International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines by MP Development Portfolio

International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines Program Brief

These Projects in the Philippines are funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative, The BMU supports this Initiative based on a decision of the German Parliament. For more information see http://www. international-climate-initiative.com

Program Brief: International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines

Partners: The Philippine Climate Change Commission, and staff of partner agencies (National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Energy, other sector ministries), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other National Government Agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs) at Provincial and Municipal/City level and Non-Governmental or Civil Society Organizations (NGOs/CSOs). Projects: Support to the Climate Change Commission in the Implementation of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change and the National Climate Change Action Plan; Climaterelevant Modernization of Forest Policy and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Piloting in the Philippines; Forest and Climate Protection in Panay; and Adaptation to Climate Change in Coastal Areas Target Groups: Local communities affected by climate change, including farmers and fisherfolk in the buffer zones of protected areas. Duration: December 2008 - April 2015 Location: National and selected sites at the sub-national level, Leyte and Panay islands.

Climate Protection Pays Off Avoiding greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change, and conservation of biodiversity Climate change will affect every country. Its negative impacts include drought, typhoons, coastal inundation and loss of biological diversity. Developing and island countries like the Philippines are likely to suffer most. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), through its International Climate Initiative, supports several projects in the country. GIZ together with its partners implements these projects to reduce emissions, improve capacity to adapt to climate change impacts and conserve biodiversity.

Context The German government targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 40 percent by 2020. To support other countries in achieving their own climate protection goals, Germany has launched the International Climate Initiative (ICI). The ICI uses the revenues from carbon emissions trading to make an effective contribution to emission reductions and adaptation to climate change in developing and transition countries. This new form of environmental cooperation complements Germany’s existing Official Development Assistance. The Philippines is highly vulnerable to climate change. With more than 7,000 islands, its 36,000 km coastline and most of its gross domestic product generated in low-lying urban centers along the coast, the Philippines’ economy will be highly affected by sea level rise. The majority of the population depends on intact ecosystems for subsistence. These ecosystems, however, are heavily affected by a changing climate. Increase in weather extremes, rise of sea water temperatures and ocean acidification threaten their survival. Drought and floods would reduce agricultural production. Projections show that rice yields in the Philippines might decline up to 75% by 2100, and the poor would suffer most. The Philippines’ marine and terrestrial biodiversity is known worldwide for its beauty and abundance. It has some of the world’s “biodiversity hotspots”, and many rare species only exist here. Sadly, however, these natural treasures are extremely endangered by overfishing, destruction of coral reefs, forests and mangroves.

The Projects are funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative, The BMU supports this Initiative based on a decision of the German Parliament. For more information see http://www. international-climate-initiative.com

The Philippines is listed in the top ten most deforested countries in the world (FAO, 2006), with an annual forest loss of 157,000 ha between 2000 and 2005. Illegal logging, mining, fuel-wood extraction, plantation of cash crops, and slash-and-burn agriculture cause the loss of forests and deterioration of its quality. Besides emission of greenhouse gases and loss of biodiversity, deforestation leads to soil erosion, fluctuation of water regimes, and risks to the supply of drinking water in the lower areas. This degradation of natural resources is further worsened by the impacts of climate change. Due to the increasing frequency of calamities like flooding, landslides, and drought, awareness on climate change is increasing in the Philippines. Until now, however, not enough has been done to develop and implement coherent strategies to mitigate greenhouse gases and adapt to a changing climate. Therefore, there is a great need to advance and improve the coherence and coordination of the country’s strategies and measures to address climate change. The climate protection projects funded under Germany’s ICI in the Philippines aim to develop innovative and multipliable approaches that have a wider impact. Their results are also transferable beyond the project confines.

Approach Support to the Philippine Climate Change Commission Since signing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, the Philippines has promulgated a range of laws with relevance to the international climate change discussions: the Climate Change Act (2009) and the Renewable Energy Act (2008). The Climate Change Act established the Climate Change Commission under the chairmanship of the President to oversee its implementation. After the Commission adopted the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (NFSSC) (April 2010), A Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation (PSCCA) was formulated and adopted by the government in August 2010. Both the NFSCC and the PSCCA found its way in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 where climate change is included as an important cross-cutting topic. A long-term National Climate Change Action Plan 2011-2028 was recently approved by the President in November 2011 to translate the national policies into concrete programs at national and sub-national levels. The Project supports the Climate Change Commission and other key stakeholders in the Philippines to implement the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change and the corresponding climate change action plans effectively and efficiently. Promote a climate-friendly economy Funding provided by the ICI in the field of emissions reduction enables the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Assistance goes to measures that facilitate access to technologies and know-how, improve policy settings, and implement renewable energy and energy efficiency activities on the ground. The Philippines has a high potential in renewable energies, which are essential for securing the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power supply. Renewable energies are also a main pillar in mitigating emissions as outlined in the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change. After having passed the Renewable Energy Act in December 2008, the country is currently formulating a feed-in tariff system that can boost the development of renewable energies. This process is being supported by GIZ through advisory services, exchange of experiences, and learning from good practices in other countries. Conserve forests and promote REDD measures The conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems, specifically in their function as carbon reservoirs and sinks, is a crucial element of climate protection. On Panay Island, the Forest and Climate Protection Project aims to conserve the last remaining larger block of natural forest with globally important biodiversity, the Panay Mountain Range, and that local communities in the buffer zone use forest resources sustainably. REDD approaches will be piloted for expansion into a national system of forest and biodiversity conservation, while assisting local communities to establish sustainable livelihoods through the Climate-relevant Modernization of Forest Policy and Piloting of REDD, in close collaboration with the project in Panay. The Forest Policy and Piloting of REDD Project aims to develop improved forest policy and supports the national REDD Plus strategy with innovative elements of forest conservation and piloting of REDD measures in selected protected areas. Through co-management agreements with local stakeholders, a framework will be developed to protect and manage forests sustainably in both Projects. Support to the Coral Triangle Initative and Marine Protected Area governance The ACCCoast Project aims to strengthen the Secretariat of the Coral Triangle Initiative and the capacity of the DENR in MPA governance by supporting the implementation of the Philippine contribution to the Coral Triangle Initiative as delineated in the Philippine National Plan of Action (PNPoA). ACCCoast Project supports the coordination of the development of national climate change adaptation strategies and the implementation of selected measures to protect and increase the resiliency of the coastal environment and communities. GIZ is a federally-owned enterprise that supports the German government in the field of international development cooperation. For more than 30 years now, GIZ has been cooperating with Philippine partners in strengthening the capacity of people and institutions to improve the lives of Filipinos in this generation and generations to come. Together we work to balance economic, social and ecological interests through multi-stakeholder dialogue, participation and collaboration.

Results

Launching of the Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation at Malacañang Palace by Sec. Ramon Paje, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Heherson Alvarez, Vice-Chair of the Climate Change Commission; Senator Loren Legarda; Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda, Province of Albay (from right to left).

Contacts

Dr. Walter Salzer Principal Advisor Projects: Forest and Climate Protection in Panay; and Adaptation to Climate Change in Coastal Areas 2B PDCP Bank Center V.A. Rufino corner L.P. Leviste Sts. Salcedo Village, Makati City Phone +63 2 892 9051 local 101 Fax +62 2 892 3374 Email walter.salzer@giz.de

Dr. Bernd-Markus Liss Principal Advisor c/o Department of Environment and Natural Resources Climate Change Office 2nd Floor, FASPO Building Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines Phone +63 2 929 6626 local 2207 Fax +63 2 892 3374 Email bernd-markus.liss@giz.de Projects: Support to the Climate Change Commission in the Implementation of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change and the National Climate Change Action Plan; Climaterelevant Modernization of Forest Policy and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Piloting in the Philippines Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Promoting measures for adaptation to the impacts of climate change: n Adaptation strategies integrated into different sectoral plans that will guide local plans and programs, benefitting vulnerable population who depend on natural resources. n Supported the establishment of the DENR-Climate Change Office as a model “green office” with energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly office equipment, facilities and internal procedures that reduce both operation and environmental costs. n Trained dozens of experts in climate proofing to make plans and programs and local investments more resilient to climate change. Promoting a climate-friendly economy through: Promotion of renewable energy by using a tailor-made feed-in tariff (FIT) approach as an incentive for power generation from wind, hydro, solar, and biomass. n Promotion of broad participation in investment opportunities for renewable energies, technology transfer, and development of local services by providing higher FIT for smallscale providers and lower for large providers. n Including off-grid areas in the FIT for renewable energies to promote sustainable and costefficient power supply in rural areas on smaller islands. n

Promoting REDD measures that will: Avoid emissions of 35,000 tons of fixed carbon from natural forests. n Remove additional 7,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere every year in rehabilitated natural forests and reforestation/agroforestry areas. n Protect 5,000 ha of natural forests and establish 2,000 ha of species-rich reforested areas to conserve biodiversity. n

Conservation of forests in the Panay Mountain range aims that: At least 12 of the 18 adjacent communities have produced a forest land use plan, have classified protected areas and have developed plans for the management of the protected areas as well as have allotted funds in the budget for their management n Forest areas in the Central Panay Mountain Range do not decrease by more than two percent; n In total, 2,500 ha of new afforestation/ enrichment plantings (1,500 ha) and agroforestry areas (1,000 ha) established; n Population density of the endangered animal species, especially the Dulungan hornbill remains at the same level. n

Adaptation to Climate Change in Coastal Areas measures include: Improved capacity of DENR PAWB Coastal and Marine Management Office (CMMO) in support of MPA comprehensive governance in the Philippines and in the implementation of the Philippine National Plan of Action of the Coral Triangle Initiative; n Improved community awareness and engagement in the management of MPAs through social marketing; n Strengthened MPA governance and development of adaptive management systems n

Success Story CCA Adaptation Strategy process and integration into sectoral framework plans A climate-resilient Philippines enjoying sustainable development is the national vision of the Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation (PSCCA), which broadly seeks to prepare the country’s institutions at national and local levels for the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change in the next 12 years. Multi-stakeholder and participatory collaboration process was the key in formulating the PSCCA. Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Reources (DENR), the process brought together government agencies, academe and civil society organizations in one common effort. Technical Working Groups were formed in nine sectors: Agriculture, Biodiversity, Coastal and Marine, Fishery, Forestry, Water, Health, Energy, and Infrastructure. Their task was to translate the national vision into strategies and actions.It was a consensus-building process that lasted for 1 ½ years before the final document embodying the aspirations of the various sectors were completed and submitted to the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines in April 2010. This document then contributed to the elaboration of a National Framework Strategy on Climate Change and was officially launched in August 2010.

Factsheet: International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines

Adaptation to Climate Change and Conservation of Biodiversity in the Philippines (ACCBio) With more than 7,000 islands and 36,000 km coastline, the Philippines is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Climate data for the past 50 years already show trends of increasing temperature, changes in rainfall pattern and increasing number of extreme weather events like typhoons, flooding and drought. Degradation of natural resources will be further aggravated by the changing climate. The majority of the population is still dependent on intact ecosystems for subsistence. The impacts of climate change are felt by urban dwellers, farmers and fishers alike. The poor are the most vulnerable groups.

Context Climate change brings a higher risk of disasters and poses a threat on to the capacity of the people and the natural environment to recover. Without adequate capacities and adaptive measures, people and natural environments are left vulnerable and unable to cope with the adverse and escalating impacts of climate change. This is why there is a need to build the adaptation capacity for adaptation in adjusting to the changing climate. Adaptive capacity not only implies the ability to cope with, moderate or offset the potential damages of climate change but also to be able to take advantage of the associated opportunities. Good governance, protection of ecosystems, and increasing knowledge on adaptation technologies are ways to increase resilience against disasters and climate change impacts. The German Ministry for Environment (BMU) has started the International Climate Protection Initiative to support efforts to address climate change. The objective is to make an effective contribution to emission reductions and adaptation to climate change in developing and in transition countries. This new form of environmental cooperation complements Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing Official Development Assistance.

Partners: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Government Agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs) at provincial and municipal/city level, and Non-Governmental or Civil Society Organizations (NGOs/CSOs) Target Groups: Local communities affected by climate change including farmers and fisherfolks in the buffer zones of protected areas Duration: December 2008 to November 2011 Location: National and selected sites at the sub-national level Donor: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)

Approach

Launching of the Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation at MalacaĂąang Palace by Sec. Ramon Paje, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Heherson Alvarez, Vice-Chair of the Climate Change Commission; Senator Loren Legarda; Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda, Province of Albay (from right to left).

