Leading Filipino nature-based developer KenEco announces progress on registration of 1st indigenous REDD+ Project in the Philippines
Davao City - Keneco, the Philippines’ leading developer of nature-based carbon projects, is proud to announce significant progress in the registration of its pioneering indigenous REDD+ project. Launched in 2022, the Mindanao Forests for People and Sustainable Livelihoods Project (MinFor - VCS ID: 3773) has in December 2024 obtained a Validation Report from the Validation & Verification Body and has formally requested registration with the Verra Registry - marking a historic first for REDD+ initiatives in the country.
Covering more than 140,000 hectares of forest, MinFor is the first REDD project in the Philippines to complete the full Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process with indigenous communities and request registration with Verra.
Over its lifetime, the project is estimated to generate more than 14 million tCO2e in verified carbon credits, contributing significantly to global climate goals. Designed as a grouped project, MinFor is set to scale across multiple provinces over the next 10 years, driving sustainable impact at a national level. The project anticipates issuing of its first carbon credits in Q1 2026, following the completion of its first monitoring period.
A Landmark for Indigenous-Led Conservation
Keneco has worked in close partnership with indigenous communities across 11 Certified Ancestral Domain Titles in Davao Oriental. Over 100 Forest Guards coming from the indigenous communities have been deputized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct coordinated patrols and ecological monitoring to protect these forests.
MinFor is on track to achieve triple Gold-level certification under the Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) standards. The project provides long-term support in cultural empowerment, sustainable livelihoods and capacity building.
A Model for Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity Protection
Keneco’s sister company Kennemer Foods, a multi-crop agribusiness and the Philippines’ leading exporter of Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa beans, plays a key role in supporting sustainable agricultural livelihood programs for indigenous communities across MinFor. These programs promote forest-friendly crops that enhance livelihoods while protecting biodiversity
MinFor is strategically located within the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, one of the most ecologically significant regions in the Philippines. The project helps protect iconic and critically endangered species, including the Philippine Eagle, Mindanao Narek, Giant Scops Owl, Philippine Hanging Parrot, the Philippine Deer among many others.
A Collaborative Approach to Landscape Restoration
MinFor is embedded in a Landscape Consortium, a multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together regional and local government agencies, NGOs, private sector partners and academic institutions. This holistic approach ensures that conservation efforts are integrated with the sustainable development strategies of the region.
About Keneco
Keneco has been a pioneer in nature-based carbon initiatives in the Philippines. In 2022, the company made history by issuing the country’s first-ever nature-based carbon credits through its Mindanao Tree Planting Program for Our Climate and Communities (MinTrees - VCS ID 2412), an ARR reforestation project. Keneco is the Philippines' leading developer of nature-based carbon projects, specializing in REDD+ conservation and ARR reforestation initiatives. Through strong partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and global investors, Keneco is driving large-scale, sustainable solutions for climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, and community development. Keneco is proud to have strategic support from international investors for its REDD+ conservation efforts and is currently fundraising to scale up its ARR restoration activities.
For media inquiries, partnerships, or investment opportunities please contact: info.keneco@kennemer.ph
