USAID turns over Manual for Forest and Biodiversity Protection to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

USAID/B+WISER Chief of Party Bert Rapera (left) presents copies of the Lawin manual and the USAID Digital Development Award to DENR Assistant Secretary for Staff Bureaus Ricardo L. Calderon (center) and DENR-FMB Director Nonito M. Tamayo (right). (Photo credit: USAID/B+WISER)

On June 28, USAID's Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) program, officially turned over the Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System (Lawin) manual to the DENR Forest Management Bureau (FMB). Developed in close collaboration with the DENR, the manual is composed of four modules: Forest Conservation Area Planning, Purpose-driven Patrolling, Data Management, and Response to Observed Forest Threats. The development of the manual is a major step in strengthening the DENR’s capacity to sustain and implement the Lawin system for the protection of the country’s remaining forests. In the same event, DENR-FMB was also presented with the USAID Digital Development Award (Digis) for its innovative use of technology in the Lawin system. The award is presented to USAID missions, bureaus, offices, and partners that make use of cutting-edge technologies and advanced data analysis to maximize impact in their respective mission areas. In 2017, USAID/B+WISER and four USAID missions in African countries were selected as the first ever Digis awardees from over 100 entries of USAID projects around the world.

 
USAID/B+WISER representatives with Asec. Calderon, FMB Director Tamayo and DENR Regional Directors and Assistant Regional Directors.(Photo credit: USAID/B+WISER)