Contact Dr. Bernd-Markus Liss Principal Adviser-BMU Projects Climate-relevant Forest Policy and Piloting of REDD Adaptation to Climate Change and Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCBio) Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂźr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Department of Environment and Natural Resources Climate Change Office 2nd Floor, FASPO Building Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines Phone Fax Email Web

+63 2 929 6626 local 207 +63 2 892 3374 bernd-markus.liss@giz.de http://accbio.denr.gov.ph

Approach The Project aims at the development and implementation of strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and the loss of biodiversity in the Philippines. This includes strengthening of institutions relevant to climate change, supporting the development of climate change adaptation strategies and implementation of selected measures towards biodiversity conservation. The Project will also raise awareness on climate change and environmental issues. Overall, the Project will contribute to the national vision of a climate resilient Philippines enjoying sustainable development. It will underpin an adaptation strategy that supports climate-proofed development goals centered on economic, social and environmental resilience.

Results The project is still on-going and have the following major outputs: n National climate change adaptation strategies in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders, namely national government agencies, LGUs, leagues, the academe, the private sector and CSOs; n Successful micro-projects to protect the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unique terrestrial and marine biodiversity; n Improved awareness on environmental issues and dissemination of success stories and good practices in the national and regional (ASEAN) context; n Enhanced scientific cooperation with relevant German and European research institutions and environmental organizations; and n Enhanced capacity of the DENR-Climate Change Office.

GIZ is a federally-owned enterprise that supports the German government in the field of international development cooperation. For more than 30 years now, GIZ has been cooperating with Philippine partners in strengthening the capacity of people and institutions to improve the lives of Filipinos in this generation and generations to come. Together we work to balance economic, social and ecological interests through multistakeholder dialogue, participation and collaboration.

Factsheet: International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines

Support to the Climate Change Commission in the Implementation of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change and the National Climate Change Action Plan Climate change impacts communities and how services are delivered. The likelihood and magnitude of these impacts varies, thus being â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;climate ready and smartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is important. This entails developing and understanding how climate change is likely to affect an area, the ability to deliver services and ensure that appropriate actions to prepare for the impacts of climate change are in place. Central to all these, is policy and government support and action - from national to local.

Context It is globally noted, that the Philippines, as an archipelagic state, is particularly affected by the expected negative impacts of climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the country belongs to the ten most threatened countries worldwide. Climate change will have dramatic consequences for agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and industries. Water sources and food security will be threatened- as the country experiences annual bouts of droughts and floods resulting to loss of lives, livelihood and property. Sea level rise have already been observed in some coastal areas. The most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are those that are most dependent on natural resources, as well as those with the least capacity for adaptation. Since signing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, the Philippines has promulgated a range of laws with relevance to the international climate change discussions: the Climate Change Act (2009) and established the Climate Change Commission under the chairmanship of the President to oversee its implementation. In April 2010 the Climate Change Commission adopted the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change. A Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation was formulated and subsequently adopted by the government in August 2010. Both the NFSCC and the PSCCA found its way in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 where climate change is included as an important crosscutting topic. A long-term National Climate Change Action Plan 2011-2028 was recentlyhas been approved inby the President on 22 November 2011 to translate the national policies into concrete programs at national and sub-national levels. Herein the Climate Change Commission emphasizes adaptation to climate change and defines the transition to a climate-smart development, whereby first steps towards a low-carbon trajectory are being made.For the Philippines, environment sound policies have extended over in the energy sector, as the path for further development and expansion of renewable energies are being realized. In 2008, the Renewable Energy Act was approved. The recently launched National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) intends tripling the generating capacities of renewable energies between 2010 and 2030 to a target of 15,304 Megawatt. These developments constitute important cornerstones for the Philippine climate policy and much of the work on climate change now rest on the implementation of the laws and strategies. Despite these frame conditions, the institutional capacities for consistently implementing climate policies still need to be developed. Necessary prioritized measures are not yet fully integrated into national, local and financial planning. Instruments for the coordination, steering, monitoring and evaluation of climate-relevant actions have been set-up and now needs to be fully operationalized.

The Project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative, The BMU supports this Initiative based on a decision of the German Parliament. For more information see http://www. international-climate-initiative.com

Partners: Climate Change Commission, Department of Energy (DoE), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), sectoral departments, local government units, non-government organizations, academe Target Groups: Staff of the CCC, of partner agencies (NEDA, DOE, other sector ministries) and of LGUs; private sector; local communities Duration: November 2011 April 2015 Location: National and selected sites at the sub-national level Donor: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)

Although the Renewable Energy Act provides for a political framework for promotion of RE, the necessary preconditions to develop functioning markets for RE supply and important frame conditions for a successful implementation of the national RE policy are still missing. Furthermore, there is a lack of national capacities to accompany the development of a RE market with scientific studies.

Approach Contact

Sec. Mary Ann Lucille Sering Vice-Chairperson Executive Director to the Climate Change Office Climate Change Commission Rm, 238 Mabini Hall Malacanang Compound San Miguel, Manila Phone +63 2 736 1171 Email info@climate.gov.ph www.climate.gov.ph

Dr. Bernd-Markus Liss Principal Adviser-BMU Projects Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂźr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH 2B PDCP Bank Center V.A. Rufino corner L.P. Leviste Sts. Salcedo Village, Makati City Philippines Phone +63 2 929 6626 local 207 Fax +63 2 892 3374 Email bernd-markus.liss@giz.de

The overall objective of the Project is that the Climate Change Commission and other key stakeholders in the Philippines implement the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change and the corresponding climate change action plans effectively and efficiently for improved adaptation to climate change and mitigation of greenhouse gases. The project strengthens the Climate Change Commission in the enhancement, implementation and coordination of the national climate strategy and the NCCAP and their mainstreaming into the regular planning processes down to the sub-national level. Measures include the development of financing framework for climate relevant activities, and of an innovative monitoring system for impact of climate related activities. At the local level, support to climate-smart local planning and the implementation of pilot measures to enhance adaptation to climate change and mitigation of GHG-emissions will be done. The implementation of the Renewable Energy Act will be supported through further development of the political frame conditions and technical capacities for production and feed-in of renewable energies to the grid.

