Date of Workshop: April 14 - 15, 2018

Workshop Coordinator: Maria Paula Sarigumba

General Nakar, the largest municipality in Quezon Province, Philippines, spans 161,640 hectares but is home to a relatively small population of 25,973 residents. Located within a key biodiversity area, the region boasts significant environmental importance, including several major watersheds that supply neighboring municipalities and Metro Manila. The forests of General Nakar are a lowland tropical rainforest ecosystem, supporting diverse species of endemic flora and fauna. However, forest cover in the area has drastically declined from 57% in 1993 to just 17% by 2015, primarily due to agricultural expansion and the establishment of monoculture plantations.

The municipality’s communities, such as Barangay Magsikap and Barangay Catablingan, rely heavily on agriculture, fishing, upland cultivation, and non-timber forest products for their livelihoods, with a high dependency on the surrounding forests. Despite these natural resources, the region has faced significant challenges in recent decades, particularly due to elevated youth migration. Many young people leave for larger cities in search of better education and work opportunities, leading to concerns about the long-term sustainability of the local population.

In April 2018, a Youth Visioning Workshop was coordinated by Maria Paula Sarigumba to address these concerns and foster community engagement. Youth participants, drawn from non-Indigenous communities, gathered to discuss their aspirations and the future of General Nakar. The workshop focused on balancing the preservation of their forest ecosystems with the need for local development and improved opportunities.

Youth expressed a deep connection to their environment, recognizing the critical role of forests in their lives and livelihoods. As one participant put it, "The forest is a source of livelihood, shelter, recreation, and aesthetic value of our community." Discussions highlighted the need for sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of protecting biodiversity as the region faces pressures from migration and environmental degradation. Through the workshop, participants explored ways to maintain a sustainable future for both the people and the forests of General Nakar.