Project Banlís is an initiative focused on promoting the rich biodiversity, ecosystems, and indigenous culture in protected areas of the Philippines. Our pilot campaign titled "SiyenSierra Madre: Tuklasin Ang Yaman" focuses on Sierra Madre and is designed to create awareness, promote scientific research, and nurture a sense of ownership and stewardship among local communities, particularly the youth and indigenous peoples of the Isabela province.

Biodiversity Hotspot: Sierra Madre is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. It houses a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are rare and endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. Protecting Sierra Madre is vital for safeguarding these unique life forms.

Key Watershed: The mountain range acts as a natural watershed, supplying water to numerous rivers and tributaries that flow into surrounding regions. These water sources are essential for agriculture, drinking water, and supporting aquatic ecosystems downstream.

Carbon Sink: Sierra Madre's dense forests play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. By preserving these forests, we mitigate climate change and its adverse effects.

Indigenous Culture: Indigenous Peoples, such as the Agta-Dumagat communities, have called Sierra Madre home for generations. Their traditional knowledge and practices are intertwined with the natural environment. Protecting Sierra Madre is essential for preserving their culture and way of life.

Ecosystem Services: Sierra Madre provides various ecosystem services, including pollination, soil fertility, and pest control. These services are essential for agriculture and overall ecosystem health.

Scientific Research: Sierra Madre offers a living laboratory for scientific research. Its unique ecosystems provide valuable insights into biodiversity, ecology, and climate change. Protecting this natural laboratory is vital for advancing scientific knowledge.

Recreation and Tourism: The beauty and natural attractions of Sierra Madre make it a destination for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation. Sustainable tourism can contribute to local economies while fostering a sense of appreciation for the environment.

Academic Institutions: The campaign aims to engage and educate ISU students about the importance of Sierra Madre, biodiversity conservation, and indigenous cultures. By targeting the youth, we hope to inspire the next generation of environmental advocates.

Indigenous Communities: The campaign seeks to build awareness and understanding of the Agta-Dumagat-Remontado communities and their culture. It aims to foster respect, dialogue, and collaboration between students and indigenous peoples.

Local Communities: Beyond ISU, the campaign extends its reach to local communities in Isabela and Sierra Madre. It aims to raise awareness about the value of Sierra Madre's biodiversity and ecosystem services among residents.

Educators and Researchers: The campaign provides valuable educational resources and information for educators and researchers interested in biodiversity conservation and Sierra Madre's ecosystems.

Environmental Enthusiasts: Individuals passionate about environmental issues and biodiversity conservation, regardless of their background, are encouraged to engage with and support the campaign.

Collaborate with Us: If you're an individual, organization, or institution interested in collaborating with Project Banlís, reach out to us through our contact channel (banlisph@gmail.com). We welcome partnerships, contributions, and collaborative projects that align with our mission.

Use Our Resources: Access and utilize the design assets, educational materials, and resources available on our website. These materials are designed to be promoted.

Share Your Ideas: Do you have innovative ideas or projects related to biodiversity conservation? We're open to hearing your suggestions and potentially featuring them on our platform. Send us your proposals to banlisph@gmail.com, and let's explore ways to work together.

When you first visit the Banlís website, you'll land on our homepage. At the top of the webpage, you'll notice a navigation menu. This menu provides quick access to different sections of our website. You can click on these menu items to explore specific content areas.

If you are having trouble with navigation or are looking for something specific on our website, you can use the search bar 🔍︎ found on the top right. Enter keywords related to your query, and the search function will help you locate relevant content.

On the Banlís website, you'll discover a treasure trove of valuable resources. These include high-definition PNG images of our endearing mascot, Tawa, along with a rich assortment of design elements featuring Sierra Madre's diverse flora and fauna, as well as depictions of the Agta culture. These design assets are incredibly versatile and can be used as stickers or images in your presentations, adding an artistic touch to your projects. Furthermore, you can access soft copies of our printable publicity materials, providing you with ready-made resources to support your conservation efforts. Lastly, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at our campaign planning and implementation processes, offering insights and inspiration for your own initiatives.

All the Banlís-made design content on the website is openly accessible but we do encourage you to cite us as your source to promote our website to others. We are committed to promoting environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation, and one way we do this is by providing educational resources, design assets, and information at no cost. We curate the website either from our own works or by linking to primary sources. Our aim is to make knowledge about Sierra Madre and its unique ecosystem available to everyone who is interested in learning and contributing to the conservation efforts. 

Strengthening Local Awareness:

We aim to raise awareness among Isabela's youth and indigenous communities about the biodiversity, culture, and environmental significance of the Sierra Madre mountain range. By fostering a sense of connection to this natural treasure, we hope to inspire a new generation of conservationists.

Promoting Research and Scientific Understanding:

Banlís seeks to encourage academic studies and research focused on Sierra Madre's unique ecosystem. Through our website and educational materials, we aim to highlight the region's ecological importance and potential for scientific exploration.

Fostering a Sense of Ownership and Belonging:

We intend to empower local communities, especially the IP communities of NSMNP stakeholder municipalities, to take pride in their environment and culture. By showcasing their traditions and contributions, we hope to strengthen their sense of ownership and belonging to Sierra Madre.

Banlís promotes biodiversity conservation through education, engagement, empowering indigenous communities, and advocacy. We offer accessible information about Sierra Madre's ecology and cultural significance, fostering awareness and connection to inspire active conservation efforts. By highlighting Sierra Madre's unique ecosystems, we attract researchers and students to contribute to its preservation.

Tawa, meaning 'laugh' in Tagalog, is the endearing mascot of Project Banlís. Tawa represents the Northern Sierra Madre Forest Monitor, having the scientific name Varanus bitatawa to which his name was derived from. The V. bitatawa is a species native to the Sierra Madre mountain range in the Philippines.

Tawa embodies the spirit of biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness in the region. His species represents the pilot intent of the Banlís project to 'monitor' and observe the Northern Sierra Madre through a lens of scientific wonder. His character is designed to engage and educate people about the unique wildlife and cultural heritage of Sierra Madre, making learning about conservation both fun and accessible.

Feel free to send us an email at banlisph@gmail.com, connect with us on Instagram via @banlisph, or utilize the feedback form. All of these options are located in the website's footer.

Additionally, you can engage with us through our primary student-body partner ISU Biological Society.

You will find indicated links or buttons near the assets you intend to use. Some are for direct download and others may link you to Google Drive files that can be downloaded. We encourage you to use these assets responsibly, acknowledging their source to promote awareness of Sierra Madre's rich biodiversity and indigenous culture.

Yes, Banlís envisions a future brimming with opportunities for biodiversity conservation and community engagement. While currently focused on our pilot campaign, SiyenSierra Madre in the province of Isabela, we have plans to expand our efforts to the rest of Sierra Madre and likewise to other protected areas across the Philippines and work closely with various indigenous communities. Further, Banlís intends to encourage Agta-Dumagat youth and other IPs to take part in managing Project Banlís.

Certainly! Banlís thrives on collaboration. If you're passionate about biodiversity conservation and community engagement, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Join our campaigns, share your expertise, or contribute your creative talents. 

Whether you're an aspiring advocate, an experienced environmentalist, or simply someone eager to make a positive impact, we welcome you to answer our feedback form, or connect to us through email or social media.