As climate change continues to intensify disasters across the Philippines, one message emerged during the USBONG: Transdisciplinary Forum on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) on June 30: some of the country's climate adaptation strategies have been rooted in nature.

Held at Novotel Manila Araneta City on June 30, the forum brought together representatives from government agencies, conservation groups, Indigenous Peoples, development partners, academe, and the private sector to discuss Nature-based Solutions, which seek to protect and restore ecosystems while helping communities adapt to climate change and reduce disaster risks.

The forum also marked the launch of the country's first national Nature-based Solutions policy, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with support from Forest Foundation Philippines, the Government of Canada, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other partners. The policy integrates Nature-based Solutions into climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and disaster risk reduction while providing a framework for financing, monitoring, and capacity building.

The forum opened with remarks from Ray Thomas Kabigting, assistant director of the Forest Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), who emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusive leadership in advancing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate resilience.

Kabigting also cited Forest Foundation Philippines' more than two decades of work in forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development through grant-making, fund management, and technical assistance. He said the Foundation has served as "a bedrock of grant-making, fund management, and technical assistance for forest and biodiversity conservation," helping support conservation efforts across the country.

Forest Foundation Philippines Deputy Executive Director Alaya De Leon also reflected on the progress of the country's Nature-based Solutions movement since last year’s forum.

De Leon said the growing participation of stakeholders shows that "the collective call for nature-based solutions in addressing societal challenges is louder than ever and resonates across all sectors."

She also highlighted the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in environmental stewardship.

"Even before these actions were called nature-based solutions, Filipino communities and Indigenous Peoples have already managed forests, restored coastlines, and stewarded the land for generations," she said, adding that traditional and local knowledge remains central to the country’s approach to Nature-based Solutions.

The forum also marked the launch of the NbS Support Network, which brings together government agencies and conservation organizations to help guide the implementation of Nature-based Solutions nationwide. It also introduced the NbS Catalogue, a reference containing 21 evidence-based interventions intended to help communities and local governments plan, finance, and implement conservation projects.

Named after the Filipino word for "new growth," USBONG also served as a venue for discussions on strengthening the role of nature in climate adaptation and sustainable development. The forum highlighted ongoing efforts by government agencies, local communities, and conservation organizations to integrate ecosystem-based approaches into long-term climate and disaster resilience strategies.