Wings of the Forest: Community Guided Birdwatching in Sierra Madres

Program Overview

Wings of the Forest is a sustainable ecotourism initiative that trains forest guards and local community members as certified birdwatching guides. The program aims to:

  • Provide alternative livelihood through ecotourism
  • Promote biodiversity conservation by engaging tourists in birdwatching
  • Generate income for forest guards and the land grant (via birding guide-fees)
  • Offer CSR partners, tourists, students, and bird enthusiasts an immersive nature experience

Income Generation Opportunities For Forest Guards (Guides):

  • Guiding Fees: PHP 1,000 – 1500 per tour (1-3 hours)
  • Group Tours: PHP 3,000-5,000 for corporate CSR groups (10-15 pax)

Integration into FEED Programs

Empower forest communities through livelihood-generating birdwatching tours while restoring critical bird habitats via corporate-funded reforestation.

1. Program Name: Wings of the Forest / Feathers Together, Forests Forever

Type: CSR Ecotourism + Reforestation Program

Duration: 1 day / half-day program

Location: Start with LQLG (Forest birds), but eventually expand to all sites (Mangrove wetlands species)

Impact Objectives:

  • Birdwatching Ecotourism – Supports livelihoods for forest guard guides.
  • Upland Reforestation – Tree-planting of tree-host species to help restore bird habitats

Program Components:

  • Guided Birdwatching Tour (2-3 hours)
  • Led by FEED-certified forest guard guide
  • Spot & learn about birds endemic to the Sierra Madres, and Migratory birds
  • Contribution to guide income (PHP 250 – 500/pax)

2. Tree Planting for Habitat Restoration

  • Planting of Native fruit-bearing tree species for birds (Malaruhat, etc.)
  • Nursery Bagging

3. Optional add-ons:

• Birdhouse building workshop – for participants to leave behind functional bird shelters