AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS BIODIVERSITY IN SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAINS
Australia will help conserve the lush forests and crystal clear rivers and streams in the Sierra Madre mountain range in north eastern Luzon, as well as the animals that live there, by supporting biodiversity research and the training of local scientists and students.
The Australian Government has awarded A$77,125 to Conservation International, a locally based non-governmental organisation, under its $10 million Regional Natural Heritage Programme (RNHP) to help conserve this biodiversity hotspot.
The Sierra Madre mountains project was one of six projects, costing $1 million, that were announced in May as part of the third round of the Programme.
‘This is another example of Australia’s long-term commitment to help conserve the environment in which we all live, while remaining sensitive to the challenges of sustainable development’, said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Tony Hely.
Australia’s Regional Natural Heritage Programme is actively helping to protect biodiversity hotspots in South East Asia and the Pacific in partnership with regional governments, non-governmental organisations and local communities.
Further information about Australia’s Regional Natural Heritage Programme can be found at: www.deh.gov.au/heritage/programs/index.html#rnhp