Isla Biodiversity Conservation, Inc.

A small team has visited Calayan to make preparations for the upcoming Small Island Reforestation (SIR) training in May. The team conducted soil tests in potential pilot reforestation areas as well as focus group discussions and interviews with local residents to help assess the social acceptability and economic viability of a variety of vegetable and fruit crops.

The SIR is a reforestation technique being developed through the Calayan Rail Project to help rehabilitate de-forested areas on the island. It is designed to help upland farmers increase the productivity of their land and discourage them from clearing forests for agriculture. Based on a technique known as “Rainforestation,” the SIR involves planting native trees and inter-cropping with them vegetables and fruits from which farmers can make a living.

The team consisted of Karina Javier, Teresa Salado, Niño Policarpio Sanchez, Raul Jennifer Castillejos and Carl Oliveros. They visited sitio Luek in Barangay Magsidel and Barangay Dibay.