Forest Foundation Philippines has recently announced its plan to enhance its grant program through the implementation of a Results Framework for the years 2023 to 2026, in celebration of the International Day of the Forest. The new framework is designed to foster a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to forest conservation, restoration, and protection in the Philippines.
This four-year program is aimed at supporting individuals and organizations to sustainably manage and safeguard forests in the country to promote land productivity, water conservation, and biodiversity. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance climate action related to forest protection. Additionally, Forest Foundation Philippines will continue and expand its grant program to conserve and safeguard four critical landscapes in the Philippines, namely Sierra Madre, Palawan, Samar & Leyte, and Mindanao.
2023-2026 Results Framework
The Philippines is currently facing a crisis of declining forest cover due to human activities, particularly large-scale logging and land conversion, to keep up with the demands of the growing population of over 115 million Filipinos. As of 2010, only 6.8 million hectares of the nation’s total forested lands remain, significantly lower than the 1934 forest cover of 17 million hectares, according to the DENR Forest Management Bureau.
The deforestation crisis is exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, such as floods, landslides, and storm surges, which destroy the country’s first line of defense against natural disasters. These issues have caused damages amounting to USD $8.45 billion, according to the 2017 Philippine Climate Change Assessment.
Forest Foundation Philippines’ 2023-2026 Results Framework is anchored on a strong commitment to strengthen the connection between people and forests by fostering partnerships among stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future for the next generations.
“At Forest Foundation Philippines, our 2023-2026 Results Framework represents our unwavering commitment to safeguarding, rehabilitating, and conserving our country’s most critical resource,” said Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Executive Director of Forest Foundation Philippines.
He further encouraged interested organizations and individuals to reach out and learn more about the available grant opportunities and potential collaboration. “Join us in planting solid roots and building a strong foundation for a better tomorrow,” he added.
The Results Framework will not only continue its ongoing endeavors in the four focal landscapes but will also expand its efforts in Mindanao, particularly in the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, and establish new site-based projects nationwide. The Framework will provide support for initiatives that can:
- Grow Forests Projects that restore, protect, and conserve forests and their adjacent ecosystem to ensure these areas can sustainably meet the needs of present and future generations.
- Grow Opportunities Projects that empower local communities by improving their livelihoods and developing economic incentives.
- Grow Partners Projects that strengthen cross-sectoral partnerships between the government, private sector, and communities towards the protection and conservation of the forests.
- Grow Advocates Projects that empower individuals, communities, and organizations to become advocates for the forests through knowledge sharing and collective action.
It is anticipated that these projects will aid in forest-related climate action, promoting increased resilience, mitigation, and adaptation capacities that are essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Implementing the Framework
The Results Framework 2023-2026 is made possible by the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of the United States of America, which is a debt-for-nature agreement that converts Philippine debt into funds utilized by the Forest Foundation Philippines for forest protection and conservation activities.
Forest Foundation Philippines is a non-stock, non-profit, non-governmental organization that offers grants and technical assistance to organizations and individuals that empower people to protect and conserve the forests.
Dennis Salvador, the Programs Committee Chairperson of Forest Foundation Philippines, emphasized that the foundation’s and its partners’ efforts are geared towards ensuring a lush and sustainable future for the country.
“We aim for a future where our current efforts can result in biodiverse and productive ecosystems that benefit all Filipinos, particularly Indigenous Peoples, as we extend our work in the Mindanao region,” Salvador said.
“The Foundation’s sustainable landscape approach, along with the support of forest-dependent communities and other stakeholders, ensures a future where we can all thrive together.”
Apply for a grant with Forest Foundation Philippines and let us work together to protect, conserve, and sustainably manage Philippine forests and biodiversity.
To submit a proposal, please visit https://grants.forestfoundation.ph. For proposal development assistance, please email proposals@forestfoundation.ph. For partnerships, please email partnerships@forestfoundation.ph.
For general inquiries: Send an email to info@forestfoundation.ph.
Visit our website: https://www.forestfoundation.ph/
Connect with us on social media or chat with us via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forestfoundationph or Instagram: @forestfoundationph.
You may also reach us at (+63 2) 8891 0595 or (+63 2) 8864 0287.
