PCP4NbS Special Fund for Nature-based Solutions: Site-based Grants for Camarines Sur (English)

Deadline of Submission: July 18, 2025

I. Background and Objectives

The Philippines is among the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. Situated along the typhoon belt and ring of fire in the Pacific Ocean, the country is prone to natural hazards such as flooding, cyclones, droughts, and landslides. To withstand and thrive in the face of the climate crisis, the Philippines must continue to strengthen its climate resilience through a comprehensive approach involving mitigation of impacts and adaptation strategies.

Climate change adaptation is fundamental to transform Filipinos’ way of life and forge a path towards building resilience and achieving sustainable development. Adaptation efforts must be based on improving collective understanding of climate impacts, capacity building for adaptation measures, reinforcing governmental support through policies and resources, and ensuring inclusivity in decision-making, particularly by engaging women and local communities.

In the context of such developmental challenges in a biodiversity-rich country, Forest Foundation Philippines (“Forest Foundation” or “the Foundation”), funded by the Government of Canada, is implementing the Philippines-Canada Partnership on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation (PCP4NbS) (“the “Program”). Running from 2024-2028 and amounting to CA $8 Million, the Program will contribute to strengthening climate resilience of communities, particularly rural and indigenous women, while ensuring co-benefits from, and for, natural resources and healthy ecosystems. Grounded in the guiding principles of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions, the initiative will specifically target the three wins of biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and ensuring gender equality in natural-resource management (NRM).

The PCP4NbS Program has identified Camarines Sur as one of its priority areas. Interventions in Camarines Sur will focus on Siruma, a coastal municipality with high exposure to strong typhoons that pass through the Bicol Region every year. While the mangrove forests in the locality have helped to spare some local communities from the effects of typhoons, ongoing mangrove destruction, exacerbated by increased poverty, prevents the municipality from maximizing the benefits of the mangroves. The decline and destruction of wildlife and marine habitats can also be attributed to climate change (e.g., increased incidence of wildfires).

The site-based grant for Camarines Sur will focus on two watersheds—the Buang River Watershed (Total Area: 1,184.96 ha) and Delehi River Watershed (Total Area: 3,050.68 ha)—which house a total of 14 barangays in the municipality of Siruma. The Program will ensure that nature-based solutions are implemented in the target sites, and generate results that are aligned with its Logic Model (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Logic Model of PCP4NbS

II. Special Fund for NbS

To support participatory development, implementation, and enhancement of NbS projects for climate change adaptation, a Special Fund was established under the program. The Special Fund aims to:

Increase capacities of women and communities in developing/designing and implementing NbS with biodiversity co-benefits;
Ensure women and community participation in protecting, enhancing, and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity; and
Protect and enhance biodiversity that provides multiple ecosystem goods and services.

The design and implementation of projects under the Special Fund will be aligned with the Foundation’s Results Framework 2023-2027, while expanding the sustainable management of forests to coastal and marine ecosystems for water, land, and biodiversity, and fostering nature-based climate action. It will support projects that can establish participatory and coordinated strategies on a large scale, enabling the Program to meet a range of local needs, while contributing to national commitments and targets.

The Special Fund will support three types of grants over the Program lifetime: (1) site-based grants to implement NbS; (2) thematic grants to demonstrate NbS; and (3) grants to sustain public support for NbS. This Request for Proposals pertains to applications for Site-based Grants in Camarines Sur.

III. Site-based Grants: Geographic Scope and Priority Issues

This is a Request for Proposals for NbS in Camarines Sur, with efforts to be focused on the Delehi River Watershed and Buang River Watershed. These target sites encompass the following barangays:

Delehi River and Buang River Watersheds in Camarines Sur
Buang River Watershed	Brgy. Bahao Brgy. Homestead Brgy. Nalayahan Brgy. Poblacion Brgy. Tongo-Bantigue
Delehi River Watershed	Brgy. Bagong Sirang Brgy. Bahao Brgy. Boboan Brgy. Fundado Brgy. La Purisima Brgy. Nalayahan Brgy. Poblacion Brgy. San Andres Brgy. Sulpa Brgy. BaniBrgy. San Vicente

To ensure the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Program in contributing to climate, biodiversity, and gender-equality outcomes through appropriate and gender-responsive NbS, a Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA), Gender-Based Analysis-Plus (GBA Plus), and Marine Biodiversity Assessment (MBA) have been conducted in the target sites. The full reports are available upon request.

The results of the assessments, summarized below, provide a basis for identifying priority issues that need to be addressed and types of interventions that may be supported.

