Recorded presentation

Carol Boender, MA¹, Kirk Riutta², and Janet Edmund¹. (1) Population-Environment Program, Conservation International, 1919 M Street NW, Ste 600, Washington, DC 20036, 202-912-1734, c.boender@conservation.org, (2) Population Environment Program, Conservation International Philippines, Manila, the Philippines, #5 South Lawin, Philam Homes, Quezon City, Philippines

Cagayan province in North Luzon, the Philippines, is unique both biologically and culturally. Local villagers represent a variety of ethnicities. The remaining wilderness areas are home to the largest mountain chain in the country and a number of species found nowhere else in the world. The majority of residents rely on forest resources, such as wild game, timber, and land for agricultural production, while a population growth rate of 2.13% is increasing pressure on the environment and the potential of a food security crisis. 62.3% of respondents surveyed believe it will be harder for their children and grandchildren to make a living than it is for them now. Yet villagers in this remote area have little access to reproductive health services that would enable them to voluntary limit their family size and the number of children that need support.

Beginning in 2003, Conservation International (CI) joined with local NGO PROCESS-Luzon to improve reproductive health services, agricultural techniques, environmental awareness, and men’s involvement in family planning in Baggao. The program is conceptually founded in the understanding of people as part of the natural environment, human health as inextricably tied to ecosystemic health, and gender equity as key to self-efficacy. Strategies include training of midwives and community health workers; participatory diagnostic sessions to foster support for healthy reproductive and productive decision making; an agroforestry model farm and trainings for farmers in forest-friendly agricultural techniques; an improved contraceptive delivery system; special information events for men; and couples’ groups.

Learning Objectives: Participants attending this session will be able to

• Describe an international community-based project that links reproductive health services and information with environmental awareness building and sustainable development activities.
• Identify the benefits of partnerships between conservation and health organizations in remote rural areas.
• Describe how natural resource management issues can create an entry point for reaching men with reproductive health/family planning information.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation