Climate change has far-reaching implications for the Philippines, often with adverse effects. As an archipelagic country in the Pacific, it is particularly vulnerable to violent typhoons and severe flooding. The World Risk Index 2023 ranks the Philippines as the most disaster-prone country in the world.[1] These calamities are expected to worsen due to ongoing climate issues, with unusual weather patterns leading to phenomena such as heat waves and sea level rise.
The destructive effects of climate change have been strongly felt in recent years. Violent storms have intensified due to higher sea surface temperatures.
The destructive effects of climate change have been strongly felt in recent years. Violent storms have intensified due to higher sea surface temperatures.
One notable instance was in 2013 when Super Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, struck the Eastern and Central Visayas regions, causing catastrophic damage and loss of life. Additionally, hotter summers and more intense monsoon rains have become increasingly frequent.
Deforestation has severely undermined the country’s ability to withstand natural disasters. Over the past 20 years, the Philippines has lost 190,000 hectares of forest cover.[2] This loss has contributed to increased flooding, landslides, and mudslides in deforested areas. In February 2024, a mountain collapse at a gold-mining site resulted in the deaths of 90 people.[3]
Forests, which serve as natural habitats for many endangered species, are critical for biodiversity. Deforestation accelerates the threat of extinction and diminishes the quality of life in rural areas by depleting vital watersheds and resources necessary for livelihoods.
Given the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, it is crucial for the government and various institutions to collaborate on developing nature-based solutions for protection and conservation.
Deforestation has severely undermined the country’s ability to withstand natural disasters. Over the past 20 years, the Philippines has lost 190,000 hectares of forest cover.[2] This loss has contributed to increased flooding, landslides, and mudslides in deforested areas. In February 2024, a mountain collapse at a gold-mining site resulted in the deaths of 90 people.[3]
Forests, which serve as natural habitats for many endangered species, are critical for biodiversity. Deforestation accelerates the threat of extinction and diminishes the quality of life in rural areas by depleting vital watersheds and resources necessary for livelihoods.
Given the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, it is crucial for the government and various institutions to collaborate on developing nature-based solutions for protection and conservation.
Nature-based solutions
According to the European Commission, Nature-based solutions (NbS) are “solutions inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social, and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes, and seascapes, through locally adapted, resource - efficient and systemic interventions."[4]
NbS support a diverse range of interventions addressing various aspects of the environment, society, and the economy:
As a result, institutions are intensifying their efforts to implement NbS. Countries are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing their reliance on fossil fuels. Reforestation and afforestation projects are being implemented to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while natural habitats are being safeguarded from anthropogenic activities.
In the Philippines, the European Union has teamed up with the Haribon Foundation—the country’s first and oldest environmental conservation organization—to place NbS at the forefront of conservation efforts in the REINA region.
NbS support a diverse range of interventions addressing various aspects of the environment, society, and the economy:
- Climate-resilience
- Green space management
- Biodiversity conservation
- Natural and climate hazards
- Water management
- Land regeneration
- New economic opportunities and green jobs
- Health and well-being
- Social justice and social cohesion
As a result, institutions are intensifying their efforts to implement NbS. Countries are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing their reliance on fossil fuels. Reforestation and afforestation projects are being implemented to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while natural habitats are being safeguarded from anthropogenic activities.
In the Philippines, the European Union has teamed up with the Haribon Foundation—the country’s first and oldest environmental conservation organization—to place NbS at the forefront of conservation efforts in the REINA region.
Enhancing the role of women in conservation
REINA is an acronym representing several towns in Quezon Province along the Southern Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges bordering by the Pacific Ocean. The municipalities of Real, Infanta, and General Nakar are focused on fishing, farming, and tourism. With its forest-covered mountains and extensive coastlines, REINA possesses rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources. However, the area is also highly susceptible to natural disasters, frequently experiencing strong typhoons that lead to landslides and flooding.
Due to poverty, some residents have turned to illegal logging and slash-and-burn farming or kaingin. Additionally, there is weak and ineffective leadership in forest governance and conservation.
Due to poverty, some residents have turned to illegal logging and slash-and-burn farming or kaingin. Additionally, there is weak and ineffective leadership in forest governance and conservation.
In response to this situation, the Haribon Foundation launched the Women Go project, supported by the European Union. This four-year initiative aims to empower rural women in Protected Area (PA) management to drive social change. The Women Go project was able to train 100 rural women in NbS and ecological disaster risk reduction (Eco DRR), equipping them to develop on-site conservation programs that foster significant and sustainable improvements in their communities and conservation of biodiversity.
A key component of the Women Go project is to transform target rural women into leaders who will become decision-makers committed to change and conservation.