Highlights of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment

Buang River Watershed

Elevated flood hazard levels are mostly found in areas near natural drainages. Based on a simulation, this type of flooding is observed in Brgy. Nalayahan, and some elevated parts of Brgy. Tongo-Bantigue. More widespread and severe flooding concern occurs along the floodplains and in regions near the mouth of the Buang River. This encompasses Brgy. Poblacion, lower regions of Tongo-Bantigue, and Brgy. Homestead. Flooding remains a significant concern due to low elevation and slope.

Areas that could be potentially affected by rain-induced landslides are minimal in Buang River Watershed. Susceptible areas form along moderately-steep hillside. Areas affected by rain-induced landslides are sparse, but have been identified in Brgys. Homestead, Tongo-Bantigue, Nalayahan, Bahao, and Poblacion.

Low-lying coastal zones of the watershed face heightened storm surge hazard levels. The wide opening of the Buang River facing Piniitan Bay, along with its gently sloping surroundings, makes it easy for seawater to flow in during storm surges. This condition amplifies storm surge hazard levels along Brgys. Homestead, Brgy. Poblacion, and the lower reaches of Brgys. Tongo-Bantigue, and Brgy. Nalayahan.

The entire Buang Watershed could face detrimental impacts of severe wind events. All exposure units can be severely affected by severe winds.

Delehi River Watershed

Flood-prone areas were observed mostly on the low-lying valley floors as well as at the outlet of Delehi Watershed. A remarkably wide valley floor stretches throughout the entire length of Delehi Watershed. This low-lying area, starting from the headwaters, is surrounded by ridges in the northern and southern sections, allowing a significant conveyance of flood toward the low-lying valley floors. These conditions result in higher flood hazard levels even along the headwaters. This type of flooding concern is prevalent in Brgys. Fundado, Brgy. San Andres, and upper regions of Brgys. Bagong Sirang, and Brgy. Bahao. Heightened flood hazards in these barangays are attributed to their inherently low elevation and gentle slopes.

Areas that could be potentially affected by rain-induced landslides are minimal in Delehi River Watershed. Susceptible areas form only along moderately-steep hillside. Areas affected by rain-induced landslides are sparse, but have been identified in Brgys. Poblacion, Bahao, San Andres, and Bagong Sirang.

Low-lying coastal areas of the watershed face heightened storm surge hazard levels. The wide opening of the Delehi River facing Penitan Bay, along with its gently sloping surroundings, makes it easy for seawater to flow in during storm surges. This condition causes storm surge hazard levels along Brgys. Bahao, Bagong Sirang, Boboan and some coastal areas on the southern border of Brgy Poblacion.

Future sea level rise is projected to submerge portions of the coast, especially the low-lying areas. This scenario will allow storm surge to propagate more inland, affecting more land areas and escalating future hazard risk. When this projected change in sea level rise and coastal retreat are collectively accounted for in modeling future storm surge events, it shows that the future sea level rise aggravates future storm surge conditions in the watershed. Brgys. Bahao, Bagoong Sirang, Boboan, and Poblacion will experience larger inundation caused by future storm surge events with sea level rise.

The entire Delehi Watershed could face detrimental impacts of severe wind events. All exposure units can be severely affected by severe winds.

Highlights of the Upland Biodiversity Assessment

In both the Buang and Delehi River Watersheds, the majority of recorded plant species were trees, with relatively fewer herbs and shrubs observed.

In the Buang River Watershed, a total of 108 morpho-species were identified, representing 92 genera and 42 families. According to Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines, 12 species (11.11%) are classified as endemic (found only in the Philippines), 31 species (28.70%) are exotic (introduced by humans), and 61 species (56.48%) are native to the country. Among these, three species were found to be threatened and classified as vulnerable (VU): Pterocarpus indicus Willd. forma indicus, Phyllanthus gigantifolius Vidal, and Alpinia elegans (C. Presl.) K. Schum.

Similarly, in the Delehi River Watershed, a greater number of plant species were recorded, with 169 morpho-species identified, representing 135 genera and 64 families. Of these, 22 species (12.94%) are endemic, 32 species (18.82%) are exotic, and 79 species (46.47%) are native. A total of 11 species were found to be threatened, including one endangered (EN) species (Madhuca obovatifolia (Merr.) Merr.), four vulnerable (VU) species, and six classified as other threatened species (OTS).

Biodiversity of both the Delehi and Buang River watersheds are highly vulnerable to various human-made and ecological pressures. Key threats include the proliferation of exotic and invasive species, the prevalence of kaingin (slash-and-burn) farming practices, and the dominance of early secondary growth forests, which indicate a history of deforestation.

