Forest care, interconnectivity and maintenance of ecological resources among the Manobo-Matigsalug people of the Southern Philippines

Abstract This article discusses the knowledge of indigenous people about forest care, interconnectivity and maintenance of their ecological resources as well as the challenges they face among the Matigsalug-Manobo people of Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines. The researchers utilized a descriptive research design through qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions and photo-video documentation. To extract the data, the necessary permits and ethical compliance were provided by the respective parties of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 11, the Local Government Unit of Marilog District and the Manobo-Matigsalug Tribal Council Incorporated. The data gathered were analyzed through thematic analysis focusing on the dominant themes from the respondents’ narratives. The results revealed that these people’s indigenous knowledge on biodiversity conservation has been challenged by changes in the natural landscape, forest deterioration and the unintended consequences of these such as cultural loss and economic well-being. Thus, this has led to major implications of how they conserve the forest and manage their ecological resources in the current times. This calls for building a sustainable and inclusive economic livelihood for the indigenous group and other stakeholders in the Marilog district. This is a vital step in order not to compromise their economic livelihood, to retain cultural practices and to maintain their rights to manage and sustain their ecological resources. Overall, the Matigsalug-Manobos are actively negotiating the cause and effects of these socio-economic factors and are able to devise ways to use the forest and its ecological resources for their survival.