The Protection for Dinagat Island’s Threatened Endemic Species (ProDITES) project reaffirms the worthiness of the unique biological wonders that are inherent in the island. One of the smallest islands in the country with a total land area of 1,036.34 square kilometers, Dinagat is also recognized by Haribon and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as a Key Biodiversity Area and one of the 117 Important Bird Areas. Its endemic and threatened species i.e., the cloud rat was discovered in the 70s, and the 80s by prominent Filipino and international scientists.

Despite these discoveries in biodiversity however, the Philippine government had long (back in 1914 and in 1939) declared the whole island—a mineral land reservation in view of its rich deposits of chromite, nickel, and gold. These mineral deposits were extracted to the detriment of the forests and land cover that were essential to the life of these important species. Notwithstanding, the Philippine Government ensures rational exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of mineral resources guided by its commitment to responsible minerals development ^[i].

GREEN Mindanao and its Czech partners of the Tarsius Project in Bohol, with the local DENR and community guides, undertook expeditions to rediscover the innate biodiversity that uniquely thrives in Dinagat Island. These expeditions resulted in incredible findings—the existence of believed-to-be-extinct and critically endangered wildlife, including the Dinagat Bushy-tailed cloud rat (Crateromys australis), Philippine Bleeding Heart (Gallicolumba crinigera), Philippine White Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), the vulnerable Dinagat Gymnure (Podogymnura aunospinula), Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax mindanensis), Philippine Wild Duck (Anas luzonica), and the threatened large flying fox (Ptelorus vampyrus). With the exceptional presence of resident biodiversity, a total of 6,600 hectares (16,300 acres) are targeted to become local conservation areas (LCAs) and wildlife sanctuaries (WS).

Location maps of the habitats in the towns of Loreto, Libjo, and Tubajon, as well as Gebusong Island, were produced to support the advocacy to secure these wildlife—the hidden gems that constitute the Dinagat provenance. These maps formed the basis for lobbying the declaration of LCA/WS. Anticipating the possibility of policy conflict between LCA/WS cum protected areas and the mining reservation, one municipality in Tubajon reframed its environmental advocacy in saving its watershed to ensure lifelong water supply and, at the same time, determine in general its wildlife resources and guarantee their equal protection. Community organizations in seven barangays succeeded in enacting their own ordinance declaring their commitment to protect the biological resources in their areas. Their leaders were given training and exposures to gain a deeper appreciation of biodiversity conservation, sustainability and environment-friendly livelihoods. Likewise, they were brought to other areas for a series of cross-visits on LCA, green governance, and protected area management.

The project also engaged the youth, for instance, high school students were given orientation on biodiversity that thrives in the island. A local journalist was engaged to inspire students to write about particular species that struck them the most, i.e., large flying fox bats and their role in forest regeneration. GM envisioned that these youngsters would add number to the environmental advocates in the island.

The presence of significant stretches of Mangrove in Loreto (~500 has) and Gebuson Island (~100 has) are a further indicator of the ecological importance of Dinagat Island. Their potential as hatching ground for numerous fish species as well as protection of vulnerable coastal communities from waves and storm surges and their importance as carbon sinks make them key areas for protection.  

On one hand, the ProDITES project had been constrained in lobbying for the second declaration in Loreto, as this coincided with two succeeding local and national elections, and more recently the corona virus pandemic. When there was a transition of local leadership—at the barangay or municipal level, GM had to get back on track in its lobbying moves. On the other hand, the town officials of Libjo were confronted with the dilemma of how conservation could work amid the mining policy. GM believes sustaining the lobbying and advocacy for biodiversity can ultimately change the mindset of the rest of Dinagatnons and transform them to be proactive agents who will secure their biological treasures for good.