The following table summarizes the findings of the biodiversity assessment:

Biodiversity in Buang River Watersheds	Vulnerability
Flora Species 108 morpho-species 12 endemic species 61 native species 31 exotic species 3 threatened species 3 vulnerable (VU)	Presence of significant number of exotic/introduced species Prevalence of kaingin (slash-and-burn) farming practices Dominance of early-secondary growth forest Occurrences of grassfires
Biodiversity in Delehi River Watershed
Flora Species 169 morpho-species 22 endemic species 79 native species 32 exotic species 11 threatened species 1 endangered (EN) 4 vulnerable (VU) 6 other threatened (OTS)

See the full list of species found in Buang River Watershed and Delehi River Watershed.

Highlights of the Marine Biodiversity Assessment

The Marine Biodiversity Assessments were conducted in established fish sanctuaries in Siruma, Camarines Sur, namely Penitan Fish Sanctuary and Butawanan Fish Sanctuary.

Penitan Fish Sanctuary (See the list of fish species found in Penitan Fish Sanctuary)

Corals. The Penitan Fish Sanctuary is characterized by a gentle slope with no distinct reef crest. The coral reef slope was separated from the reef flat by a sandy channel. Coral aggregation was generally patchy. Siltation was relatively high, and there was considerable cover of algal assemblages and the brown seaweed Lobophora.

Hard coral lifeforms (i.e., reef-building corals) were diverse with relatively good cover, but abundance of rubble was also observed. Common in the area are table corals (tabulate Acropora) and cabbage corals (foliose Montipora). Also noted are branching fire corals (Millepora), and encrusting and massive faviids. There was an observed similarity between corals found in the sanctuary and in the open-access reef site. Large colonies of table corals, massive boulder corals or Porites (more common than in the sanctuary) and cabbage corals were observed. Despite the similarity in hard coral composition, coral cover appeared to be lower at this site.

Sargassum and other macroalgae were abundant in the survey area. Lobophora was also present in this reef. Some table corals (Acropora) showed partial to whole colony bleaching. It is suspected that this may be from crown-of-thorns (COT) predation.

Seagrass. There was limited growth of seagrass inside the sanctuary in Penitan. At the shallow intertidal areas inside the sanctuary, only the tape seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) was observed in scattered patches.

Towards the west of Penitan and beyond the marine reserve boundaries, an extensive shallow reef flat was located and this was where dense and diverse seagrass meadows were found. The seagrass growth extended from the low-tide areas along the beach to as far as about 150 meters from shore.

At the offshore section of the meadow, the seagrass species observed included tape seagrass, serrated ribbon seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata), pacific turtle seagrass (Thalassia hemprichii), noodle seagrass (Syringodium isoetifolium), narrowleaf seagrass (Halodule uninervis), and spoon seagrass (Halophila ovalis). At the shallow area nearer the beach there were tape seagrass and ribbon seagrass (Cymodocea rotundata). The meadows were mixed growths of these species and very dense in some areas.

Macroalgae observed in the seagrass area included Padina, Turbinaria and Sargassum.

Fish Communities. A total of 80 species of fish were identified from the survey sites in Penitan: 65 species in the sanctuary station and 54 in the open-access reef.

Of the 80 total species found during the assessment, 55 were major or ecologically important species, 11 were indicator species, and 56 were target species of varying commercial value. There is also a greater number of target species found within the sanctuary than outside the sanctuary. Of the 65 species of fish inside the sanctuary, 32 were commercially important while only 27 were major species.

At the open-access reef, there were 29 major species compared to 20 target species. Sub-adult green/bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) were observed inside the sanctuary of Penitan, but beyond the survey plots. This species is classified as vulnerable (VU) under the IUCN Red List. Additionally, several individuals of large groupers or lapu-lapu (Plectropomus leopardus) reaching as much as 50cm in length were also observed in the fish sanctuary.

Butawanan Fish Sanctuary (List of fish species found in Butawanan Fish Sanctuary)

Corals. The reef surveyed in the Butawanan Fish Sanctuary was an offshore shoal separated from the fringing reef by a channel. Coral cover was relatively high, and the reef was primarily dominated by boulder and finger corals (massive and branching Porites), and tabulate and branching Acropora (table) corals.

There were sections with high rubble cover composed of fragments of finger corals. Bleached table coral colonies were also observed in the area. It is suspected that these were caused by crown-of-thorns sea stars. Water visibility at this reef was good. The control reef surveyed has no distinct reef crest. The reef was generally patchy and dominated by macroalgae. Algal assemblages and Lobophora seaweeds were also abundant in the reef area surveyed.

Coral cover was poor, but there were large colonies of foliose Pavona corals observed outside the survey plot. Bleaching of some branching Acropora corals was also noted in this station. This site had relatively poor water visibility.

