Advocacy Through Art – Raising Awareness for Forest Conservation

It started with a simple belief: that art could help people fall in love with our forests.

Back in 2018, I was invited by Forest Foundation Philippines to help spread the word about native trees, why they matter, and why they need our protection. What simply began as a project about our beautiful trees has grown into something much bigger: a celebration of our wildlife, biodiversity, forest landscapes, and the communities who protect them.

Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with indigenous youth in Palawan, helping amplify their voices as guardians of their ancestral lands. It’s been among the most meaningful parts of this journey.

Philippine native trees planner by Cynthia Bauzon Arre and Forest Foundation Philippines

Through art-driven campaigns and collaborations, I witnessed people’s perspectives shift through feedback such as “I now recognize Katmon because of your drawings!” or “Because of your work with FFP, I now know more about our forests.”  Proof that a deeper connection to the environment can inspire people not just to protect what’s left but also help bring forests back to life.

Philippine Forest Awareness Advocacy Campaigns

Thanks to the Foundation’s expertise, every illustration is based on scientific and ecological knowledge. That means each piece isn’t just made to be pretty, they are meant to inform, educate, and encourage people to love our natural resources.

And as our campaigns grew, so did their impact. The products we co-created started generating income, and part of the proceeds have supported local partners and conservation projects (you can see the contributions we’ve been able to make here) while the rest goes back into creating more advocacy-driven products.

Philippine forest landscapes notebooks - Cynthia Bauzon Arre Forest Foundation Philippines

Since then, I’ve also found ways to bring the advocacy into other projects – whether it’s a creative collaboration or an independent project, and each one has given new opportunities for honoring the Philippines’ biodiversity and cultural heritage. Behind every piece is a mission to help spark wonder, inspire care for our environment, and remind others that every small act of appreciation helps keep our forests alive. <3

Palawan flora fauna heritage traditions and culture illustrations

Deeply grateful to Forest Foundation Philippines for kickstarting this journey and for their guidance and support all these years. <3

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

#ForestLandscapesPh – Highlighting the Philippines’ forests as sustainable landscapes

#ForestLandscapesPh – Highlighting the Philippines’ forests as sustainable landscapes

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

#ForestBloomsPh Philippine Native Flowering Trees Art Awareness Campaign

#ForestBloomsPh Philippine Native Flowering Trees Art Awareness Campaign

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

#DrawNativeTreesPh: Promoting Awareness for Philippine Native Trees Through Art

#DrawNativeTreesPh: Promoting Awareness for Philippine Native Trees Through Art

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

Wedding Essentials Magazine

Wedding Essentials Magazine

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