Multi-sectoral Participatory Urban Forestry Development in Philippines Metropolitan Manila

The Luntiang Kamaynilaan Project (Metro ManilaGreening Project) launched in 1988 planted trees inmajor thoroughfares, center islands, school premisesand other idle public lands, was basically a governmenteffort. When the funds ran out, the project also fizzledout. In both projects however, it is evident that the keyfactor is peoples participation.Gaining lessons from the past two projects, thegovernment established a collaborative effort ofgovernment and non-government organizations. TheCl…

Multi-sectoral Participatory Urban Forestry Development in Philippines Metropolitan Manila

Metropolitan Manila, the capital region of the Philippines, initiated urban forestry projects toshowcase its environmental benefits. Metro Manila was once a part of a tropical mangrove forest dominatedby small trees locally called nilad (Scyphiphora hydrophyllaceae). The fast-paced urbanization transformedthe original ecosystem into a bustling metropolis subjected to environmental decay. The establishment ofurban forestry is one of the interventions sought by the government to mitigate the environmental conditions.Thus, the concept of participatory urban forestry was formalized in 1988 by the national government.However, it was during the early years of the 1970s that the idea of exerting collective effort in greeningMetro Manila started through the Green Revolution, with the primary motive of uplifting the economiccondition of the people rather than on ecological enhancement. The project was forced on the people to plantvegetables and fruit trees with less emphasis on forest trees species. Although the project was not successful,the government realized that the citizenry could be a great partner for a collective worthwhile undertaking.