Intended Results n

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Strengthened capacities of the Climate Change Commission in its tasks of policy development, coordination, developing of financing options, monitoring and reporting with regard to climate change and climate protection. Increased capacities at the local level for the development and implementation of climate strategies and action plans and these are applied to implement concrete priority adaptation and mitigation measures. Supported the Department of Energy and institutions in charge of the electricity grid in designing the framework conditions for the generation and feed-in of renewable energies. Supported awareness building, information and knowledge exchange on national, regional and international levels.

The Climate Change Commission is the sole policy-making body of the government tasked to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate government's climate change-related plans and programs. It was created under Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009, and is mandated to formulate the National Framework Strategy and Action Plan on Climate Change. GIZ is a federally-owned enterprise that supports the German government in the field of international development cooperation. For more than 30 years now, GIZ has been cooperating with Philippine partners in strengthening the capacity of people and institutions to improve the lives of Filipinos in this generation and generations to come. Together we work to balance economic, social and ecological interests through multi-stakeholder dialogue, participation and collaboration.

Factsheet: International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines

Climate-relevant Modernization of Forest Policy and Piloting of REDD The Philippines is among the top ten deforestation countries in the world (FAO, 2006). Seventy-four years ago 60 percent (17.8 million hectares) of the land was covered by forests. By 2003, forest cover dwindled to 7.17 million hectares. It has been found that forest loss annually (2003-2005) is 157,000 ha or roughly the size of 3.5 million basketball courts! The causes of deforestation and forest degradation are man-made—chainsaws, bulldozers and fires have grazed the country’s forests to make way to grow food, have fuel, build houses, or simply make money out of timber. On the other hand, Philippine forests have a high chance to restore themselves if they are well-protected and managed.

Context The value of forests is more than just timber. Increasingly, it is recognized that forests are essential to a stable climate. Trees remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and store them in their wood, roots and in the soil. When forests are destroyed, the stored carbon is released into the air and contributes to global warming and climate change. In fact, deforestation and land use change contribute approximately 20 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions that cause climate change globally. Intact forest ecosystems, on the other hand, are resilient against the impact of climate change. Forests are more than just trees. Beside carbon sequestration, forests are the source of other essential ecosystem services such as soil and watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, regulation of water flow and local climate. Forests are crucial to local livelihood. They provide fuel, food, medicines and shelter. Sustainable use of forest can provide an important source of income and boost rural development. If they are destroyed, local communities’ livelihood and their future are jeopardized. Efforts to conserve what is left and to rehabilitate what was lost are still limited. The main drivers for the loss of forests (deforestation) and deterioration of its quality (degradation) are unsustainable agricultural practices such as kaingin, conversion of forests to other land uses and illegal logging. So far, efforts to restore forest ecosystems in the Philippines were unsuccessful because of unclear land use rights, open access to forests and lack of local communities’ involvement in sustainable forest management practices. The concept of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) is a topic being discussed internationally as a new cost-effective approach towards forest and climate protection. REDD is multidimensional and comprehensive. It focuses on avoiding further deterioration of forests and emissions of greenhouse gases while generating benefits such as biodiversity conservation and improvement of local livelihoods. REDD is at its early stage in the Philippines. At present, there are no consistent strategies and incentives to address deforestation. Capacities of government offices and local communities are still insufficient to make use of the potential of REDD for effective protection and rehabilitation of natural forests and conservation of their biodiversity. A new climate policy is however, sprouting to adjust national forest policy to the necessities of climate protection and to test approaches for REDD.

Partners: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Forest Management Bureau Target Groups: Forest-dependent communities Duration: October 2009 - March 2013 Location: Selected Protected Areas in Leyte and Panay Islands Donor: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)

Approach Contact Dr. Bernd-Markus Liss Principal Advisor Support to the Climate Change Commission in the Implementation of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change and the National Climate Change Action Plan Climate-relevant Modernization of Forest Policy and Piloting of REDD Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Department of Environment and Natural Resources Climate Change Office 2nd Floor, FASPO Building Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines Phone +63 2 929 6626 local 207 Fax +63 2 892 3374 Email bernd-markus.liss@giz.de

The Project aims at the development of improved forest policies and specific incentives for forest protection and rehabilitation by piloting of measures in and around selected areas. It also aims to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and to conserve biodiversity, and build capacities of partner institutions in the process. It also supports the Philippine National REDD-Plus Strategy (PNRPS) to prepare the country for the full implementation of REDD that embodies the Project’s aims. The major outputs planned to help towards improved forest policies are: analysis of the key drivers of deforestation and forest degradation; analysis and revision of the forest policy with regard to climate protection; and the elaboration of specific incentive mechanisms for protection and rehabilitation of forests. Through co-management agreements with local stakeholders a framework will be developed to protect and manage forests sustainably, while providing specific incentives to local communities. These are for example: clarification of land use rights, financial support to rehabilitate forests, reforestation, establishment of agro-forestry systems and village development. The approach includes monitoring and control systems as well as benefit sharing mechanisms in the Project pilot sites. The Project will strengthen existing structures through intensive advisory services, capacity building and training in planning and implementation of climate relevant forest measures, conflict mitigation, securing land use rights and livelihood. Overall, the Project will support the Philippine National REDD-Plus Strategy’s vision to empower forest managers and support groups to manage forestlands and ancestral domains in a sustainable and equitable manner while reducing greenhouse gases emissions and enhancing carbon stocks.

