Addressing climate change has never been more urgent than when Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Sixth Assessment Report found that climate risks are emerging sooner and will worsen faster than anticipated, making adaptation more difficult with rising global temperatures. 

Low-income countries and small island developing states suffer the harshest climate impacts despite minimal contribution to global emissions, the report also revealed. 

To help combat the looming horrors of climate change, Forest Foundation Philippines and the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines launched Philippines-Canada Partnership on Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation (PCP4NbS) on Thursday, May 2 at Makati Diamond Residences.

Nature for the future 

The four-year program aims to help minimize climate impacts through nature-based solutions, which are “cost-effective actions” that seek to address environmental and social challenges in climate-vulnerable communities. 

"Our ecosystem from ridge to reef should be conserved and protected as they are our life support system,” said Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. “Through this program, we expect to craft better policies that will institutionalize the use of nature-based solutions to help build resilience while nurturing our ecosystems and creating sustainable livelihoods.” 

In a mission to address significant climate change impacts by “utilizing nature effectively,” the program is said to help regenerate ecosystems and habitats to provide services to local communities and manage biodiversity better. 

“The economy belongs to the environment, not the other way around. Secondly, science is needed, and partnerships are critical to delivering sound and evidence-informed solutions to the impacts of climate change. Third, partnerships need not just be between national and local government,” she emphasized. 

The Government of Canada has pledged ₱332 million for program implementation to be managed by Forest Foundation Philippines. The fund will support “local organizations in implementing community-based initiatives” in Batanes, Camarines Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Calamianes in Palawan.

Empowering women and livelihood 

With women at the forefront, PCP4NbS will “conduct research on the 'nexus' between gender, biodiversity, and climate adaptation” to develop gender-responsive solutions and initiatives that address the climate crisis. 

“We are also adding a stronger gender and inclusivity lens in this program, so supporting women and individuals in their pursuit of greater biodiversity and improved ecosystem management. The goal is to support communities in making decisions,” said Forest Foundation PH Chairperson Edwina Garchitorena. 

The initiative also "identifies" livelihood opportunities in eco-tourism, agroforestry, and watershed management sectors, aiming for sustainable development and natural resource conservation.

With scorching heat becoming less tolerable each year, especially in the Philippines — a country highly susceptible to climate change, PCP4NbS serves as a timely initiative, offering a sliver of hope to the otherwise depressing events our country’s environment endures. 

Ultimately, its call for community action tells that helping the environment can yield significant impacts only if we collectively do something to put out the fire searing our planet. The time to act is now.