Save a Climate Refuge for Endangered Species in the Philippines
Support More Work Like ThisSupport More Work Like ThisGlobally threatened species of pangolins and cockatoos rely on the tropical forests of Kensad mountain.
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Species at Risk
5 species
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Carbon stored
4,069,441 mT*
*(metric tons of CO2 equivalents) -
Partner
Centre for Sustainability PH, Inc.
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19,924 Proposed Acres Conserved by
Designation
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Project Cost: $304,494
19,924
Globally threatened species of pangolins and cockatoos rely on the tropical forests of Kensad mountain.
-
Species at Risk
5 species
-
Carbon stored
4,069,441 mT*
*(metric tons of CO2 equivalents) -
Partner
Centre for Sustainability PH, Inc.
-
19,924 Proposed Acres Conserved by
Designation
-
Project Cost: £221,475
19,924
Stop commercial mining
Known as “Sultan’s Peak,” Kensad mountain is located in the southern part of the picturesque island of Palawan in the Philippines. Key populations of globally threatened species like Philippine Pangolins (CR) and Philippine Cockatoo (CR) are found here alongside rare endemic plant species, such as the carnivorous Endangered pitcher plant Nepenthes palawanensis.
Covered in lush forests that store 204 mT (metric tons of CO2 equivalents) of carbon per acre, this beautiful landscape sits directly above one of the world’s largest nickel deposits, making it a constant target for commercial mining. We need your help to establish a 19,924-acre protected area to prevent destruction to this beautiful tropical landscape.
Explore the Philippines
Philippine Pangolin (CR)
Philippine Cockatoo
The Philippines
Save rare species
The mountain is part of the Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Range, which is a Key Biodiversity Area—making the potential protected area a globally recognized storehouse of rare and unique species. The peak of Kensad is the only habitat on Earth for the Nepenthes palawanensis, whose entire population is only about 2,000 individuals.
In addition, the site will provide a critical stronghold for the endemic Philippine Pangolin (also known as the Palawan Pangolin). Unfortunately, like all others of its kind, the Philippine Pangolin is a primary target of poachers who hunt them for their scales and meat. Compounded by threats of deforestation to their limited range, this species faces critical risk of extinction without our protection.
Help Indigenous communities maintain their livelihoods
As the global demand for nickel—used extensively in car batteries and smart phones—continues to increase, mining activities surrounding the proposed site pose a significant threat to the lives of Indigenous communities who hold strong cultural ties to these forests and rely on the land for survival. This new protection will safeguard an important watershed for the local people as well as natural resources they rely on for sustenance. Atabay Lake, a sacred place for the local Tagbanua tribe, will also be included in the protected area.
Our local partner, Centre for Sustainability PH, Inc., has worked with local communities every step of the way and we have their full support on this project. Once the land is protected, our partner will carry out activities to foster long-term community growth and prosperity. This support will help community members plan for a range of activities, like regenerating local ecosystems.
