Home to massive limestone formations, and hundreds of plant and animal species, the Masungi Georeserve is dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of the area’s landscape. The tranquil rainforest, winding trails, and fresh air make for a unique trail discovery experience.
WHAT
Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area and a rustic rock garden tucked in the rainforests of Rizal, Philippines. Masungi’s name is derived from the word “masungki” which translates to “spiked” – an apt description for the sprawling limestone landscape found within.
In this sanctuary, our guests commune with nature and reenergise themselves. Our pathways give our guests access to wildlife and plant species, where they learn about the community rich with heritage and life.
HOW
With over a hundred forest rangers and staff, Masungi Georeserve manages over 2,700 hectares of denuded or previously denuded land. Much of it is undergoing reforestation work which is embedded on our guest experiences. The Legacy Trail allows our guests to take part in tree-nurturing and tree-planting activities, depending on the season. While this is exclusive to private trails, we also invite individuals and families every month on our Lakbay para sa Kalikasan (Journey for Nature) to take part in similar activities. Aside from these, we have also pledged to plant a tree after the guests who visit us at the Discovery Trail. These guest experiences are simultaneous to the groundwork that our forest rangers do every day.
Through removing foreign species while introducing and protecting native ones, vegetation has flourished, which consequently attracted insects, birds, and other native animals. While we recognize that biodiversity is coming back in the area, we also understand that there is still so much to be done.
WHY
Before the project had started, the land that Masungi manages was a denuded forest, a product of years of illegal logging, land speculation, and quarrying. When people saw a hopeless piece of land, we saw hope and opportunity. Our vision for Masungi is to be a haven for wildlife and biodiversity, protect it from many threats, and restore some 3,000 hectares of degraded land around it. With the help of our park rangers, guests, and our local community, we are slowly witnessing the surrounding lands transform into a sanctuary to plants and animals alike.
Through twenty years of reforestation work, Masungi is now home to over 400 species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the Philippines.
Shanga by Elewana Collection is working towards the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