Results 10 conservation agreements between DENR, LGUs, POs and GIZ being implemented for a total of 2,283 ha plantations n One municipality has approved Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP)/ Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), four other LGUs are in various stages of the FLUP process n Training workshop on climate proofing of Community Resource Management Framework (CRMF) conducted for three People's Organizations n The Biodiversity Assessment in November 2011, jointly implemented with the NewCAPP and conducted by Fauna & Flora Int’l; two new species of frog discovered n Policy Studies on clarifying carbon rights, assessment of free prior and informed consent The Project is funded by the (FPIC) implementation, analysis of key drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation Philippines, review and analysis of forest policy conducted and Nuclear Safety (BMU) underand its International Climate Initiative, The n supports 19thistrainings BMU Initiative basedconducted on various topics and given to 754 participants (41% are women) at on a decision of the German national and local levels Parliament. For more information see http://www. internationaln Pool of trainers and REDD+ practitioners at national and local level built climate-initiative.com n Forest Resources Assessment conducted across the province of Leyte, of the 200 identified plots, 190 have been assessed n

This Project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative, The BMU supports this Initiative based on a decision of the German Parliament. For more information see http://www. international-climateinitiative.com

GIZ is a federally-owned enterprise that supports the German government in the field of international development cooperation. For more than 30 years now, GIZ has been cooperating with Philippine partners in strengthening the capacity of people and institutions to improve the lives of Filipinos in this generation and generations to come. Together we work to balance economic, social and ecological interests through multi-stakeholder dialogue, participation and collaboration.

Factsheet: International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines

Preparation of a National REDD-plus Mechanism for Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Conservation of Biodiversity in the Philippines (National REDD-plus System Philippines) Thirty years ago, the Philippines’ forest cover was about 11 million hectares or 36% of its land. By 2003, this dwindled to about 7 million hectares (24%) (PFS 2003). Yearly, it is estimated that 100,000 hectares of Philippine forests are destroyed continuously. This limits forests’ production capacity and weakens their environmental and socio-cultural functions. Shifting cultivation, timber extraction, mining and continuing conversion of forests to other land uses persist despite the government’s continued efforts to protect, conserve and rehabilitate forests. With the Philippine National REDD-plus Strategy (PNRPS), the country is confident that while it has lost majority of its forest resources, it still has considerable opportunity to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. The Project supports this Strategy and aims to create important frame conditions to implement REDD-plus at both national and local levels, and emphasize as well the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks. The Project aims to protect and rehabilitate forests, revive biodiversity and improve local livelihoods.

Context Since the endorsement of the Philippine National Reducing Emission from Deforestation and forest Degradation-plus or REDD-plus Strategy (PNRPS), government policies have become more climate protection-friendly and strongly emphasize effective protection and sustainable management of forests. Moreover, it is increasingly recognized that forests should not be managed for climate protection alone but also for other equally important reasons: production of goods, protection of soil, water and the environment, conservation of biodiversity, provision of socio-cultural services, employment and income, livelihood support and poverty alleviation. The international community is willing to support the country’s efforts towards forest protection and rehabilitation. Large-scale reforestation projects are being planned and development partners and civil society organizations (CSOs) are engaged in forest conservation and REDD-plus projects. In 2010, the Philippine government became a member of the REDD-plus Partnership and started collaboration with the United Nations’ initiative (UN-REDD Program). Private investors see opportunities in forest carbon projects which offer potential for forest financing, but also bear risks if basic safeguards are being disregarded. The development of the PNRPS has progressed alongside other significant and complementing policies since 2010. In 2011, the National Government issued a logging moratorium in natural forests and launched the National Greening Program (NGP) through Presidential Executive Orders (EO 23, EO 26). The Climate Change Commission under the President approved the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2011-2028, including the implementation of the PNRPS, in November 2011. The Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016 also stresses REDD-plus and biodiversity conservation. The necessary institutional framework at the national and sub-national levels (e.g. governance structures, REDD-plus Registry, a national measuring, reporting and verification (MRV) system needs to be established. Furthermore, a coherent national system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, based on recognized ecological, social and governance safeguards is still not in place. To make REDD-plus a success, a careful design of rules and guidelines, a highly participatory land use planning and co-management system with secure tenure rights and adequate consideration of the needs and interests of forest-dependent communities, especially the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) should be established. The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) or RA 8371, passed in October 1997, recognizes IPs’ time immemorial possession and ownership over their domains and their rights to use them. REDD-plus safeguards form the basis for ensuring that rights and interests of IPs and forest dependent communities are addressed during the decision-making process and implementation of REDD-plus programs.

The Project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative. The BMU supports this Initiative based on a decision of the German Parliament. For more information see http://www. international-climate-initiative.com

Partners Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Forest Management Bureau (FMB), Protected Areas Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), Climate Change Commission (CCC), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) through the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), CoDe REDD Target Groups • DENR personnel in charge of REDD-plus (national, regional and provincial levels) • CCC, NCIP and staff of other government agencies (national, regional and provincial levels) • Personnel of local government units (provinces, cities and municipalities) • Local communities and Indigenous Peoples dependent on forests Duration November 2012 - April 2017 Donor Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)

Contact Dr. Bernd-Markus Liss Principal Advisor Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂźr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Department of Environment and Natural Resources Climate Change Office 2nd Floor, FASPO Building Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines Phone +63 2 929 6626 local 207 Fax +63 2 892 3374 Email bernd-markus.liss@giz.de

Approach

The Project is expected to contribute to emissions reductions in the Philippines through strengthened REDD-plus actions by: (1) supporting the Philippine National REDD-plus Strategy in creating important frame conditions to implement REDD-plus at national and local levels; and (2) implementing REDD-plus measures in selected areas to prevent deforestation and forest degradation, while providing co-benefits of livelihood improvements and biodiversity conservation. At the national level, the Project will help to establish the necessary policies, structures and information systems for measuring, reporting and verification (MRV) of REDD-plus in the Philippines. At the local level, the Project links forest protection and sustainable forest management with conservation of biodiversity and livelihoods. It supports the protection of existing rainforests in key biodiversity areas and aims to reduce shifting cultivation, illegal logging and other destructive activities that further threaten an already highly endangered biodiversity. With support to participatory forest land use planning, establishment of co-management agreements, clear land tenure, monitoring and enforcement arrangements the Project will contribute to improved forest governance. Assistance to local and indigenous communities in concrete livelihood oriented REDD-plus measures will provide incentives for protection and sustainable management of forests. The Project also aims to make a significant contribution to more effective REDD-plus actions through strong, credible and implementable safeguards and establishment of a safeguards information system. Such a system will help to effectively monitor the impacts of REDD-plus with regards to forest governance and protection of forest dependent communities, quality of the environment and living conditions. Implementing social safeguards strengthens the traditional rights and interests of the local population and indigenous communities. Ecological safeguards support the protection and enhancement of forest ecosystem services, while governance safeguards will ensure active participation, equity, transparency and accountability of REDD-plus measures. The Project will work in a collaborative multi-stakeholder approach with a wide range of actors under the Philippine National REDD-Plus Strategy at the national, regional and local levels. It will build on the experiences of the BMU funded project â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Climate-relevant Modernization of the Forest Policy and Piloting of REDD Measures in the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (2009-2013), the UN-REDD Program and other relevant projects. Project results will be replicated country-wide through implementation of the Philippine National REDD-plus Strategy and building of related capacities. Experiences will be fed back to the international climate policy discussions through the Philippine Delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Intended goals

n Establishment of a national implementation and coordination system for REDD-plus n Development of financing / benefit sharing mechanisms for REDD-plus n Integration of ecological, social and governance standards (safeguards) in implementation of REDD-plus n Forest land use planning and REDD-plus implementation in selected areas n Awareness building, information and knowledge management

