A successful partnership between the global building materials company, Holcim, and environmental group, Kinaiyahan Foundation, is training members of the indigenous community in the Marilog uplands learn in new farming techniques to improve their livelihoods and prevent timber poaching.

The Daily Tribune reports that the partnership will now be extended for another year to train an additional 40 families in agroforestry, organic fertilizer production, crop house development and duck raising.

The program is operating in the Davao River watershed on land that was previously part of a logging concession. Community members learn about the cultivation of indigenous and fruit trees as well as cash crops such as rice, corn and sweet potatoes. In addition to improving food security and income for the communities, the program is contributing to water, soil and biodiversity conservation.

Read the full story: Holcim renews alliance with environment group