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.

Indigenous Youth

Voices, visions, and actions of Indigenous youth leading change, preserving culture, and defending their ancestral lands.

Portrait of Monitte Lantas, Tagbanwa youth leader and NKKN president, in South Palawan

When the Mangroves Ask for Time

At 24, Tagbanwa youth leader Monitte Lantas is helping NKKN turn childhood memories of Narra’s mangroves into a youth-led conservation project. Their proposal shows why Indigenous young people are not only the future of conservation, they are already leading it.

Nature's Heartbeat

NTFP-EP Philippines

Aug 254 min read

I-YES Camp 2026: Indigenous Youth Bring the Diliman Declaration from Communities to Congress

17 Indigenous youth leaders from five landscapes gathered for I-YES Camp 2026, carrying the Diliman Declaration from years of community organizing into dialogue with Congress and the National Youth Commission.

Indigenous Youth

NTFP-EP Philippines

Aug 243 min read

Pelawan youth leader Mhar Dubria of Brooke’s Point, Palawan, Chairperson of UGNAYIN PH

Ang Kagubatan ay Buhay: Mhar Dubria and the Indigenous Youth Defending Brooke’s Point

On World Environment Day, Pelawan youth leader Mhar Dubria shares how his journey from community service to UGNAYIN PH leadership and environmental broadcasting has led him to stand with Indigenous youth defending Brooke’s Point, Palawan, from mining threats.

Indigenous Youth

NTFP-EP Philippines

Jun 510 min read

Lovely of Sierra Madre: Finding Her Courage, Reclaiming Her Indigenous Identity

From shy documenter to trusted guide: Lovely’s journey with UGNAYIN PH and GLA shows how indigenous youth defend Sierra Madre’s forests and culture

Indigenous Youth

NTFP-EP Philippines

Sep 26, 20257 min read

Monitte Lantas: Carrying Tagbanwa Roots into Youth Leadership in Southern Palawan

Tagbanwa youth leader Monitte Lantas moved from quiet student to UGNAYIN PH Secretary and SK officer, championing Palawan’s forests and living culture. With support from NTFP-EP Philippines under the Green Livelihoods Alliance, she’s organizing peers, reclaiming language, and keeping Tagbanwa traditions alive where they belong.

Indigenous Youth

NTFP-EP Philippines

Sep 1, 20256 min read

I-YES Camp Mindanao 2024: Higaonon Youth for Culture & Forests

I-YES Camp Mindanao 2024: Indigenous youth step up for culture and forests

Higaonon and partner IP youth gathered in Balingasag for I-YES Camp Mindanao 2024—four days of intergenerational learning, nature-based solutions, and culture-in-action. The camp clarified youth roles in forest governance, advanced IKSP transmission, and set concrete steps for protecting ancestral domains.

Indigenous Youth

NTFP-EP Philippines

Aug 23, 20252 min read

I-YES Camp 2025: Indigenous Youth Uniting for Culture, Rights, and the Future

From July 9–11, 2025, Indigenous youth leaders from across the Philippines gathered in Quezon City for the Indigenous Youth for Environmental Sustainability (I-YES) Camp 2025, carrying the theme “Sa Ugat Nagmumula: Pagtibayin ang Ugnayan para sa Kinabukasan.”

Indigenous Youth

NTFP-EP Philippines

Aug 12, 20253 min read

Boniknik, The Seed That Blossomed

An Indigenous Youth Leader’s Journey from Cultural Preservation to Advocacy through UGNAYIN PH and Community

Indigenous Youth

NTFP-EP Philippines

Apr 16, 202511 min read