In this episode of Good and Green, host Chit Juan speaks with Ann Dumaliang of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation about the delicate balance between nature conservation and human activity. Ann shares how the Masungi team transformed a once-threatened landscape into a thriving model for geotourism, reforestation, and environmental protection. She and Chit discuss the importance of building systems—not just trails—to protect over 3,000 hectares of critical land in Rizal. From dealing with encroachers to designing nature-based experiences, Ann reminds us that true sustainability is not just about planting trees—it’s about stewardship, collaboration, and protecting ecosystems for generations to come.

GUEST BIO:

Ann Dumaliang is the Managing Trustee of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, a conservation project based in Baras, Rizal known for its work in geotourism, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Since founding the foundation in 2015, Ann has led efforts that earned Masungi global recognition—including awards from the UNWTO, the Global Water Partnership, and the UN SDG Action Awards. A National Geographic Explorer and Ashoka Fellow, she advocates for systems-based conservation approaches and has represented the Philippines at international climate and biodiversity forums.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Masungi Georeserve blends conservation, tourism, and education to protect critical ecosystems.
• Why sustainable development must be rooted in science, not just aesthetics.
• The challenges of protecting public land and dealing with encroachers and corruption.
• How storytelling and design help build emotional connections to nature.
• Why real climate action starts with system change, not just symbolic gestures.

QUOTES:

• If you wanna be Wakanda, we need to start learning about what we have for ourselves, building on that. —Ann Dumaliang
• There's nothing compared to boots on the ground. That's the most important  thing to have as far as human resources are concerned. —Ann Dumaliang
• There's no point in building something if it's not going to last. —Ann Dumaliang
• When you're true to the science, it forces you to be creative. —Ann Dumaliang
• Without experiences in nature, we lose that connection with nature, and in the process we lose touch on how to protect it. —Ann Dumaliang

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Ann Dumaliang:

• Masungi Georeserve Foundation: https://www.masungigeoreserve.com/
• Masungi Georeserve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masungigeoreserve
• Masungi Georeserve on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masungigeoreserve

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