Seagrass. Seagrasses appeared to be widely spread across the coastline of Butawanan, but they were mostly patchy stands of the tape seagrass (Enhalus acoroides). No dense seagrass meadows were noted.

Fish Communities. A total of 95 species of fish were identified from the survey stations in Butawanan. There were 75 species recorded in the sanctuary while 63 were found outside. The relative composition of major and target fish species inside the sanctuary was almost equal with a total of 35 and 34 species, respectively. The same pattern may be said for the outside reef with 30 major fishes and 27 target species. Both sites equally had 6 indicator species. There were some important target fish species inside the sanctuary such as the leopard grouper, but these were not as large as the individuals observed inside the Penitan Fish Sanctuary. However, several sub-adult individuals of the bumphead parrotfish (B. muricatum) were recorded along the transects.

Challenges, Risks, and Recommendations

Penitan Marine Sanctuary

Sanctuary Management. There were reports of conflicts among local fishers due to inconsistent placement of sanctuary marker buoys.

Logistical support in terms of equipment is needed by the fishers’ organization to enhance their capability to monitor and manage the sanctuary. A GPS unit will aid in locating the boundaries of the sanctuary and reserve for the deployment of marker buoys.

There was a lack of visibility in terms of signages and outposts to indicate the presence of the fish sanctuary to inform tourists and other resource users.

Tourism. Pre-emptive mitigating measures and regulations need to be put in place to manage the impacts of tourism, particularly sewage and solid waste management. This is to prevent the deterioration of water quality in the marine areas, and protect the aesthetic value of the sanctuary and surrounding beaches.

Resort operators have also started putting net fences in front of their facilities, supposedly to prevent encounters with jellyfishes. However, these also apparently discourage tourists from accessing beach areas, and may create conflict in resource use and access.

Beach Erosion. Beach erosion was noted in the northwestern part of Penitan fronting the wide seagrass bed. This does not only compromise the coastline in the area, but may smother and bury the seagrasses.

Butawanan Marine Sanctuary

Sanctuary Management. There was a general lack of big fishes in the area and this may be an indication of weak protection measures for the sanctuary. Indeed, encroachment by fishers from other barangays and municipalities was reported.

Locating and delineating the exact boundaries of the sanctuary is needed. There were no marker buoys observed in the area, and complaints from fisherfolks were reported with regards to access issues due to the poorly delineated sanctuary boundaries. This delineation may need to be presented to stakeholders and agreed upon before finalization to avoid conflict. The installation of marker buoys will also be very helpful in patrolling and enforcing sanctuary policies.

Considering the wider open areas around the sanctuary, more frequent patrolling and enforcement runs may be needed. Logistical support and equipment, such as binoculars, may be needed for enforcement and patrolling due to the relatively large area covered by the sanctuary. Additionally, there was a lack of visibility in informing visitors such as tourists and other resource users of the presence of the marine sanctuary. Signages and outposts may be needed.

Rubble consolidation strategies may be considered within the sanctuary with the volume of rubble present. It will help provide a more stable substrate for the recruited corals to grow and recolonize the reef.

Tourism. Tourism operators and resorts need to install proper sanitation infrastructure to prevent sewage and water pollution.

Agricultural Practices. Grass burning related to cattle production was observed. This activity may expose soil to wind and rain, and potentially lead to high erosion and deliver higher sediment load to the coastlines.

Highlights of the Gender-Based Analysis-Plus

Women as Leaders in Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Governance. Women in Siruma play a vital role in NRM, actively participating in planning, policy-making, and implementation through women-led, but not women-exclusive, organizations. NbS-related cooperatives and associations demonstrate strong female leadership, with women making up the majority of members. However, despite their active involvement, older women face exclusion from leadership roles, highlighting ageism as a barrier to inclusive participation in governance.

Women’s Multiple Burden & Vulnerabilities to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Despite having access and control in decision-making and policy-making processes in natural resources management and governance, women still suffer multiple burdens and vulnerabilities to GBV. Division of labor is still heavily gendered, and gender stereotypes limit women’s capacity and involvement in community activities and livelihood opportunities.

High Environmental Awareness but Growing Solid Waste Concerns. Despite having high environmental awareness, with its mangrove conservation and protection of fishing sanctuaries, Siruma faces the challenge of solid waste management. Due to the need for alternative sources of food and livelihood, some residents have resorted to livestock farming through the people’s cooperative. Unfortunately, livestock farms have yet to establish proper solid waste management which affects private resorts and their eco-tourism activities.

