KEY POINTS

The Napsan region has one of the last intact tropical and subtropical rainforest areas in the Philippines, and endemic animal and plant species there are severely threatened.

Overuse and decimation of the forests through exploitation by the local and international timber industry and slash-and-burn farming to create rice plantations and palm farms.

Poaching of severely endangered species for food and for the international trade in live wild animals and animal products (Palawan peacock, Palawan bearcat, Palawan leopard cat, Palawan hornbill, Palawan scops owl, Palawan pangolin); according to the Rainforest Trust, the jungle of Palawan is one of the 15 most endemic regions on earth.

Land speculation has led to habitat fragmentation.

The existence and culture of the Tagbanua tribe is in danger.

Migration to cities due to removal of their traditional way of life.

Suppression of tribal culture. Only a few tribe members still know how to write in the Tagbanua language (declared by UNESCO to be a “Memories of Mankind” in 1999); formerly common carving and weaving arts and other crafts are dying out. This loss of identity is loosening the fabric of communities. The result is cultural depletion and discord, or even open hostility between populations.

Tribal members sell land and goods and become impoverished, as captialists take advantage of their lack of financial competence.

Lacking or inadequate educational opportunities and ignorance of their rights lead to abuse.