Butuan City, Philippines — January 14-15, 2025
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), successfully held the Regional Stakeholder Consultation Workshop to evaluate proposed project sites for the Grant of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) under the Philippine Biodiversity Financing Program (PBFP). The event, focusing on the Eastern Mindanao Cluster, took place at Go Hotel, Butuan City.
The two-day workshop aimed to address critical challenges in biodiversity financing, institutional capacity building, and stakeholder participation—key components of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP). The initiative seeks to advance biodiversity conservation efforts in regions with unique ecosystems and vital natural resources, such as Eastern Mindanao.
OIC-Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo, in her opening remarks, emphasized the importance of the Caraga Region in the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts. “Caraga Region in Eastern Mindanao is home to some of the most unique ecosystems and species in the Philippines, and a region whose people, livelihoods, and cultures are deeply intertwined with the natural environment. Because of this, Caraganons play an important role in the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP),” Ocampo stated.
She further highlighted the significance of collaboration among various sectors, saying, “Let us be reminded that your voices, insights, and expertise are critical in shaping the success of this program. This workshop offers a unique platform for key stakeholders—government agencies, local communities, NGOs, the private sector, and academic institutions—to share insights and contribute to the design and implementation of the National Biodiversity Finance Plan (NBFP).”
The workshop brought together representatives from Regional National Government Agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and Academic and Research Institutions. These stakeholders collaborated to identify challenges, opportunities, and priority areas for biodiversity financing in the region. Discussions focused on sustainable funding mechanisms, strengthening institutional capacities, and fostering community engagement to ensure effective conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity resources.
The UNDP and BMB’s leadership in launching the activity underscores their commitment to overcoming barriers to biodiversity financing. By leveraging the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund and engaging diverse stakeholders, the program aims to mobilize resources and implement strategic actions to protect the country’s natural heritage.
As the consultation workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about the potential of the initiative to create meaningful and sustainable impacts. The insights gathered during the event will be integral to refining and advancing the National Biodiversity Finance Plan, ensuring that the efforts align with local needs and global biodiversity targets.