Climate Change Impact on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Ecotourism. Climate change has disrupted traditional agricultural cycles, fisheries, and eco-tourism, threatening local livelihoods. Fisherfolk report struggles in catching fish because of extreme weather conditions (stronger typhoons and extremely hot and dry weather, which affects the temperature of the sea). Extreme heat also affects the water temperature which impacts mangrove seedling propagation and planting seasons. The locals are focused on pursuing ecotourism through mangrove conservation, and climate change can affect these efforts.

Public-Private Partnership Initiatives in NRM Programs and Activities. Siruma’s advantage is its long-term partnership with NGOs such as the Institute of Social Order (ISO) and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in implementing NRM, health, and rights-based programs. They have also helped in empowering peoples’ organizations (POs) to start implementing their own NRM initiatives, and engaging them in capacity strengthening activities in relation to anti-violence against women and children (VAWC) and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) campaigns.

Passive Inclusion of Vulnerable Sectors of the Community. While there is recognition of the need to be inclusive, program implementers and policy makers still tend to exclude vulnerable sectors of society such as the LGBTQI+ community, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens. There is a need to actively include them in decision-making process and program implementation.

IV. Site-based Grants: Eligible Activities

Each site-based grant shall be between Php 2 Million and PhP 6 Million, with an implementation period of up to two (2) years, commencing in October 2025 onwards.

Site-based grants under the Program shall directly support community-based and gender-responsive NbS to help reduce vulnerability and increase resilience to climate change impacts in the target sites. These NbS shall respond to the results of the VRA, GBA Plus, and MBA, as summarized above.

The table below enumerates the key hazards and corresponding level of risk identified through the VRA, and potential NbS that may respond to these hazards. Site-based grants shall be awarded to projects that seek to implement, but are not limited to, these potential NbS. Proponents are encouraged to introduce other tested or innovative NbS, especially those supported by local experiences and expertise.

This RFP will prioritize NbS projects focused on conserving and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems.

Summary of Risk Assessment in Buang River Watershed (List of Barangays per Exposure Units)

Hazard	Community Risk	Ecosystem-Related Risk	Potential NbS
Flooding	1 residential barangay has intermediate risk from flood hazard.Approximately 68 households are at intermediate risk from flood hazard.	Forest areas of 2 barangays have high to very high risk from flood hazard.Agriculture areas of 5 barangays have intermediate to very high risk from flood hazard.Coastal areas of 4 barangays have high to very high risk from flood hazard.	Flood mitigation initiatives (e.g., women-led reforestation, afforestation, natural water retention ponds) Community-based forestry and agroforestry (e.g., women-managed nursery of native trees, mangroves, fruit-bearing and high-value crops, livelihood linked with agroforestry and non-timber forest products benefitting women members of community organizations)
Rain-induced Landslides	All residential barangays are not at-risk from rain-induced landslides.All households are safe from rain-induced landslides.	Forest areas of 1 barangay has intermediate risk from rain-induced landslides.All barangays with agriculture and coastal areas have low to intermediate risk from rain-induced landslides.	Reforestation/ afforestation of the headwaters of the watershed (e.g., women-managed nursery of native trees, women leaders as patrollers such as Bantay Bakawan) Pioneer and fast-growing species that can be used for reforestation and/or afforestation found in the watersheds are the; Balinghasai (Buchanania arborescens), Anabiong (Trema orientale), Binunga (Macaranga tanarius), Kariskis (Albizia lebbekoides), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Hauili (Ficus septica), Bangkoro (Morinda citrifolia), (Artocarpus multifidus). Talisai (Terminalia catappa), Banato (Mallotus philippensis), Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Anislag (Securinega flexuosa), Bakauan gubat (Carallia brachiata), Badyang (Alocasia portei), and Pianga (Madhuca obovatifolia). Strengthening of riverbanks that are prone to slope failure (e.g., use of vetiver grass, establishing freshwater mangrove, bamboo propagation) Species found in the watersheds that can help in strengthening riverbanks and protect soil from erosion are the Kayong (Glochidion littorale), Bitongol (Flacourtia rukam), and Ambalag (Mischocarpus pentapetalus), Anislag (Securinega flexuosa). Community-based forestry and agroforestry (e.g., women-managed nursery of native trees, mangroves, fruit-bearing and high-value crops, livelihood linked with agroforestry and non-timber forest products benefitting women members of community organizations)
Storm Surge	All residential barangays are not at-risk from storm surge.All households are safe from storm surge.	Forest areas of 1 barangay have intermediate risk from storm surge.Agriculture areas of 4 barangays have intermediate to high risk from storm surge.All barangays with coastal areas have high to very high risk from storm surge.	Mangrove forest protection, reforestation, and windbreaks (e.g., women-led mangrove reforestation)Species found in the watersheds that can help in windbreaks are the: Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) and Pandan dagat (Pandanus tectorius). Seagrass and coral reef protection and conservation (e.g., women-led seagrass conservation, women patrollers for regularly monitoring of the status of seagrass ecosystem) Rubble consolidation strategies to provide a more stable substrate for coral recruitment and recolonization Management of Marine Protected Areas (e.g., participation of women in marine management plan development or coastal resource management plans, women patrollers or Bantay Bakawans, Bantay Dagat) Boundary delineationHigher visibility in terms of patrolling, installation of marker buoys, and signageStricter policy implementation Strengthening and expansion of women-managed local conservation areas
Storm surge with sea level rise	All residential barangays are not at-risk from storm surge with sea level rise. All households are safe from storm surge with sea level rise.	Forest areas of 1 barangay have intermediate risk from storm surge with sea level rise. Agriculture areas of 4 barangays have intermediate to high risk from storm surge with sea level rise. All barangays with coastal areas have high to very high risk from storm surge with sea level rise.	Mangrove forest protection, reforestation, and windbreaks (e.g., women-led mangrove reforestation) Floating agriculture Sea grass and coral reef protection and conservation (e.g., women-led seagrass conservation, women patrollers for regularly monitoring of the status of seagrass ecosystem) Rubble consolidation strategies to provide a more stable substrate for coral recruitment and recolonization Management of Marine Protected AreasBoundary delineationHigher visibility in terms of patrolling, installation of marker buoys, and signageStricter policy implementation Strengthening and expansion of women-managed local conservation areas
Severe Winds	All residential areas barangays are at high to very high risk from severe winds. All households are at high to very high risk from severe winds.	All barangays with forest, agriculture, and coastal areas have high to very high risk from severe winds.	Mangrove forest protection, reforestation, and windbreaks (e.g., women-led mangrove reforestation)Species found in the watersheds that can help in windbreaks are the: Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) and Pandan dagat (Pandanus tectorius).

