2000 and won the Best Managed Reef in the Philippines in 2001.
- Recognized as one of the Top 10 Philippine Gems in 2014.
- Recognized as one of the Top 10 Ecotourism spots in the Philippines by TV network GMA 7 in 2020.
- Finalist for Rappler’s 2019 MovePH Awards as Ambassador for Environmental Sustainability.
- Founder, Gerry Ledesma and Executive Director, Dave Albao receive the Negros Occidental Governor’s Achievement Award 2021.
- Four women project staff received the “Abanse-Negrense – Bayi para sa Dunang Manggad (Women for the Environment) Awards 2021.
- Successful giant clam seeding project in partnership with the University of the Philippines Marine Science institute done in 2000. Today, these giant clams have been observed to be spawning and seeding reefs around Danjugan island.
- Increased sea turtle sightings and nestings.
- Consistent black tip shark breeding each year.
- Consistent breeding of sea eagles every 2 years.
- Increased sightings of coconut crabs, tabon scrub fowls, eagle rays, napoleon wrasses.
- Coral cover and fish biomass higher compared to unprotected sites.
- About 2000 youth camp graduates.
- Partnership with the Department of Education Philippines in the Danjugan Island Environmental Education Program and curriculum development for public schools.
- Mentored and supported 143 scholars in fisheries, forestry and agriculture in partnership with the Department of Agriculture.
- Spotlight on PRRCFI scholar and Community Officer, Carmela Ellaga: She graduated cum laude with a fisheries degree. In 2021, she was recognized by Michelle Obama as one of the “5 Young Women Fighting for Climate Justice You Should Know”.
- 10 PRRCFI staff have been deputized as licensed “bantay-dagat” or sea wardens by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
- Provided employment to 20 families and supported businesses from local communities by engaging them in our Danjugan Island Nature Tourism Program.
- Supported 8 local micro-businesses (sarisari stores) to be more sustainable through zero-waste practices (Sea Waste Education to Eradicate Plastic).
- Engaged over 3000 volunteers in our SWEEP (Sea Waste Education to Eradicate Plastic) Project volunteers for beach clean ups and waste audits.
- Actively supporting/engaging 9 cities and municipalities in Negros Island in solid waste management and other environmental governance initiatives.
- Currently introducing livelihood programs benefitting over 127 local community members through the “Actions for Community and Environment (ACE)” Project.
