Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Foundation
NGO founded: 1994
Partnership formed: 1994
Organisation’s aim: To ensure the long-term conservation of the marine and terrestrial environment in the Philippines through education and alleviating poverty.
Partner history
Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc (PRRFCI) was established with assistance from WLT in a bid to save Danjugan Island from unsympathetic tourism development. The organisation continues to conserve and manage the island's varied habitats and to raise awareness of local conservation issues.
Partnership with WLT
In 1993, WLT was alerted by conservationist William Oliver to the plight of Danjugan Island and the need for its protection in the face of tourism development. After speaking with Gerry Ledesma, from the Negros Ecological and Forest Foundation, who was spearheading the appeal, WLT’s CEO John Burton organised for Sue Wells, an international expert on coral reefs, to carry out a site visit to the island to assess its conservation importance. WLT then approached the Coral Cay Conservation (CCC) to develop a plan for protecting the marine resources.
Both Sue Wells and CCC reported back on the urgent need to protect the island from development. The WLT and Gerry Ledesma decided that a new organisation was needed to carry out the conservation work, so the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation was formed.
Projects with WLT
Phillipine Reef and Rainforest Project
WLT raised funds to help PRRFCI purchase and protect the island of Danjugan; the project was a great success and the island is now fully protected and managed by PRRFCI, with WLT remaining supportive partners.
Following the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004, the WLT set up the Reef & Mangrove appeal to help raise funds for a coral reef and mangrove protection and regeneration project on Danjugan Island. WLT continues to support PRRFC from time to time.
Other projects and activities
- Coastal restoration, including mangrove replanting on other islands surrounding Danjugan;
- Research into the island's fish stock management, including training local fishermen to undertake surveys and protect the coral reefs surrounding their island;
- Field research and education, including a wildlife and marine camp that provides hands on learning to visiting children;
- Nature tourism project provides a sustainable income for conservation work and offers adventurous tourists a base for kayaking, birdwatching and snorkelling.
Awards and achievements
2001: Received the Best Managed Reef Award for protecting the coral reef surrounding Danjugan Island.
Director: Gerardo L Ledesma
Sir David Attenborough, WLT Patron