*Baseline (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 4.5 2039 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 4.5 2065 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 4.5 2099 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP) RCP 8.5 2039 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 8.5 2065 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP), RCP 8.5 2099 (5 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr RRP)

Summary of Risk Assessment in Delehi River Watershed

(List of Barangays per Exposure Units)

Hazard	Community Risk	Ecosystem-Related Risk	Potential NbS
Flooding	4 residential barangays have intermediate to very high risk from flood hazard Approximately 763 households are at intermediate to very high risk from flood hazard.	All barangays with forest areas have high to very high risk from flood hazard. Agriculture areas of 10 barangays have intermediate to very high risk from flood hazard. All barangays with coastal areas have intermediate to very high risk from flood hazard.	Flood mitigation initiatives (e.g., women-led reforestation, afforestation, natural water retention ponds) Community-based forestry and agroforestry (e.g., women-managed nursery of native trees, mangroves, fruit-bearing and high-value crops, livelihood linked with agroforestry and non-timber forest products benefitting women members of community organizations)
Rain-induced Landslides	All residential barangays are not at-risk from rain-induced landslides.All households are safe from rain-induced landslides.	All barangays with forest areas have intermediate risk from rain-induced landslides.Agriculture areas of 9 barangays have intermediate to high risk from rain-induced landslides.All barangays with coastal areas have low to intermediate risk from rain-induced landslides.	Reforestation/ afforestation of the headwaters of the watershed (e.g., women-managed nursery of native trees, women leaders as patrollers such as Bantay Bakawan) Pioneer and fast-growing species that can be used for reforestation and/or afforestation found in the watersheds are the; Balinghasai (Buchanania arborescens), Anabiong (Trema orientale), Binunga (Macaranga tanarius), Kariskis (Albizia lebbekoides), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Hauili (Ficus septica), Bangkoro (Morinda citrifolia), (Artocarpus multifidus). Talisai (Terminalia catappa), Banato (Mallotus philippensis), Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Anislag (Securinega flexuosa), Bakauan gubat (Carallia brachiata), Badyang (Alocasia portei), and Pianga (Madhuca obovatifolia). Strengthening of riverbanks that are prone to slope failure (e.g., use of vetiver grass, establishing freshwater mangrove, bamboo propagation) Species found in the watersheds that can help in strengthening riverbanks and protect soil from erosion are the Kayong (Glochidion littorale), Bitongol (Flacourtia rukam), and Ambalag (Mischocarpus pentapetalus), Anislag (Securinega flexuosa). Community-based forestry and agroforestry (e.g., women-managed nursery of native trees, mangroves, fruit-bearing and high-value crops, livelihood linked with agroforestry and non-timber forest products benefitting women members of community organizations)
Storm Surge	All residential barangays are not at-risk from storm surge.All households are safe from storm surge.	All barangays with coastal areas have high to very high risk from storm surge.Agriculture areas of 4 barangays have intermediate to high risk from storm surge with sea level riseAll barangays with Forest areas are not at-risk from storm surge.	Mangrove forest protection, reforestation, and windbreaks (e.g., women-led mangrove reforestation)Species found in the watersheds that can help in windbreaks are the: Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) and Pandan dagat (Pandanus tectorius). Seagrass and coral reef protection and conservation (e.g., women-led seagrass conservation, women patrollers for regularly monitoring of the status of seagrass ecosystem) Rubble consolidation strategies to provide a more stable substrate for coral recruitment and recolonization Management of Marine Protected Areas (e.g., participation of women in marine management plan development or coastal resource management plans, women patrollers or Bantay Bakawans, Bantay Dagat) Boundary delineationHigher visibility in terms of patrolling, installation of marker buoys, and signageStricter policy implementation Strengthening and expansion of women-managed local conservation areas
Storm surge with sea level rise	All residential barangays are not at-risk from storm surge with sea level rise.All households are safe from storm surge with sea level rise.	All barangays with coastal areas have high to very high risk from storm surge.Agriculture areas of 4 barangays have intermediate to high risk from storm surge with sea level riseAll barangays with Forest areas are not at-risk from storm surge.	Mangrove forest protection, reforestation, and windbreaks (e.g., women-led mangrove reforestation) Floating agriculture Seagrass and coral reef protection and conservation (e.g., women-led seagrass conservation, women patrollers for regularly monitoring of the status of seagrass ecosystem) Rubble consolidation strategies to provide a more stable substrate for coral recruitment and recolonization Management of Marine Protected Areas (e.g., participation of women in marine management plan development or coastal resource management plans, women patrollers or Bantay Bakawans, Bantay Dagat) Boundary delineationHigher visibility in terms of patrolling, installation of marker buoys, and signageStricter policy implementation Strengthening and expansion of women-managed local conservation areas
Severe Winds	All residential barangays are at high to very high risk from severe wind.All households are at high to very high risk from severe wind.	All barangays with forest, agriculture, and coastal areas have high to very high risk from severe wind.	Mangrove forest protection, reforestation, and windbreaks e.g., women-led mangrove reforestation) Species found in the watersheds that can help in windbreaks are the: Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) and Pandan dagat (Pandanus tectorius).

