𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞-𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩

A “Trade-Offs” workshop to rank identified alternative strategies in tamaraw conservation that were tested through a biological model was held on November 23 and 24, 2024 at Villa Paulina, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

The workshop is part of the feasibility study on translocation and ex-situ conservation using the structured decision-making (SDM) approach recommended by the IUCN. The feasibility study started more than a year ago. The SDM approach focuses the analysis on four objectives agreed upon by the stakeholders early on in the process: maximize tamaraw population viability, increase alignment with indigenous peoples’ values and welfare in tamaraw conservation, minimize cost while maximizing impact, and; maximize policy and government support.

The members of the feasibility study team that participated in the workshop consisted of experts from the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc., DENR Mimaropa, DENR- Tamaraw Conservation Program, and international partners Dr. James Burton from the IUCN Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group, Dr. Fiona Sach and Teauge Stubbington from the ZSL . The workshop results will be presented to decision-makers at DENR in the first quarter of 2025.

Thank you to the local and international partners who attended this workshop and for your dedication to conserving the endemic tamaraw!