Araneta City, Masungi Georeserve Foundation team up to revive degraded forests
In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, Araneta City and the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, Inc. (MGFI) made a historic collaboration to rehabilitate parts of the expansive conservation area in Baras, Rizal.
The two parties signed on February 22 a Memorandum of Agreement to restore and protect 10 hectares of degraded land within the Masungi Geopark Project as part of the Adopt-a-Hectare Program, a forest rehabilitation initiative that focuses on the preservation of Masungi's limestone landscape and surrounding areas.
Present during the MOA signing were MGFI trustees Michael Molina and Billie Dumaliang, Araneta City Senior Management Consultant Rowell Recinto, and Araneta City Senior Vice President for Business Development John Castelo.
Dumaliang expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the broader vision beyond forest restoration. "We're honored to join forces with Araneta City in their quest for sustainability. This partnership opens avenues for further cooperation in promoting education and environmental consciousness, leveraging Araneta City's influential legacy in Metro Manila," Dumaliang remarked.
Meanwhile, Recinto expressed full support for the momentous partnership, signaling another milestone for Araneta City. "Our company is committed to fostering a sustainable environment through green initiatives implemented in the City of Firsts. We are happy to team up with like-minded organizations such as MGFI and amplify our impact to a wider scope through our shared mission," he said.
The Masungi Geopark Project aims to rehabilitate over 2,700 hectares of degraded forest through a Comprehensive Forest Restoration (CFR) strategy. The Adopt-a-Hectare Program encourages active involvement from partners and employees in a variety of restoration activities, ranging from grass trimming and tree planting to implementing security measures and engaging rangers, thereby fostering a collective effort towards conservation.
The sustenance of Masungi Georeserve has benefited from low-impact geotourism. However, additional support from initiatives like this partnership is essential to achieve the ambitious goals of reviving degraded watersheds and enhancing climate resilience for downstream communities, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.