Isla Biodiversity Conservation, Inc.

Farmers are asking for the establishment of a protected sanctuary and watershed around Longog in the center of Calayan Island. This call was made in a participatory resource mapping and consultation activity facilitated by ISLA last 26 May 2007 in Longog.

Among the rules proposed by farmers include the prohibition of certain acts such as clearing of forest for agriculture (kaingin), any cutting of trees, hunting wildlife, and construction of permanent structures inside the protected area. Consultation participants also asked that an area be designated around current agricultural areas where the above activities will be allowed.

All those present agreed that everyone should take part in guarding the protected area and a about a dozen expressed interest in becoming informants to law enforcers.

Residents of Longog and nearby Pilid as well as those who have farms in and around Longog attended the consultations. Officials of Barangay Dibay led by its Chairman Guillermo Bumagat were also well present.