Rainforestation Case Study: The Cienda-San Vicente Farmers Association Experience

Background

This paper highlights the case study of the Cienda-San Vicente Farmers Association (CSVFA) in Leyte, Phillipines. CSVFA was established in 1996 in collaboration with Visayas State University (VSU). While they have had numerous initiatives, this paper focuses on their project that explores the potential of rainforestation, a community-based approach to native species reforestation, to restore degraded lands. The paper begins with an overview of Leyte and its history with degradation, then highlights CSVFA efforts in rainforestation, and concludes with a wider discussion on the outcomes of rainforestation. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The authors highlight that while there were significant economic, environmental, and social benefits, implementing rainforestation method for the first time in the region did have its challenges. This challenges typically concerned lack of prior awareness to degradation and issues with previous projects. The authors suggest taking a family approach along with increasing research and systematic data collection in order to address these and other challenges. The paper concludes stating the CSFVA experience with rainforestation should serve as an example for other organizations seeking to restore degraded lands.