Secrets of the Mountains: How the Aeta Restored Their Ancestral Land
In a remarkable journey of resilience and collaboration, the Aeta communities of Yangil and Banawen in San Felipe, Zambales have transformed their ancestral land into a lush, sustainable forest ecosystem. This story spans over seven years of determination, blending traditional knowledge with environmental action, to revive a once-barren landscape. Supported by MAD Travel, a sustainable tourism group, the project exemplifies the strength of indigenous stewardship and community-led ecological restoration.
The Challenge of a Scarred Landscape
The Aeta communities have historically inhabited the mountains of Zambales, living symbiotically with the forest. However, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 left the land covered in ash, turning fertile areas into arid, barren stretches. For decades, this degradation forced many Aetas to migrate, depriving them of both their homeland and traditional livelihoods. The ecological restoration project was initiated in response to this crisis, aiming to rehabilitate the land and restore the cultural bond between the Aeta people and their ancestral territory.
A Community-Led Solution: Reforesting the Ancestral Land
In 2017, the Aeta community, alongside environmental advocates, began an ambitious reforestation project that would plant 62,000 native trees across the degraded landscape. Indigenous trees like Kupang, Narra, Yakal, Tibig, Palosapis, and Lauan were chosen for their environmental resilience and alignment with the region’s ecosystem. Reintroducing these species not only promotes biodiversity but also aids in soil stabilization, mitigating the risk of erosion.
To cultivate these trees, community members had to endure challenging conditions, including harsh weather and difficult terrain. Through their perseverance, the land started to heal, transforming into a green haven that is rich with life.
Agroforestry: A Model for Sustainable Livelihoods
A cornerstone of the project is agroforestry, an approach that integrates forest restoration with agricultural production. This model allows the Aeta people to grow crops, tend livestock, and harvest forest products in harmony with the ecosystem. Calamansi, cashew, honey, and herbal tea are among the products they now cultivate. The diversified output not only provides food security but also generates sustainable income for the community, enhancing their economic resilience.
The Aetas are reclaiming their roles as guardians of the forest, integrating practices that support both cultural preservation and ecological health. This agroforestry approach has empowered the community to achieve “green economy” goals, promoting economic independence without compromising the health of the land.
Environmental Education and Sustainable Tourism
MAD Travel, co-founded by environmentalist Raf Dionisio, has also introduced sustainable tourism to support the community financially and raise awareness of environmental restoration. Visitors can join tree-planting activities, learn about Aeta culture, and witness the transformative power of community-driven reforestation. This partnership promotes a deeper understanding of indigenous practices, helping bridge cultural gaps and offering tourists a meaningful experience.
Proceeds from these tours go directly to funding the community’s projects, enabling the Aeta people to continue restoring their land and sustaining the reforested area.
READ: Yolanda Survivor: He Grew A Mangrove Forest to Protect His Village
Challenges and Future Goals
Despite their success, the Aeta community continues to face challenges. Limited access to resources and unpredictable weather patterns impact their work. Still, the community remains steadfast, aiming to expand their agroforestry initiatives and increase the number of planted trees, targeting areas yet to be rehabilitated. By preserving their traditions and nurturing the forest, the Aeta people look forward to a future where both their culture and environment thrive.
A Call for Support and Solidarity
The restoration project serves as an inspiring model for indigenous communities worldwide, highlighting the essential role of traditional knowledge in environmental sustainability. Those interested in supporting the Aeta community’s ongoing efforts can visit the official MAD Travel website or contact them directly to participate or donate. This initiative stands as a powerful reminder of the impact that local, community-driven action can have on ecological and cultural renewal in the Philippines.