GIZ is a federally-owned enterprise that supports the German government in the field of international development cooperation. For more than 30 years now, GIZ has been cooperating with Philippine partners in strengthening the capacity of people and institutions to improve the lives of Filipinos in this generation and generations to come. Together we work to balance economic, social and ecological interests through multi-stakeholder dialogue, participation and collaboration.

Factsheet: International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines

Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME) in the Philippines The rate of extinction of biological species is greater today than at any time in the last 65 million years. With the Philippines encompassing major biodiversity hotspots, the Protected Area Management Enhancement in the Philippines (PAME) Project aims to enhance the management of 60 existing Protected Areas (PAs) and establish 100 new terrestrial or marine PAs under different governance frameworks in selected Key Biodiversity Areas.

Context The Philippines is home to more than 39,000 species of which 6,800 are endemic and found nowhere else on earth. More than 700 of these species are listed in the IUCN‘s Red List of Threatened Species. In the last decade, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), civil society partners and scientists undertook a process of successively-refining available biological information to identify conservation priority areas. These areas are coined as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). Habitat critical to the survival of globally-threatened and geographically-concentrated species whose viable population requires urgent conservation action. However, due to weak management and lack of formal governmental protection, of the 228 terrestrial and marine KBAs, only 50 of the KBAs are legally protected. 137 of these still remain unprotected and 41 remains partially protected and continuously degraded.

Approach The establishment of protected areas is considered as the most cost-effective means for conserving genes, non-mobile species, habitats and ecological processes, and is also considered as one of the most important on-site tools for biodiversity conservation. In 1992, the Philippine Government signed and ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity which promotes the creation and effective management of protected areas. The Philippine government’s National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS, Republic Act 7586) law was legislated in 1992 to answer this call. However, the management of national PAs under the NIPAS Act is facing a number of difficulties as some of its provisions are affected by other laws and its implementation is not supported with sufficient national budget. Even at the municipal levels, where the jurisdiction of PAs do not fall under the NIPAS law, many LGUs and communities face constraints in establishing and managing PAs due to limited funds, local politics and lack of technical manpower. Priority areas usually lack quantitative data showing target species for immediate protection and conservation and are subject to conflicts over natural resources by local communities and Indigenous People, especially those living in and around the protected areas. An "In-Depth Review of the NIPAS Law and Related Statutes on the Establishment and Management of Protected Areas in the Philippines," a joint study by GIZ and PAWB-DENR in 2011 included recommendations to reform the NIPAS Act. The Project addresses all these concerns and corresponds to the Philippine Government’s commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar).

Partners Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Target Groups • Forest and coastal communities (including indigenous people) in selected key biodiversity areas • Local government staff on all levels (provinces, municipalities and cities) • DENR staff at national, regional and provincial levels Duration October 2012 - March 2017 Donor Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)

Contact

Dr. Walter Salzer Principal Advisor Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂźr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH 2B PDCP Bank Center V.A. Rufino corner L.P. Leviste Sts. Salcedo Village, Makati City Philippines Phone +63 2 892 9051 local 101 Fax +62 2 892 3374 Email walter.salzer@giz.de

The project is also in line with the Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation developed by multi-stakeholders together with the DENR. Likewise, it also follows the Philippine National Plan of Action of the Coral Triangle Initiative. Both plans provided the basis for developing the Philippine Medium Term Development Plan 2011-2016, which calls on the improved administration and expansion of Protected Areas. Key elements of PAMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s assistance are: n Institutional capacity development of DENR PAWB; n Comprehensive spatial planning in KBAs involving local governments, adjacent communities and indigenous people; thereby identification of new and confirmation of existing Protected Areas and buffer zones; n Assessment and improvement of the Protected Area management effectiveness; n Strengthened communication, education and awareness; and n Promotion of equity and benefit sharing

Intended goals

n Improved management and technical capacities of relevant DENR PAWB staff at all levels, including needs-based reorganization of competencies n Improved PA governance / management in 60 existing terrestrial and marine protected areas in defined Key Biodiversity Areas (by introducing improved planning, legal, financial and monitoring systems) n Establishment of 100 additional protected areas under new innovative conservation governance systems (involving local governments and communities) n Improved knowledge management through DENR PAWB and a heightened awareness for the value of biodiversity conservation for the general public

GIZ is a federally-owned enterprise that supports the German government in the field of international development cooperation. For more than 30 years now, GIZ has been cooperating with Philippine partners in strengthening the capacity of people and institutions to improve the lives of Filipinos in this generation and generations to come. Together we work to balance economic, social and ecological interests through multi-stakeholder dialogue, participation and collaboration.

Factsheet: International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines

Forest and Climate Protection Project in Panay The island of Panay, the westernmost major Visayan island, ranks sixth in size among the Philippines 7,000+ islands. The primary forest of the central mountain range on the Island is a carbon pool, or has the most capacity to accumulate or release carbon within the region. It is also the basin for several rivers and a refuge for animal species found nowhere else in the world but only in Panay, such as the Dulugan Hornbill. The lack of protection of the forest area and unsustainable use of natural resources threaten the area’s biodiversity, the productivity of forest services and stability for local communities- for the forest is both a source of livelihod and their lifeline.

