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?
Areas of expertise
Would you be willing to be approached and share your lessons learned in your area(s) of expertise with our community?
Would you like to be added to the calendar invitation for our monthly WildHub Socials?
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Intro Content
Sa ngalan ng Sierra Madre
Influencer Of
ADITI SHARMA
Independent Wildlife Consultant (Former Senior Veterinary Officer, AHD, UK Govt.), EY, WII,GIZ, Member, Wildlife SAB, Morris Animal Foundation, Colorado Member, WiNN Global Mentoring Committee
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!
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.
Welcome to the Wildhub Community, Kristoffer
Thank you, Chrissy. See you around. :)
Welcome to WildHub, Kristoffer.
Thanks, Lara. Nice to meet you.
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.