Kristoffer Noriel Ordoñez

Imaginast, Sierra Madre Conservation Society

About Kristoffer Noriel Ordoñez

My career in conservation, research, and community relations started with the CLP-funded Calayan Rail Project as a field volunteer in 2008, focusing on its Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaigns. I then followed it up with a wildlife surveying stint for the Tungtong River Conservation Project in Antipolo and as a mountain guide for a National Geographic-funded research study conducted by Dr. Tim Gallaher of the University of Hawaii. I was also the lead researcher for BAN Toxics in 2013, where I surveyed several artisanal small-scale gold mining communities across the country, measuring gaseous mercury emissions, conducting focus group discussions, and writing academic reports. I was a former Education and Research Head of the UP Mountaineers, where I was often deployed as a pro-bono lecturer in subjects such as ecotourism, basic mountaineering courses, and local guides training. Since my UPM appointment to helm its Sierra Madre Nature Trail Project in 2019, I have led multi-day trail explorations, liaised with local government units, consulted with indigenous peoples’ communities and leadership, and maintained a network of shareholders across the Sierra Madre.

At this time, I work full-time as a project coordinator for the Talarak Foundation's Mindoro Warty Pig Conservation Project. Albeit in a minor capacity, I also provide logistical support to the Mt. Balagbag Reforestation and Empowerment project of the Philippine Parks and Biodiversity Conservation Society. In between and around these two, I craft grant and project proposals for the Sierra Madre Conservation Society, which I founded just this year (2024). 

Which category below best describes the type of organisation you currently work for/or run?

Charity/Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)

Areas of expertise

Communication and marketing Education & training Fundraising Partnerships and collaboration development Project/programme management Research

Would you be willing to be approached and share your lessons learned in your area(s) of expertise with our community?

Yes

Would you like to be added to the calendar invitation for our monthly WildHub Socials?

Unsure, I would like more information about these socials

Are you currently signed up for one of our WildTeam training courses? Please select "No" if you are not signed up, or choose the course you are registered for below.

1. No, I am not currently signed up for a WildTeam training course

Intro Content

Introduction

Sa ngalan ng Sierra Madre

"We've wounded this mountain. It's our duty to close her wounds. It's the least we can do to show our gratitude for all the wealth she's given us. If you guys don't want to help me, I'll do it alone." - Howard (The Treasure of Sierra Madre, 1948)

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Recent Comments

Thank you for these, Frank, though I keep getting a "There has been a critical error on this website." message every time I click the hyperlinks. I tried searching via Google and if I click the link through there, the same error message shows up.

Signed up! Thanks, @Loretta Andrade!

Replying to Grace Alawa

Great to have you join us Kristoffer, what progress are you making with the UP Mountaineers' Sierra Madre Nature Trail project?

Hi Grace. SMNT's on the back pedal at this time, making sure the local government units and agencies are onboard. We're also hoping to get funding soon so we can have people working on it fulltime. 

Replying to Chrissy

Welcome to the Wildhub Community, Kristoffer

Thank you, Chrissy. See you around. :)

Replying to Lara Reden

Welcome to WildHub, Kristoffer.

Thanks, Lara. Nice to meet you. 

Replying to Thirza Loffeld

A warm welcome to WildHub, Kristoffer! Which approach has worked the best for you so far in terms of engaging local indigenous people's communities in conservation activities? 

I may not get the terms right at this time but based on my experience, I believe it works best both ways if we defer to their right to self-determination. At first, I thought having good intentions was good enough. Sure, for starters definitely, but you just can't proceed with laying your plans as you see fit. They need to be informed, involved, and indispensable. They have to own the project of their own volition and see the gains from their perspectives. 

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