Manila, Philippines — Forest Foundation Philippines, through the Philippines-Canada Partnership on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation (PCP4NbS), officially opened its Request for Proposals (RFP) for site-based grants in Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental on June 4, 2025, focusing on the potential of nature-based solutions to ensure climate resilience of indigenous and local communities while conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems.
Indigenous peoples organizations, community based peoples’ (farmers and fishers) organizations, and Non-Government Organizations gathered at the RFP Launch in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental last June 3, setting collective visions for the environment and communities of the Sumlog-Cuabo River Watershed.
The event marked the launch of the Program’s for its site-based grants, highlighting the call for community-based and gender-responsive NbS project proposals to help reduce vulnerability and increase resilience to climate change impacts in Davao. The program may fund two to three (2-3) projects within Sumlog-Cuabo River Watershed (from Php 2 million to Php 6 million for each project), to be implemented for up to two (2) years, from October 2025 onwards. In Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental, the Program will support NbS projects in the barangays of Banaybanay, Lupon, Maragusan, Pantukan, San Isidro, and the City of Mati.
Eligible proponents include Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations (IPOs), People’s Organizations (POs), women’s rights organizations, and other community-based organizations registered and active in the Philippines, and active in the watershed.
Mr. Narciso V. Samar, of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Lupon, Davao Oriental, expressed his support for the Program, and highlighted the need to recognize the importance of community-led conservation and forest restoration: “Pinapasok namin ang masukal na gubat—not just to study the forest—but to understand the habitat and its dwellers.” “ To ensure NbS implementation is gender-responsive, and addresses community needs, the program conducted a Vulnerability Risk Assessment (VRA) and a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus), and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices assessment in its priority areas. Based on these assessments, PCP4NbS identified target sites where NbS projects will be supported, within the Sumlog-Cuabo River Watersheds.
Proposed projects should respond to the results of these baseline assessments, addressing the hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks experienced by communities in the target sites. Priority will be given to solutions that provide equal opportunities to women and men in accessing and managing natural resources, as well as strengthen women’s capacities and leadership. Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) Executive Director Dennis Salvador, reiterated the need for culturally-appropriate, community-driven NbS, “[this Request for Proposals] is a call to create a future that is inclusive, respectful, and community-led. We are looking for ideas that come from the land, from those who live closest to it.”
NbS are cost-effective actions that protect, regenerate, and enhance ecosystems while responding to the needs of the community and safeguarding biodiversity. The Government of Canada has committed PhP 332 million (CA$8 million), a fund managed by Forest Foundation Philippines, to support local organizations in implementing holistic, community-based, and gender-responsive initiatives based on NbS principles.
The program may also support nature-based, community-led livelihoods to support the NbS, from agroforestry, women-led reforestation, to mangrove restoration, showcasing the potential for conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems, while ensuring the well-being of communities and strengthening resilience in the face of the changing climate.
Interested organizations can visit the Forest Foundation Philippines website, the PCP4NbS microsite, and its social media channels (@forestfoundationph) for more information about the program and its grants in Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental.
