Biodiversity Islands: Planting Prosperity with Aluyan’s Farmers

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On January 11, 2025, our journey to the vibrant community of Aluyan felt like walking into a lush green tapestry of life, where every leaf whispers stories of resilience and harmony with nature. Led by Sir Davoy Carstor—our brilliant and ever-enthusiastic environmentalist—we had the privilege of sitting down with the Indigenous people of Aluyan. The agenda? A chat about agroforestry that was more enlightening than a sunrise over the forest canopy. Armed with charts, photos, and a sprinkle of humor (thank you, Sir Davoy, for comparing biodiversity to a party where every species brings its own dish!), we dove into the benefits of blending native fruit trees, cash crops, and hardwoods.

This year, our foundation is planting more than just trees; we’re sowing the seeds of sustainability and recovery. After the recent typhoon left its mark, the community nursery—a treasure trove of life and potential—was left in need of serious TLC. We’re thrilled to announce that one of our key 2025 initiatives is to secure funding to rebuild this nursery, making it stronger and more climate-resilient. And because we’re all about turning silver linings into golden opportunities, we’re also launching “biodiversity islands”—a concept that sounds as dreamy as it is impactful. These mini-forests will be sprinkled across the landscape, boosting biodiversity while providing economic benefits through agroforestry.

To kickstart this green revolution, we’ll be recruiting six dedicated farmers to join hands (and spades!) with us. Their mission? To cultivate biodiversity islands teeming with native fruit trees like jackfruit and pomelo, alongside cash crops like cacao and coffee. Native hardwoods like narra and molave will also take root, offering long-term ecological and economic returns. Think of it as creating a delicious, durable, and diverse buffet for both wildlife and humans. The Indigenous community, with its rich knowledge of the land, will guide and inspire every step of the way, ensuring the project blends seamlessly with the rhythms of the forest.

Together, we’re building a future that’s as bountiful as a ripe mango tree in summer. The energy of our meeting was electric, full of laughter, hope, and determination. Sir Davoy left the community with a promise: this is just the beginning. With nature as our ally, we’re ready to weather storms, grow stronger roots, and watch the seeds of today flourish into the forests of tomorrow. Stay tuned—there’s a lot more to come in this exciting chapter of regeneration! 🌱