A comprehensive Protected Area Governance for Women Training Plan was introduced as a coaching and mentoring program to empower women leaders in the REINA area.
A key component of the Women Go project is to transform target rural women into leaders who will become decision-makers committed to change and conservation.
A comprehensive Protected Area Governance for Women Training Plan was introduced as a coaching and mentoring program to empower women leaders in the REINA area.
This program covers biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, protected area governance, and NbS to tackle climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management.
Years after the Women Go project’s implementation, numerous initiatives have emerged in the REINA area. These projects have led to notable successes in forest governance, the application of NbS to their day-to-day lives, and Eco DRR within the communities.
Years after the Women Go project’s implementation, numerous initiatives have emerged in the REINA area. These projects have led to notable successes in forest governance, the application of NbS to their day-to-day lives, and Eco DRR within the communities.
The REINA experience: strategies for implementing nature-based solutions
In Real, Quezon, the KALIPI REAL Federation is spearheading efforts to implement NbS in their communities. With support from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, they launched the project ILOG—Isalba ang Laksang Buhay at Oportunidad Gamit ang Lakas ng Kababaihan. This initiative includes a coastal clean-up in Brgy. Kiloloron and aims to restore marine, forest, and watershed resources in Brgy. Cawayan through mangrove forest restoration.
Meanwhile, three women’s organizations in the REINA area have implemented E-Tanim projects. The KALIPI Gen. Nakar Federation, KALIPI Infanta, and KUMARE Inc. have all conducted reforestation activities in their respective localities.
KALIPI Infanta has begun negotiations with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Rotary Club to manage a 10-hectare reforestation site in the town. This effort complements their existing tree-planting program, which includes a nursery of native trees.
A cassava demonstration farm was established for women farmers, using natural farming methods. This initiative integrates livelihood activities with conservation efforts as part of a broader NbS approach.
To support the communities of Pisa and Anoling in General Nakar, the KALIPI federation has carried out reforestation and clean-up projects along the Agos River and Sierra Madre Mountain ranges. Additionally, KUMARE Inc. in Real has implemented mangrove and tree planting and coastal clean-up activities, utilizing a ridge-to-reef approach.
In addition to their environmental conservation efforts, the Women Go project has empowered women-led organizations to develop Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFEs). Nine organizations have launched income-generating activities, including lemongrass processing, eco-bag production from waste materials, eco-brick manufacturing, walis tambo (traditional brooms) production, and oyster mushroom cultivation. Notably, these livelihoods are also NbS, contributing to biodiversity conservation and Eco DRR.
Meanwhile, three women’s organizations in the REINA area have implemented E-Tanim projects. The KALIPI Gen. Nakar Federation, KALIPI Infanta, and KUMARE Inc. have all conducted reforestation activities in their respective localities.
KALIPI Infanta has begun negotiations with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Rotary Club to manage a 10-hectare reforestation site in the town. This effort complements their existing tree-planting program, which includes a nursery of native trees.
A cassava demonstration farm was established for women farmers, using natural farming methods. This initiative integrates livelihood activities with conservation efforts as part of a broader NbS approach.
To support the communities of Pisa and Anoling in General Nakar, the KALIPI federation has carried out reforestation and clean-up projects along the Agos River and Sierra Madre Mountain ranges. Additionally, KUMARE Inc. in Real has implemented mangrove and tree planting and coastal clean-up activities, utilizing a ridge-to-reef approach.
In addition to their environmental conservation efforts, the Women Go project has empowered women-led organizations to develop Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFEs). Nine organizations have launched income-generating activities, including lemongrass processing, eco-bag production from waste materials, eco-brick manufacturing, walis tambo (traditional brooms) production, and oyster mushroom cultivation. Notably, these livelihoods are also NbS, contributing to biodiversity conservation and Eco DRR.
Best practices in REINA
These initiatives would not have been possible without the training offered by the Haribon Foundation and the valuable connections and collaborations formed throughout the project.
On April 11, 2023, the Department of Science and Technology Quezon Province conducted an orientation about grants and services for small businesses to improve their products.
The Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG), a partner of the Women Go project, also held a session on their programs for farming women, including training in organic agriculture and native seed banking. The Women Go project tapped MASIPAG’s expertise and long-term experience in organic and climate-resilient farming, which the women’s organizations need for their BDFE and NbS projects. Two partner organizations, KALIPI Gumian and KALIPI Tanauan, have applied for membership with MASIPAG.
The Northern Quezon College Incorporated (NCQI), the academic partner of the project, supplied experts for training in Financial and Business Management. NQCI is committed to providing technical assistance on topics where they have subject matter experts, such as business development, computer literacy, and financial management. These training activities are incorporated into the gender and development plans of the local governments.
