The Forest Foundation Philippines, supported by the government of Canada, awarded over P25 million in grants for nature-based solutions (NbS) aimed at climate adaptation in Negros Occidental, Maguindanao del Sur and Palawan provinces.
The foundation said in a statement the grants, totaling P25.28 million, represent the first set of projects under the Philippines-Canada Partnership on Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation (PCP4NbS).
It said the projects would showcase various NbS approaches focused on enhancing climate resilience, biodiversity benefits, and gender-responsive strategies across the Philippines.
They are expected to directly benefit over 600 women and men and indirectly impact over 100,000 individuals and support NbS approaches across 119 hectares of forests and riverbanks through community-based forest restoration, agroforestry, riverbank rehabilitation, pollinator support and the restoration of indigenous food systems.
The approved site-based grants in Negros Occidental include projects by BeeGlad (Gawahon Livelihood and Apiculture Development Association), The Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation, Inc. (NISARD), and The Negros Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (NEDF).
NbS are described as cost-effective actions that protect, regenerate and enhance ecosystems while addressing community needs and safeguarding biodiversity.
The grants will support community-led NbS projects designed to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience in biodiversity-rich areas significantly affected by climate change. The program emphasizes inclusivity and the crucial role of gender-responsive approaches in developing sustainable solutions.
The government of Canada committed P332 million for program implementation from 2024 to 2028. These funds, managed by the Forest Foundation Philippines, will support local organizations in implementing holistic, community-based, and gender-responsive NbS initiatives.