KenEco's Sustainable Land Use Projects in the Philippines: A Catalyst for Environmental Transformation, Highlighted at the USAID Green Invest Asia Forum

Kennemer Eco Solutions (KenEco), represented by Country Manager Jonathan Joson, recently took part in the USAID Green Invest Asia Forum: Sustainable Land Use in Southeast Asia. The two-day event, held on May 18-19, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand, gathered over 200 stakeholders, including industry leaders, investors, development finance institutions, and relevant organizations. The forum aimed to promote sustainable practices in the agriculture and forestry sectors in the region through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

 The USAID Green Invest Asia Forum marked the successful conclusion of the USAID Green Invest Asia's six-year initiative, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This initiative has made significant strides in transforming Southeast Asia's sustainable agriculture and forestry sectors by facilitating partnerships with businesses, investors, and financial institutions to adopt sustainable practices.

One of the focal points of the forum was the growing demand for carbon credits in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). The surge in carbon credits is driven by net-zero commitments, corporate carbon insetting and offsetting initiatives, and investor interest in nature-based solutions that contribute to climate mitigation efforts. Discussions at the forum shed light on the development of carbon markets in Southeast Asia, the role of carbon credits in addressing climate impacts, and the steps necessary to overcome challenges related to transparency, verification, and investment-ready supply.

KenEco's commitment to sustainable land use was showcased at the forum, where it received support from USAID Green Invest Asia in facilitating in 2022, Mirova’s Land Degradation Neutrality Fund’s investment in Kennemer Foods in environmental and social due diligence as well as financial and carbon accounting advisory support. Through its Rural Transformation program, KenEco aims to implement large-scale initiatives over the next decade, including the establishment of meaningful agri-based enterprises, restoration of denuded lands, protection of forests, and biodiversity conservation.

During the forum's plenary discussion, Jonathan Joson highlighted KenEco's long-term rural sustainable program called the "Mindanao Tree Planting Program for Our Climate and Communities" (MinTrees). This program combines afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation activities in agro-forestry systems, incorporating various finance streams for rural transformation, such as sustainable agri-business, soft loan agri-lending, development grants, and climate finance. In recognition of KenEco's cacao-based agroforestry program and tree planting efforts for carbon sequestration, the project was awarded the first nature-based solutions carbon credits issued in the Philippines. Verified and certified under VERRA's Verified Carbon Standard Program and Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards Program (to triplegold level), the project provides local farmers in Mindanao with a new source of development support.

 Furthermore, KenEco has undertaken a REDD+ project called Mindanao Forest for People and Sustainable Livelihoods or MinFor, recognizing that reforestation alone is not sufficient to preserve the local ecosystem. The project engages with indigenous communities in Mindanao through forest conservation and protection, sustainable livelihood, and socio-cultural/community well-being activities. Its first project is in Davao Oriental partnered with 11 indigenous peoples organizations and will be rolling out future projects in partnership with indigenous peoples and local communities, national government agencies, and local government units.

Mr. Joson emphasized Kennemer's inclusive model that integrates social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and financial viability. The company is developing programs and projects that encompass the complete agricultural value chain for smallholders including climate financing.

KenEco's participation in the USAID Green Invest Asia Forum demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustainable land use practices and its dedication to creating positive environmental and social impacts in Southeast Asia. By actively engaging with USAID Green Invest Asia and implementing innovative business models, KenEco encourages other agribusinesses, forestry companies, and land use organizations in the region to follow suit, mitigating risks, seizing investment opportunities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from land use change.