In celebration of World Environment Day, nonprofit organization Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) and fun-run community Rockwell Run Club led a sunrise trail hike and environment forum on Friday at the award-winning conservation area Masungi Georeserve.
The event entitled "Generation Restoration: Amplifying Actions for Forest and Biodiversity Conservation" aimed to foster the active involvement of volunteers in forest restoration and biodiversity conservation.
CORA Founder and Executive Director Antoinette Taus expressed her gratitude to the partners and volunteers, highlighting the importance of meaningful conversations and community-led conservation efforts.
“#GenerationRestoration is every generation. You’re never too young, but you’re also never too old to start that journey of bringing people together to learn more about how we can take care of the environment in our own humble ways,” Taus added.
The activity started with a sunrise trail hike at Discovery Trail, wherein participants took on an adventure to witness the diverse and thriving flora and fauna of the karst terrain of the Upper Marikina Watershed, as well as gain insights on the challenges the area has overcome to preserve its biodiversity.
After the sunrise trail hike, an environmental forum followed with key speakers Justine Joyce Bual, Masungi Georeserve - Geotourism Associate, Marko Kasic, Rockwell Run Club member and Founder of FundLife, and CORA Founder and Executive Director Antoinette Taus. Participants learned about forest restoration and biodiversity conservation initiatives of Masungi Georeserve, the importance of showing up and finding purpose, and highlighted ways they can support #GenerationRestoration for the people and planet.
Rockwell Run Club Founder Ashley Cayuca thanked everyone who showed up early for the sunrise trail hike and shared that this is just the first of many more collaborations with CORA.
“Our partnership with CORA aligns with our mission to build and engage our passionate community in more meaningful ways. There will be more to come with CORA and Rockwell Run Club!” Ashley expressed.
The morning event was also supported by Merrell as the official footwear partner and Hertz as the official logistics partner. Ten (10) Masungi Georeserve Forest Rangers were also awarded Merrell footwear as tokens for their commendable service as forest defenders.
Masungi Georeserve – a biodiversity conservation champion
The Masungi Georeserve is an award-winning conservation area located at Baras, Rizal and is particularly known for its unique geological formations and rich biodiversity. It is committed to boosting watershed and biodiversity conservation through research, education, and engaging leaders.
The area spans over 2,000 hectares and features a landscape of 60 million-year-old limestone karst peaks, lush rainforests, and more than 400 documented species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the Philippines.
Masungi Georeserve offers guided tours that highlight its natural beauty and conservation efforts. The tours include walking through forest trails such as their famous Discovery Trail, exploring the karst formations, and experiencing the hanging bridges and rope courses that provide breathtaking views of the landscape.
Aside from promoting sustainable tourism, Masungi Georeserve takes pride in the different conservation efforts to protect the area.
CORA at the forefront of #GenerationRestoration
Since 2016, CORA has been dedicated to creating sustainable programs to address pressing social and environmental issues, focusing on improving lives and prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet.
This month, CORA celebrates World Environment Day with the theme #GenerationRestoration, a global initiative launched by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to address the urgent need for ecosystem restoration. This campaign aims to restore ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed and conserve those that are still intact.
To address the country's marine pollution crisis, CORA, together with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN), is currently implementing the "Eco-Ikot Sustainable Cities" and “My OSEAN Mission” programs. Activities from both programs include promoting awareness, driving behavioral change, and implementing sustainable solutions for waste management.
In addition to this, CORA also has a women-led mangrove rehabilitation program in Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines called “WoMangrove Warriors” that aims to enhance coastal security and increase carbon sequestration. In partnership with the city government of Leyte and the Visayas State University, the program supports climate action and promotes gender equality in Philippine island and coastal communities.
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