Forest Foundation Philippines, in partnership with UNDP Philippines, has officially launched the Eighth Operational Phase of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme in the Philippines (SGP8), continuing more than three decades of empowering local civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) to lead community-driven environmental action.
Established in 1992, the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme has championed the principle of “thinking globally, acting locally,” supporting grassroots initiatives that address environmental challenges while improving local livelihoods. Since its inception, the programme has supported 325 projects across the Philippines, helping communities strengthen conservation efforts, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Building on the lessons and gains from previous operational phases, particularly SGP5 and SGP7, SGP8 will focus on landscape–seascape approaches that integrate biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and community well-being. The programme aims to equip local organizations and communities with access to knowledge, information, skills development, technical assistance, and grant support through hands-on learning and capacity-building initiatives.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility, SGP8 will be implemented by Forest Foundation Philippines as the Project Management Unit, in partnership with UNDP Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau, until October 2028.
UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Christopher Bahuet emphasized the central role of communities in the programme, saying, “Communities serve as the heart and soul of the SGP. The programme embodies the principles of sustainable development by thinking globally and acting locally. For more than 30 years, the SGP has continued to address global environmental issues through a decentralized country support mechanism. It mobilizes bottom-up action by empowering CSOs and CBOs, including women’s organizations, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, and other marginalized and vulnerable sectors.”
He further noted the broader value of the programme beyond funding, “The SGP is not just a small amount of money given to isolated communities. It is much more than that. It is making a real difference in people’s lives. If we make it a success and communicate that success, then it becomes an inspiration for other communities to replicate on a much larger scale. That is what we are committed to doing.”
The programme will be implemented in key biodiversity and conservation areas across the country, including Aurora, Quezon, Calamianes Group of Islands, Catanduanes, Cluster 6 River Basin in Samar, Siargao Island Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS), and Surigao del Norte.
Forest Foundation Philippines Executive Director Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, shared, “We are fortunate to be standing on and building on the gains of SGP7 implemented and supported by the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE). We will work with communities, and continue meeting our partners where they are.”
SGP8 seeks to improve household well-being and socio-economic conditions while generating global environmental benefits through stronger natural resource conservation and biodiversity protection. The programme is anchored on three primary objectives: Enhanced well-being of communities; increased awareness and resilience; and generated global environmental benefits.
SGP8 will support strategic initiatives focused on: Community-based conservation of threatened ecosystems and species; sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and food security; chemicals and waste management; low-carbon energy access and benefits; catalyzing urban environmental solutions; strengthening CSO-government-private sector dialogue platforms; enhancing social inclusion; and improving knowledge management, monitoring, and evaluation systems.
Hon. Juan Miguel Cuna, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), underscored the importance of collaboration, “We are confident that the Eighth Operational Phase of the GEF Small Grants Programme will continue to promote locally led and innovative solutions that blend science, traditional knowledge, and proactive policy and decision-making at the local level. We remain committed to a whole-of-society approach where government, civil society, and the private sector work together in collective action to translate technical expertise into concrete actions on the ground. The lessons gained from effective local action will help ensure more responsive national and local policies.”
Ms. Edwina Garchitorena, Chairperson of Forest Foundation Philippines, also expressed support for the partnership, “In alignment with the SGP strategy, we at Forest Foundation Philippines strongly believe that when communities are equipped and trusted, they become the most impactful and effective stewards of the environment. We are eager and grateful for the opportunity to further broaden our reach and support more communities across diverse ecosystems.”
For more information about SGP8, visit this page.
About Forest Foundation Philippines:
Forest Foundation Philippines (doing business as Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), Inc.) is a non-stock, non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides grants and technical assistance to organizations and individuals that empower the people to protect and conserve the forests.
About UNDP:
UNDP Philippines works to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience in the Philippines, supporting the country’s development since 1965. It focuses on sustainable economic growth, governance, climate resilience, and gender equality, aligning with the 2024–2028 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework to support national development priorities.