Context The main drivers for the loss of forests (deforestation) and deterioration of quality (degradation) of the Central Panay mountain ranges, a large relatively intact forest area of about 50,000 ha, are unsustainable agricultural practices such as slash-and-burn agriculture, conversion of forests to other land uses and illegal logging. Deforestation activities like these emit emissions greenhouse gases and result in erosion and a threat to the quality and quantity of water necessary for agriculture and living things. Unclear land use rights, open access to forests and lack of local communities’ involvement in sustainable forest management practices contribute to exacerbating deforestation and hinder efforts to restore Panay’s central mountain range forests. In rural areas of the Philippines, including Panay Island, fuelwood, charcoal and other forms of biomass energy enable the marginalized households to meet their energy requirements, particularly as household cooking fuel. Fuelwood, abounding from and collected from the forests, also provide income as well as employment to the rural population through its trade. The German Ministry for Environment (BMU) has started the International Climate Protection Initiative to support efforts to address climate change. The objective is to make an effective contribution to emission reduction and adaptation to climate change in developing and in transition countries. This new form of environmental cooperation complements Germany’s existing Official Development Assistance.

Approach The Project aims at conservation of the last remaining larger block of natural forest with globally important biodiversity on Panay Island and sustainable use of natural resources by local communities in the buffer zone. The project will implement activities towards conservation of forests in the Panay Mountain Range with an integrated conservation and development approach. REDD+ pilot measures will be conducted in close cooperation with the BMU-funded project ‘Climate-relevant Modernization of the National Forest Policy and Piloting of REDD’ with a focus on biodiversity conservation and improving livelihoods. Activities comprise improved land use planning and introduction of locally adapted agroforestry technologies, building of an alliance of concerned provinces and municipalities, establishment and development of protected areas for endangered species (“Critical Habitats“) in the framework of decentralized spatial planning for the entire forest area of 50.000 ha, participatory planning approaches and integration of measures in the annual budget planning of communities, as

Partners: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Government Agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs) at provincial and municipal/city level, and Non-Governmental or Civil Society Organizations (NGOs/CSOs) Target Groups: Rural households in the vicinity of the forest area of Panay Mountain Range Duration: July 2010 - January 2014 Location: Central Panay mountain ranges, Panay Island Donor: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)

Contact

well as dissemination of an ecologically sound agroforestry, large scale reforestation and supply of local households with renewable energies (predominantly from reforestation areas). Overall, the project will support protection of the forest area, the introduction of sustainable natural resources management and employment creation in the communities of the buffer zone. It will contribute to conservation of globally important biodiversity and stabilization of the local climate, to ensure water supply for rice production in the lowlands and reduce siltation in coastal areas caused by erosion in the uplands.

Results n

n n

Three municipalities have an approved FLUP, in additional 10 LGUs the FLUP process has been initiated and shall be finalized until December 2012. 17 LGUs have created â&#x20AC;&#x153;Municipal Environmental Officesâ&#x20AC;&#x153; with staff and allocated budget An updated land use map is under preparation for the Panay Mountain Range, based on satellite images and field verification (finalized by June 2012) Financing agreements with seven municipalities for reforestation have been entered (total target 1,690 ha: 860 ha mixed species refo, 830 ha agroforestry), in 2011 a total of 191 ha have been planted) A baseline study conducted on the populations and habitat areas of endangered animal and plant species have been analyzed and mapped Study prepared on the assessment of biomass potential for alternative energy generation in Antique province, identification of technically and economically feasible options for electric power generation, cooling, drying of rice (palay) and copra, and assessment of avoided CO2 emission.

Factsheet: International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines

Adaptation to Climate Change in Coastal Areas The Philippines being an island-nation of over 7,000 islands, has one of the longest coastline (34,000 km) in the world. The country’s reef system is extensive (25,000 km2) and its rich marine life is world renowned. It lies within the Coral Triangle, an area spanning across Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste in the Pacific Ocean, the area on Earth where the highest marine biodiversity thrives. The health of the Philippine coral reefs and other marine habitats like mangrove forests and sea grass beds however continue to deteriorate as a consequence of high resource exploitation by a rising population, poor land-use practices, rapid coastal development, destructive fishing practices and global warming.

Context The Philippines is among the ten most vulnerable nations in the world affected by the impacts of climate change such as sea-level rise and extreme climate events. For marine environments, slight increase of temperature can be devastating. The 1998 El Nino decreased live coral cover by as much as 49%. Coral bleaching, caused by warm waters and siltation endangers an ecosystem that could buffer vulnerable coastlines from storm surges and provides valuable resources for coastal communities. The economic implications are huge, for the country’s coral reefs provide economic benefits estimated at US$1 billion per year. The highest impact is on coastal fisheries yield and community welfare, for 70% of Philippine communities are located in coastal areas. The sea provides them a means of earning a living and food security. Local efforts to protect marine environments have been initiated through establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Of the 600+ established MPAs, only about half are actively managed. Nonetheless, many show considerable success in enhancing fish biomass and providing increased yields to adjacent fisheries. With the marine ecosystems and coastal communities remaining highly threatened, there is a need to respond. Improvement of MPA governance in the Philippines in order to conserve the country’s unique biodiversity as a contribution to the regional Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) has begun. Still integrative measures that embrace ‘interconnectedness’ of land to sea as well as ecological, social and economic goals are limited. The German Ministry for Environment (BMU) has started the International Climate Protection Initiative to support efforts to address climate change. The objective is to make an effective contribution to emission reductions and adaptation to climate change in developing and transition countries. This new form of environmental cooperation complements Germany’s existing Official Development Assistance.

Partners: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), Rare International, Local Government Units (LGUs), Civil Society Organizations Target Groups: DENR-PAWB, Coastal and Marine Management, Office (CMMO), Coastal Communities Duration: January 2011 - June 2014 Location: Select Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines Donor: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)

Contact

Dr. Walter Salzer Principal Advisor Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH 2B PDCP Bank Center V.A. Rufino corner L.P. Leviste Sts. Salcedo Village, Makati City Philippines Phone +63 2 892 9051 local 101 Fax +62 2 892 3374 Email walter.salzer@giz.de

Approach The Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the focal point for the Coral Triangle Initiative, is centered on high-level political commitments and proactive implementation by governments of the Coral Triangle area. The Project aims to strengthen the Secretariat of the Coral Triangle Initiative and the capacity of the DENR in MPA governance by supporting the implementation of the Philippine contribution to the Coral Triangle Initiative as delineated in the Philippine National Plan of Action (PNPoA). ACCCoast supports the coordination of the development of national climate change adaptation strategies and the implementation of selected measures to protect and increase the resiliency of the coastal environment and communities. This is accomplished through small grant projects and means of financial agreements to establish and manage protected areas, rehabilitate and protect biodiversity “hotspots” like sea-grass beds, coral reefs and coastal forests (mangroves). The Project also aims to contribute in raising the awareness of local communities on environmental issues through innovative information, education and communication campaigns in partnership with Rare International and the comprehensive monitoring of climate-related parameters through the Marine Environment and Research Foundation, Inc. (MERF).

