Conclusion
By Dr. Selva Ramachandran
UNDP Resident Representative
In 2023, UNDP signed Memoranda of Understanding with governors of two provinces in the Negros Island, together with the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PhilBio).
This partnership enabled the implementation of finance solutions that mobilized resources for the conservation of nature in the provinces. Thereafter, we saw a significant increase in the total annual budget of Negros Oriental for coastal resources management, wildlife and biodiversity management, climate change mitigation and adaptation and forest resources management.
To address biodiversity loss and climate change, LGUs also spearhead nature-based solutions that could restore ecosystems and protect livelihoods, such as wetlands management, maintenance of green spaces, and ecosystem restoration.
In Negros Occidental, San Carlos City’s BaLANCE or Biodiversity and Landscape Approach in Nature Conservation is about to implement a proposed “Emerald Necklace”―a series of wildlife corridors that will be established and maintained to protect wildlife and regenerate denuded forests within the boundaries of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.
I had the pleasure to visit Negros alongside H.E. Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau, to see how these efforts are being brought to life.
The need for strong local leadership and strategic investments to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and resilience emerged very strongly during the visit.
Beyond conservation, LGUs play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion and participatory governance―involving citizens in decision-making processes help them develop a sense of ownership over local initiatives. UNDP, through BIOFIN, is also assisting the Negros provinces in accessing the trust fund created under Energy Regulation 1-94. The benefits from this trust fund can be used for electrification, livelihood and reforestation, watershed management, and health and environmental enhancement.
At the national level, the UNDP and DENR, through BIOFIN, and together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), worked together to integrate biodiversity indicators in the Seal of Good Local Governance.
The indicators will incentivize the LGUs to develop and implement projects and programs on wetlands and water management, on parks and green spaces development, and on wildlife resources conservation and protection. This is expected to increase biodiversity financing at the local level.
Achieving sustainable biodiversity conservation and financing for nature requires collaboration among LGUs, national agencies and international partners so that necessary resources, technical assistance, and platforms for knowledge exchange are made available and more accessible.
At UNDP, we believe that the future is local and that empowered local governments pave the path to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future. Local leadership is instrumental in advancing sustainable development and driving nature conservation through innovative and sustainable financing.
By empowering local governments and leaders and strengthening their capacity, we lay the foundation for resilient communities, a thriving environment, and a greener, more sustainable future for all. UNDP News
