Together for Tamaraws Crowdfunding Campaign: Protecting Endangered Species and Supporting Local Livelihoods in Times of Crisis

The tamaraw is a small buffalo species exclusive to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. Classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is primarily threatened by poaching. Most of the remaining population lives in the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park.

The protection of the tamaraws relies on the patrolling of rangers and wardens. During COVID-19 pandemic, the park lost the revenue it collected from tourists and used to pay the salaries of patrol frontliners. As a result, 33 of them were furloughed. Moreover, poachers increased their presence in the area amid a reduced number of visitors.

To address this scenario, UNDP-BIOFIN and its partners launched the “Together for Tamaraws” crowdfunding campaign. Active from July to December 2020, it raised funds to cover six months of salaries for the furloughed frontliners, provided food packs, purchased patrol gear and equipment. The campaign raised USD 32,026.03, surpassing its initial goal of USD 22,980 by nearly 40%.

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2025

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