Saving Masungi, a last ‘ark of biodiversity’ in the Philippines

Nestled among the lush forests and dreaming crags just outside the city of Manila in the Philippines, lies the Masungi Georeserve, a haven of biodiversity.

The reserve is a protected ‘karst’ terrain - limestone rock formations which serve as a filter for vital waterways. Situated upstream from the capital, the rock acts as a vital watershed that regulates the flow of water all the way down to the cities in Manila Bay, protecting them from devastating floods.

Ann Dumaliang grew up in the reserve and, under the tutelage of her father, learned to steward and reforest this fragile landscape. She and her family are trustees of the foundation that manages Masungi’s conservation.

But Ann, her family and the brave Masungi rangers who patrol the land face attacks and intimidation as they battle to protect the reserve.

Read the full interview in this article.

Ann is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. Watch her speak in a session on ancestral land stewardship with primatologist Jane Goodall at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2024.

The World Economic Forum is committed to driving deforestation-free business practices via the Tropical Forest Alliance and the Trillion Trees community.