Reforestation initiatives have turned an almost barren terrain into a lush, green refuge.
An astounding seven-year metamorphosis was revealed in a before-and-after comparison of a Zambales mountain shared on Facebook by Raf Dionisio, a social and environmental entrepreneur and co-founder of MAD Travel.
It was a composite of the location that contrasts sharply before and after 62,000 trees were planted.
Aeta’s help
Dionisio claims that the region is only a small part of the ancient territory that the Aeta communities of Yangil and Banawen in San Felipe, Zambales own. The land had been abandoned for about 30 years.
The Aetas then worked tirelessly for seven years, through heavy rains and sweltering summers, to reforest the land.
Dionisio said that their goal was to "build a green economy based on agroforestry where taking care of nature builds wealth."
An approach to land use management known as "agroforestry" combines livestock, crops, and/or trees to mutually benefit the environment, the economy, and society.
Providing Aetas income
According to Dionisio, the Aeta villages collaborate to grow agroforestry goods like cashews, tea, honey, and calamansi, all while repairing their ancestral land. They get paid for this process as well.
He said that Kupang, Narra, Yakal, Tibig, Palosapis, and Lauan were the forest trees they used.
Those who are interested in helping the community should email info@madtravel.org or visit their official website.
