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Released By:
McMullan
A new book detailing the rich experiences of landcare facilitators and farmers involved in the ten-year Philippines-Australia Landcare Project has been officially launched in Australia today as part of National Landcare Week.
Landcare in the Philippines – A practical guide to getting it started and keeping it going, is written by 15 landcare facilitators and farmers and published by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to help guide new landcare facilitators in developing countries.
With support from the Australian Government through ACIAR and AusAID, the Philippines-Australia Landcare Project nurtured the development of this bottom-up, farmer-driven approach in the steep upland areas of the southern Philippines to help tackle the alarming rate of erosion, which was causing soil losses of up to 300 tonnes per hectare every year.
In addition to reduced erosion, the landcare movement has helped farmers to transform their farms from barren grassland to a forest of timber and fruit trees, with fertile soil and spring water flowing from the forests to serve their farms and households.
Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, has welcomed the publication.
"Initiatives like these are not just about improved farming. The landcare movement in the Philippines has helped communities address broader issues such as soil management, diversified farming systems and gaining greater access to markets. As a result, the community is equipped to take control of its own development."
There has been a significant interchange of landcare learning between the two countries, with Australian landcarers visiting the Philippines, and more than 50 Filipino landcarers visiting Australia on training and study tours. These exchanges have been made possible by both the Queensland and Federal Governments.
Australian project leader, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries' Noel Vock, who worked on the Philippines-Australia Landcare Project for its ten years, said farmers and their communities were encouraged to take control of their own problems and to implement appropriate solutions.
Landcare in the Philippines: a practical guide to getting it started and keeping it going can be viewed and purchased via ACIAR books online at www.aciar.gov.au
Media Contacts: Sam Casey (Mr McMullan's office) 0421 697 660
ACIAR Communications 0408 332 374
Photos and cover image available from ACIAR media