Forest Carbon Policy Forum Sparks Collaborative Efforts Towards Sustainable Climate Solutions
Manila, September 6, 2023 – The Forest Carbon Policy Forum, a crucial event dedicated to promoting sustainable climate solutions through forest carbon projects, took place in Manila City on August 25, 2023. Under the theme "Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Nature-Based Climate Solutions through Forest Carbon Projects in the Philippines," the forum convened a wide array of participants with the objective of addressing policy bottlenecks that slow the advancement of forest carbon initiatives, while also delivering recommendations to the national government.
Gathering over 100 attendees from various sectors, including government, private enterprises, civil society organizations, academia, and people's organizations, the event aimed to foster collaboration and cooperation in the execution of nature-based solutions, particularly those centered around forest carbon projects. These initiatives play a pivotal role in combating the consequences of climate change and ensuring an environmentally sustainable future for the Philippines.
A significant highlight of the forum was the virtual presence of Maria Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In her keynote address, Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized the urgency of forging inclusive partnerships to accomplish Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), achieve emissions targets, and establish resilient developmental trajectories. She underscored the roles of blue and green forests in meeting emission targets, conserving ecosystems, and more. Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga also announced DENR's intention to integrate forest carbon policies, projects, and crediting into their mandates.
Representing the Global EverGreening Alliance, Dr. Dennis P. Garrity highlighted the collaborative endeavors necessary to restore degraded lands. He underscored the role of the private sector and advocated for a community-centered approach to forest carbon projects, with a primary emphasis on enhancing community livelihoods. Dr. Garrity stressed the significance of ensuring that such projects benefit both communities and the environment, thus deterring exploitation and promoting equitable revenue sharing.
Simon Bakker, the CEO of Kennemer Eco Solutions (KenEco), shared insights into the challenges and support required for carbon project development in the Philippines. KenEco is currently implementing two (2) climate projects in Mindanao namely the Mindanao Tree Planting Program for Climate and Communities (MinTrees) and Miindanao Forest for People and Sustainable Livelihoods (MinFor). Bakker shared investor apprehensions, including potential bans on carbon credit sales, unanticipated taxes on carbon credit revenue, and unclear carbon rights leading to potential expropriation. He also emphasized that abovementioned risks should be minimized to welcome more investors as carbon projects provide positive contributions, encompassing job generation, biodiversity conservation, and reinforced community resilience.
The forum culminated by charting a way forward for the forum. It emphasized the necessity for similar gatherings and roundtable discussions encompassing key stakeholders in the carbon industry. An interdisciplinary research approach centered on forest carbon policy was recommended, with the objective of comprehensively consolidating the challenges and gaps demanding attention. This approach will facilitate the establishment of a conducive policy environment for forest carbon projects, thereby fostering a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the Philippines.
The forum was organized by the UPLB Forestry Development Center, UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños and co-organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Forest Management Bureau, the United States Agency for International Development, Kennemer, and Klima 1.5 Corp.
