The Philippines has taken further steps to protect its forests to preserve livelihoods and reduce climate change risks.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has officially adopted the Philippines’ Roadmap to Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market (2026–2030) through a newly-signed department administrative order (DAO).
The roadmap seeks to establish a strategic framework for policy development, data analytics, institutional mechanisms and sustainable financing for forest carbon.
It was developed by the DENR with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the Accelerating Green and Climate Finance (AGCF) Project funded by the government of Canada.
Recognizing the country’s rich forest ecosystems as vital assets for absorbing carbon dioxide while promoting sustainable land use and socio-economic development, the roadmap identifies and addresses key gaps in policy, institutional capacity, data infrastructure and financing mechanisms.
It outlines a clear approach to strengthen the country’s readiness for forest carbon initiatives, centered around four priority areas: Policy Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) Engagement Data Analytics, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV), and Carbon Registry Systems
“We must view our carbon forestry projects not as simple ventures, but as initiatives with profound implications for climate action, environmental stewardship, and natural resource governance,” said Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change. UNDP Philippines News
“The indigenous groups will play a crucial role in the carbon market as stewards of our forests and wetlands. We need to ensure that their rights and participation are central to the discussion of the carbon trading policy,” she said.
Rebuelta-Teh said the goal seeks to help shape carbon markets that not only contribute to climate mitigation but also advance sustainable forest landscapes that benefit everyone.
“This is a call to action for us to maximize and unleash the opportunities and potential of our resources and be part of the global action and commitment in accelerating climate action,” she added.
A recent report by the UN Environment Program found that tropical forests at high risk of deforestation like these–which cover 391 million hectares globally–are among the most essential for both people and the planet.
Protecting them provides livelihoods for 25 million people and helps avoid an estimated US$81 billion in climate-related damages annually.
Yet these forests are also significantly underfunded–particularly tropical forests where the bulk of global deforestation is taking place. UNDP Philippines News