Priority will be given to proposed NbS that strengthen women’s capacities and encourage leadership of women in project delivery, and management of their natural resources. Proponents are encouraged to refer and respond to the societal and gender-related vulnerabilities and gaps identified in the GBA Plus. Throughout implementation, gender-based activities and innovation should be introduced, tested, and/or adapted to support effective delivery of results.

Alongside the above interventions, the proposals may also include the following or similar activities in support of NbS, while clearly prioritizing the NbS and demonstrating complementation of activities:

Development and diversification of gender-responsive community enterprises and sustainable livelihoods, consistent with the manner of protecting biodiversity;
Legitimization and registration activities of community organizations and groups and individual members;
Community-based enforcement in upland and coastal/marine protection activities (e.g., patrolling, equipment, and tools);
Localized, cross-sectoral partnerships and strengthening of organizations;
Community and gender empowerment critical to the protection of the ecosystems; and/or
Community-based food systems (e.g., communal garden, urban agriculture, farmers market) to support food availability.

Proponents are also encouraged to develop projects that align with existing local/community plans and frameworks, and consider past projects implemented in the area.

V. Site-based Grants: Eligible Recipients

Site-based grants will be open to all eligible proponents interested in implementing projects in the target sites in Camarines Sur. Entities eligible to receive funds under the Program include:

Non-government organizations (NGOs) active in the Philippines involved in environmental conservation, development, education, scientific research, ecosystems management, gender equality, and/or other related fields. NGOs refer to non-government organizations duly registered under Philippines laws;
Organized, registered, and/or recognized community-based organizations, people’s organizations (POs), indigenous peoples’ organizations (IPOs), and/or women’s rights organizations (WROs) who work in the environment and/or development field; and
Other appropriate local or regional entities active in the Philippines.

Implementation may be through integrated projects by one organization, or several organizations in a consortium, agreeing to perform or achieve particular outputs, for example in support of a common project outcome, conservation agreements, or a project based on local development plans.

Priority will be given to women’s rights organizations.

Proponents are encouraged to provide confirmation of support for the proposed project from the target community or community beneficiaries, and to demonstrate established partnership or engagement with the relevant local government unit(s).

