With ambassador of the Philippines to Italy Nathaniel Imperial and Deputy permanent representative/Agricultural Attache Dr. Josyline Javelosa (Photo courtesy of Femy Pinto)

We owe it to those who tirelessly work to protect our forests, like Nida Collado, President of the Macatumbalen Community-Based Forest and Coastal Management Association (MBFCMA). In 2002, they started with thirty-six members, who were mostly women.

The association, composed of farmers and fisherfolks, has been proactive in conserving and protecting mangrove forests in San Vicente Palawan, along with advocating for the sustainable harvest and use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as honey and rattan.

“The resources in the forests are our source of income, our food… [there] is honey, and in the mangrove areas, we have fish to eat,” as Nay Nida explained in her acceptance speech for the award.

The journey has not been an easy one for Nay Nida and the MBFCMA. They fought against illegal logging, land grabbing, and all sorts of environmental exploitation in their community.

Leaders like her stood up for their rights and inspired others to stand up with her – through educating them about the importance of forests not only in their community but also for their personal well-beings. “But like a deeply rooted tree – we have not been shaken. We are resourceful and make use of what we have.” Their resilience has shown what can be accomplished when people come together to defend what is rightfully theirs.

The association is presently focused on protecting the environment and conserving ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on preventing illegal logging and land encroachment. They are also involved in coastal clean-up projects and restoring mangrove forests, demonstrating a broad dedication to environmental stewardship.

“There are no financial rewards,” Nay Nida told the audience as she wraps up her speech, “but there are many rewards for our shared future.” Our forests, mangroves, clean air, fresh water, and clear waters for swimming are priceless treasures for our community, now and for the future.

This victory is not only for Macatumbalen but for all grassroots community who dedicate their lives in environmental conservation and protection, as Nay Nida said, “I [am] very happy because the grassroots communities were recognized in the global space.”

Inspired by Wangari Maathai, the Wangari Maathai Forest Champions Award, established by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests in 2012, honors individuals who excel in community forest management, engaging indigenous communities and all forest users. Past recipients include Narayan Kaji Shrestha (Nepal, 2012), Martha Isabel ‘Pati’ Ruiz Corzo (Mexico, 2014), Gertrude Kabusimbi Kenyangi (Uganda, 2015), Maria Margarida Ribeiro da Silva (Brazil, 2017), Léonidas Nzigiyimpa (Burundi, 2019), and Cécile Ndjebet (Cameroon, 2022). The Collaborative Partnership on Forests, a coalition of 16 international organizations, is committed to promoting sustainable forest management and fostering long-term political support for these goals.

Photos from the awarding ceremony

Know more about the Wangari Maathai Award Forest Champions Award here:

Filipino community leader wins Wangari Maathai Forest Champions Award 2024;

Rome – Filipino community leader Nida Collado today won the 2024 Wangari Maathai Forest Champions Award for her outstanding achievements and steadfast commitment to forest conservation and restoration and improving livelihoods. Readmore »