Man tends to abuse nature. We cut down trees and then we weep for no harvest. We treat the river like a big garbage dump and then we mourn its death. We shoot the birds and then we ask the skies where have all the birds gone.
The one-barangay town of Adams nestled in the mountains east of Pagudpud is home to the last old growth forests of dipterocarp trees in the northernmost region. A portion of these high-biodiversity forests have at long last been declared the Adams Wildlife Critical Habitat (AWCH) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Is it enough to save the forests from the greed and power of capitalists lording it over at the northwestern end of the Cordilleras? Yes, if political will confronts corruption.
A 35-foot tall tree.
The protection and conservation of the dipterocarp forests in this former rebel town is expected to boost what it has started in 2005 when it opened its doors to tourists seeking pristine nature.
Read more about the Adams Wildlife Critical Habitat in “A fresh start for ecotourism in Adams, Ilocos Norte” on Rappler (here)
Here are more photos from my recent Adams trip with family.
photos by Michael Calaramo
Pinakbet with laplapayag from trees.
Young coffee plant.
With special thanks to Alain, Michael Calaramo, Cora Pugal and Paul Acupan.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
