Stories from the Forest

Behind every forest product, conserved territory, and living tradition are people, knowledge, and relationships that sustain them. From forest honey and almaciga to Indigenous youth leadership, women's experiences, and community-led conservation, explore stories from the landscapes and communities we work alongside, stories of rights, livelihoods, culture, and caring for living forests.

Forest Livelihoods & NTFPs

Insights and stories on non-timber forest enterprises, traditional crafts, and community-based efforts that sustain both livelihoods and nature.

More Than Resin: Almaciga, Livelihood and Forest Care in Palawan

For Joel Pardas and his community in Palawan, almaciga is more than resin. It carries livelihood, inherited knowledge and a way of caring for the forest while keeping its trees standing.

Community Conservation

NTFP-EP Philippines

Sep 103 min read

myra-tayaw-indigenous-women-conservation-palawan

Women Leading Conservation from the Ground: Myra Tayaw on Finding Her Voice in Palawan

Meet Myra Tayaw, a Palaw’an leader in Palawan whose work with KABABAE links Indigenous women’s leadership, honey livelihoods and community-led conservation.

Women & Leadership

NTFP-EP Philippines

Sep 92 min read

What the Tagbanuas refer to as the hive of Omeli or Giant Bee

Following the Honey Trail: Bees, Forests, and Tagbanua Care in SAKTAS’ Wild Forest Honey

In Sagpangan, Aborlan, Palawan, SAKTAS’ wild forest honey begins with flowering trees, clean rivers, and bees and continues through Tagbanua knowledge, responsible harvesting, hygienic processing, and community livelihood. Follow the journey of forest honey through the story of Ate Inday and the Indigenous women helping keep this living relationship alive.

Forest Livelihoods & NTFPs

NTFP-EP Philippines

May 3113 min read

Trusting Communities to Keep Forests Alive

Nature’s Heartbeat Orientation, Palawan

On September 18, community leaders and conservation groups from across South Palawan gathered at Maruyog Ridge for the Nature’s Heartbeat Orientation, a necessary step before the beginning of a four-year programme that channels flexible, trust-based support to locally led conservation in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Palawan.

Nature's Heartbeat

NTFP-EP Philippines

Nov 19, 20254 min read

Two New Short Films on Sierra Madre Wild Foods

Two youth-led short films documenting Indigenous knowledge on wild foods in the Sierra Madre

News & Updates

NTFP-EP Philippines

Oct 31, 20251 min read

Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving: Woven Light, Woven Lineage

Aklan’s haboe nga Piña, Piña handloom weaving, is a living Philippine tradition. From pineapple leaf to luminous cloth, the craft sustains livelihoods and identity. Recognized by UNESCO in 2023, it is safeguarded locally and strengthened through partnerships led by NTFP-EP Philippines.

Safeguarding Culture

NTFP-EP Philippines

Aug 21, 20252 min read

NTFP-EP Philippines: A Decade of Partnership, Culture, and Forests (Partners Meeting & 10th Anniversary)

Honoring Indigenous Peoples, Heritage, and the Forests We Call Home

Safeguarding Culture

NTFP-EP Philippines

Aug 9, 20254 min read

Heritage of the Land, Heritage of the Indigenous (Pamana ng Lupa, Pamana ng Katutubo)

In the lush mountains of Palawan, Philippines, where trees whisper stories from the ancient past, where rivers carry the island’s history of extraction in its veins, and where the land holds memories of indigenous protection, a gathering unlike any other transpired.

Forest Livelihoods & NTFPs

NTFP-EP Philippines

Jun 29, 20253 min read