Women leaders were equipped with skills ranging from basic life skills to sustainable agriculture and NbS. Over 80 women participated in these training sessions, gaining the knowledge and expertise needed to lead their organizations effectively.
In March 2024, the Women Go project partnered with the Biodiversity Management Bureau to host the National Forum on Women in Biodiversity Conservation. This forum aims to mainstream the best practices developed through the project and engage more women leaders in forest governance.
Additionally, awareness-raising activities were carried out in communities, forums, and the media.
On April 11, 2023, the Department of Science and Technology Quezon Province conducted an orientation about grants and services for small businesses to improve their products.
The Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG), a partner of the Women Go project, also held a session on their programs for farming women, including training in organic agriculture and native seed banking. The Women Go project tapped MASIPAG’s expertise and long-term experience in organic and climate-resilient farming, which the women’s organizations need for their BDFE and NbS projects. Two partner organizations, KALIPI Gumian and KALIPI Tanauan, have applied for membership with MASIPAG.
The Northern Quezon College Incorporated (NCQI), the academic partner of the project, supplied experts for training in Financial and Business Management. NQCI is committed to providing technical assistance on topics where they have subject matter experts, such as business development, computer literacy, and financial management. These training activities are incorporated into the gender and development plans of the local governments.
Women leaders were equipped with skills ranging from basic life skills to sustainable agriculture and NbS. Over 80 women participated in these training sessions, gaining the knowledge and expertise needed to lead their organizations effectively.
In March 2024, the Women Go project partnered with the Biodiversity Management Bureau to host the National Forum on Women in Biodiversity Conservation. This forum aims to mainstream the best practices developed through the project and engage more women leaders in forest governance.
Additionally, awareness-raising activities were carried out in communities, forums, and the media.
Women’s Month has become a regular platform for Haribon and the participating women’s organizations to showcase the success stories and impact of their initiatives.
In terms of policy and governance, the partnership between Haribon, the KALIPIs, and local government units and agencies in REINA has been crucial in creating a supportive environment for NbS. A notable example is the collaboration between KALIPI Cawayan and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Real. This partnership has been instrumental in the success of KALIPI’s CaReal tea processing and production. Their joint efforts have significantly raised awareness about the importance of environmental protection.
In terms of policy and governance, the partnership between Haribon, the KALIPIs, and local government units and agencies in REINA has been crucial in creating a supportive environment for NbS. A notable example is the collaboration between KALIPI Cawayan and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Real. This partnership has been instrumental in the success of KALIPI’s CaReal tea processing and production. Their joint efforts have significantly raised awareness about the importance of environmental protection.
Funding has been a critical factor in the success of the project. Haribon provided seed capital to help the organizations establish their BDFEs. Local government units also contributed resources, including materials and facilities. As a result, the BDFEs generated a total net income of P223,065.00, benefiting 104 women with access to income-generating activities.
Building sustainable and resilient communities through nature-based solutions
While the Women Go project has achieved significant successes, it is still striving to fully realize its goal of building sustainable and resilient communities through NbS. To scale up these efforts, additional work is needed. Policies should be developed to support the expansion of BDFEs and foster the growth of biodiversity champions within communities. Additionally, more partnerships should be established to enhance funding and facilitate resource-sharing.
Innovations in other countries demonstrate that NbS can effectively build resilient communities. In Indonesia, the government rehabilitated 75,000 hectares of mangroves, restoring a rich array of marine resources for local fisherfolk. In Nepal, a green infrastructure project that included hill terrace improvements and soil and water conservation measures significantly reduced the risk of landslides in upland communities.[5]
These examples illustrate that NbS can substantially improve lives by mitigating risks and fostering growth and development.
These examples illustrate that NbS can substantially improve lives by mitigating risks and fostering growth and development.
The Women Go project has shown that empowering local communities can support the scaling up of these efforts. This successful model can be replicated not only in REINA but also in other regions across the country.
The complete PDF version of this article can be downloaded here:
Download PDF[1] World risk report 2023 Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft, et al. 2024
[2] https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/PHL/?category=forest-change
[3] https://phys.org/news/2024-03-faulty-deforestation-philippine-deadly.html
[4] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/nature-based-solutions_en
[5] Assessing the Benefits and Costs of Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience: A Guideline for Project Developers. World Bank. 2023.
[2] https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/PHL/?category=forest-change
[3] https://phys.org/news/2024-03-faulty-deforestation-philippine-deadly.html
[4] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/nature-based-solutions_en
[5] Assessing the Benefits and Costs of Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience: A Guideline for Project Developers. World Bank. 2023.
