The United States (US) government has established an P800-million five-year program to fund various environmental efforts by civil society groups in the Philippines.
These target projects include biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, natural resource management, and local climate actions in the country.
In a statement Friday, Nov. 26, the US Embassy in the country said the environmental conservation fund, which is implemented through the US Agency for International Development (USAID),
will be launched through the new Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (INSPIRE) project.
It will support civil society organizations in advocating for, and participating in, good natural resource governance, promoting natural resource conservation and community resilience.
Furthermore, the project will help local communities better manage natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
It will also support media organizations covering key natural resource governance issues.
“As advocates for better governance and partners of the public sector, civil society plays an important role in protecting the environment and addressing climate change,” USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Sean Callahan said.
"Through the INSPIRE project, USAID is pleased to support the Philippines’ efforts to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change while making sure that the environment continues to benefit many Filipinos whose incomes depend upon these natural resources,” Callahan added.
The USAID director stressed that they will work closely with the Philippine government and other relevant stakeholders to implement the INSPIRE project.
Since 2008, USAID has provided more than $157 million to support the Philippine government in conserving the country’s biodiversity and protecting its landscapes and seascapes.