The Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) is a protected area located in the mountains of central Cebu. It is the biggest protected terrestrial landscape in Cebu and it consist of five critical watersheds.
The CCPL covers what used to be known as the Central Cebu National Park, Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve, Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, Kotkot-Lusaran Watershed Forest Reserve and the Sudlon National Park. The protected landscape spans 28,192 hectares of adjoining forestlands and watersheds located in the middle of province. Metro Cebu depends on a portion of its water supply from this protected landscape.
A century ago, thick rainforest and wildlife dominated the area. Unfortunately, concerned local and national institutions failed to halt the steady encroachment of settlers in the protected area. Presently, its natural forest, now in a fragmented state, is reduced to only 481 hectares, less than one percent of the total area of the protected area. The exotic tree used for reforestation, for example the 500 hectares Acacia Mangium plantation in Tabunan forest exceed the native forest area. These mixed stands of invasive species plantations of the past reforestation projects do little to nurture and expand the natural forest.
Inspite of its patchy situation, the CCPL is still home to endemic and indigenous species, some of which are threatened. Initial survey of the USAID-funded, SWCF-implemented project – “Strengthening Governance, Biodiversity Conservation and Protection and Information System in CCPL, produced sightings of dipterocarps and other native species. The Dipterocarps are the climax species of the Philippine rainforests. These trees are rare considering the deforestation in CCPL and other parts of Cebu. The CCPL survey showed eleven of the 49 dipterocarp species in the country. Native trees such as, Cynometra Cebuensis, Cebu Cinnamon, Dita, Manunggal, Bakan, Catmon, Sangilo, Pangi, Bignay, Breadfruit, Paguringon, Kalumpit, Bago, Marang Banguhan, Batuan, Bayog, Awihao, Molave, Sambulawan and Antipolo are found in barangays inside the CCPL.
These trees are the hope of the once lush rainforest of Central Cebu. Given official recognition and protection of the CCPL Protected Area Management Board, DENR and the concerned LGUs, these mother trees are the seed producers of the future.
-Vincent Laporre, GIS Specialist/ Forester
SWCF CEBU 