VI. Site-based Grants: Application Process

To apply for a site-based grant, eligible organizations shall complete and submit the requirements for proposals listed below:

Requirements for Project Proposals

Full Proposal	✓
Annex A. Work and Budget Plan	✓
Annex B: Project Monitoring and Evaluation Framework	✓
Annex C: Proponent Information Sheet	✓

The full proposal and other templates may be downloaded from the Grant Portal on the Forest Foundation website, downloaded at this link, and/or requested by sending an email to pcp4nbs@forestfoundation.ph.

Completed project proposals shall be uploaded and submitted through the Grant Portal on or before 5:00 pm (Philippine Time) on July 18, 2025.

VII. Site-based Grants: Proposal Evaluation and Approval

Project proposals will initially be reviewed to ascertain merit and completeness of design and technical aspects. Proposals that meet these criteria will be elevated to the Program Committee of the Foundation, which will prepare and submit recommendations to the Board of Trustees (BOT) on proposals to be funded.

Projects are expected to encapsulate the climate-biodiversity-gender nexus and align their proposed activities and outputs with the Program’s target outcomes and priorities. Proposals shall be evaluated in a holistic manner, according to: (a) general criteria on soundness, feasibility, and alignment with the Program’s Logic Model (see Figure 1); (b) NbS-specific criteria; and (c) other criteria in support of NbS.

Proposals must meet general criteria and those demonstrate that the project is NbS, while criteria in support of NbS are not required, but may serve to strengthen the proposal.

The proposal must meet the following general criteria:

Technical soundness and feasibility;
Financial soundness and feasibility;
Social soundness and feasibility;
Organizational capacity to implement the project;
Clear outcomes and results with high likelihood of achievement (feasible and attainable given the budget and duration); and
Alignment of the expected results (outputs and outcomes) with the Program’s Logic Model (see Figure 1).

The proposal must also demonstrate that the project is a nature-based solution (NbS), responding to the following questions:

Does the project respond to the priority issues identified in the VRA, GBA Plus, and MBA?
Does the project address local climate change adaptation needs?
Does it work on restoring, managing, and/or conserving ecosystems or ecosystem services?
Does it aim to solve a societal challenge, beyond purely conservation issues?
Does it provide biodiversity co-benefits?
Does it promote gender equality in its design and implementation?

The proposal may be strengthened by responding to the following questions, demonstrating actions in support of NbS. These are optional:

Does the project support development of gender-responsive community enterprises and sustainable livelihoods, consistent with the manner of protecting biodiversity?
Does the project contribute to strengthening organizations and promote cross-sectoral partnerships?
Does the project contribute to community and gender empowerment in the area?
Does the project support transdisciplinary knowledge sharing, strategic communications and/or learning mechanisms and processes towards building capacities on NbS towards transformative change?
Does the project target other NbS criteria under the IUCN Global Standard for NbS?

Awarded grants shall be publicly announced by the Foundation and communicated to the grantee. Once a proposal is approved, the Foundation will enter into a legally-binding Special Fund Agreement with the grantee.

VIII. Timeline

For this round of proposals for site-based grants, please note the indicative timeline below.

Proposal Submission and Evaluation Timeline

Activity	Indicative Schedule
Request for Proposals (Issuance)	June 18, 2025
Project Development Workshop	June 18-19, 2025
Deadline for Technical Questions	June 30, 2025
Deadline of Submission of Proposals	July 18, 2025
Proposal Evaluation	July – August 2025
BOT Deliberation	September 2025
Announcement of Results	September – October 2025
Project Implementation	October 2025 onwards

A Project Development Workshop will be conducted to provide further information about the Program, the scope of site-based grants, the types of projects that may be supported, and technical assistance on the grant application process to enhance and strengthen submissions for possible funding. The workshop is open to all eligible proponents for projects in Camarines Sur. Additional information sessions on the proposal development and submission process may be organized, as needed.

Proponents may reach out to the Foundation via email (pcp4nbs@forestfoundation.ph) for any assistance needed in proposal development. Technical inquiries, or those related to Proposal Evaluation and Approval in Section VII above, shall only be accepted until 5:00 pm (Philippine Time) on June 30, 2025.

All proposals shall be submitted through the Forest Foundation Grants Portal no later than 5:00 pm (Philippine Time) on July 18, 2025. Proposals received after the deadline may be considered based on the availability of funds, and/or included and evaluated under a subsequent RFP.

IX. Contact

Philippines-Canada Partnership on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation (PCP4NbS)

Forest Foundation Philippines
1F Valderrama Bldg., 107 Esteban St., Legaspi Village
1229 Makati City, Philippines

PCP4NbS Phone: (+63 2) 8716 4067;
Forest Foundation Phone: (+63 2) 8891 0595; (+63 2) 8864 0287

Forest Foundation Website | PCP4NbS Website l Grant Portal

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Email: pcp4nbs@forestfoundation.ph