THE Philippines, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Canada teamed up to address global warming and biodiversity loss through nature-based solutions funded under a $5.3-billion climate finance commitment.
Global Affairs Canada executive director of climate finance Andrew Hurst revealed his government’s increased support for the Philippines in promoting biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation and resilience, while prioritizing gender equality.
Hurst said Canada would stay engaged in climate finance and bilateral assistance programs in the Philippines.
“To the extent that good things come out of this project, then the results that are generated will continue to look for opportunities to build on and also work together in the future,” he said.
The project, which runs until 2026, aims to address multiple challenges through a single intervention or in an integrated way.
“That includes trying to reduce poverty, trying to address gender inequality…trying to support communities that are often dependent on nature for their livelihoods while also looking to conserve and sustain…biodiversity,” he said.
The project covers research and knowledge-sharing activities, he said.
“It’s also looking at ways to encourage the private sector, both international and Filipino investors looking for opportunities to invest in these kinds of solutions,” Hurst said.
Hurst expressed hope the project would generate ideas and form creative solutions that would be sustained beyond the end of the project.
He also highlighted the diversity of stakeholders involved in the project including communities, national government and private sector. He said the uniqueness of arrangements would hopefully “stimulate some more efforts on cooperation in the future.”