Intended Results The project has just started in 2011 and has the following on-going results: n Developing the CMMO Institutional Capacity Plan n Initializing a CMMO MPA database and developing a CMMO Strategic Plan n Supporting the Philippine State of the Coral Triangle Report (SCTR and the Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) of the Sulu Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME) n Eight financial agreements country wide with focus on coastal climate change adaptation n Applying Social Marketing plans in 12 sites to improve community awareness n Integrating coastal vulnerability assessment into Comprehensive Land Use Plans n Installing Automatic Weather Stations to monitor climate-related parameters in partnership The Project is funded by the Science Institute of the University of the Philippines Germanwith Federal the MinistryMarine for the Environment, Nature Conservation n Nuclear Cooperation with research institutions within the Coral Triangle and abroad such as Zoological and Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative, The Society of London (ZSL) and Alfred Wegner Institute (AWI) BMU supports this Initiative based on a decision of the German n Cooperation with the MPA Support Network through MPA assessments (90.000 hectares) Parliament. For more information see http://www. internationalclimate-initiative.com

Factsheet: International Climate Initiative Projects in the Philippines

Support to the implementation of the Tri-national Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME) Comprehensive Action Plan The Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME) or Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape (SSS) is a Priority Seascape located in the western Indo-Pacific region at the apex of the Coral Triangle covering 1 million km² of marine and terrestrial areas in Indonesia (North Sulawesi and East Kalimantan), Malaysia (Sabah) and the Philippines. The three countries are already cooperating to manage their natural resources at country level but are in need for more transboundary collaboration within the SSME, especially with regard to jointly implementing strategies tackling the impacts of climate change.

Context The SSME being part of the 640 million ha Coral Triangle has one of the richest concentration of marine biodiversity, the highest numbers of coral, crustacean and marine plant species, and about 3,000 species of fish – twice as much as any other region. In addition, the Coral Triangle hosts 51 of the world‘s 70 mangrove species and 23 of the world’s 50 seagrass species. Marine resources in the SSME are threatened by high resource exploitation by a rising population, poor land-use practices, habitat degradation through rapid coastal development and destructive fishing practices and other harmful man-made impacts. These are exacerbated all the more in association with the effects of climate change such as rise in water temperature and acidity, storm surge and sea level rise. Governments of the riparian countries have made various commitments to address these issues, e.g. under the Coral Triangle Initiative National Plan of Action, which were translated into National Action Plans. However, there is still a need to intensify collaboration and to support programs at the level of large-scale planning and in cross boundary Marine Protected Area (MPA) networking, protection of biodiversity, fisheries management and develpment of adequate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, to gain needed impacts on the ground.

Approach Designated as a Priority Seascape in the Coral Triangle by the six country members (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste) of the CTI, the SSME thus serves as a geographic focus of investments, actions and delivery of conservation and climate change related results under the CTI-Regional Plan of Action (RPOA). On the basis of a tri-national Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the SSME Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) was agreed upon by Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines in July 2011. The SSME CAP embodies three country-level action plan and an ecoregion-level action plan that addresses: 1) sustainable fisheries and livelihood (led by Malaysia); 2) conservation of threatened, charismatic and migratory species (led by Indonesia); and 3) establishment of network of marine protected areas (led by the Philippines). Under the lead of a Tri-national Committee (Tri-Com) three subcommittees are tasked with the achievement of these goals.

Partners • Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with its Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) • Indonesia‘s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) • Malaysia‘s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Target Groups • SSME Sub-Committees and TriNational Committee • Population within a selected geography in the SSME • Planning staff, marine resource managers and political leaders, NGOs, academe of relevant national and local institutions in the three countries responsible for marine resource management, spatial development planning and budgeting • Planning staff, marine resource managers and political leaders of CTI governments Scope of Implementation Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines Duration October 2012 - March 2017 Donor Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)

Contact

In the past, these countries mainly cooperated in setting common goals, but implemented these independently and reported back to each other. The Project takes action from this point by promoting joint implementation of transboundary projects and providing support to the dissemination of lessons learned. One key element is to further integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies into the implementation of plans and programs at all levels in the SSME. The Project will be lodged in the Philippines at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) and the Coastal and Marine Management Office (CMMO). The overarching project goals are that adjacent countries of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines) develop, adopt, implement and monitor climate-smart spatial development plans, explicitly incorporate ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change. In addition, the coordination and action among SSME countries become more effective within the framework of the SSME Comprehensive Action Plans and jointly implement selected bi- or tri-national projects on (a) MPA and MPA Networks, (b) Sustainable Fisheries and Livelihoods, and (c) Threatened, Migratory and Charismatic Species

Intended goals n Capacities

of relevant government institutions enhanced to develop and implement climate smart spatial development plans for coastal areas and seascapes n Coordination mechanisms between countries of SSME developed and enhanced to implement the SSME comprehensive action plan n Preparation and implementation of selected bi- or tri-national projects of the SSME comprehensive Action Plan supported in the priority areas: (a) establishment of a network of marine protected areas, (b) sustainable fisheries and livelihoods, and (c) conservation of threatened, charismatic and migratory species n Research of SSME importance conducted and results relevant for management use disseminated n Best practices disseminated to SSME and CTI member countries

GIZ is a federally-owned enterprise that supports the German government in the field of international development cooperation. For more than 30 years now, GIZ has been cooperating with Philippine partners in strengthening the capacity of people and institutions to improve the lives of Filipinos in this generation and generations to come. Together we work to balance economic, social and ecological interests through multi-stakeholder dialogue, participation and collaboration.